About Ryan N. Heffelfinger, MD
Ryan N. Heffelfinger, MD, FACS is a Double Board Certified, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. As an Associate Professor in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Philadelphia’s prestigious Thomas Jefferson University, Dr. Heffelfinger is considered to be an outstanding teacher and lecturer. His practice encompasses the entire spectrum of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, including rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), facial rejuvenation surgery (facelift), fat transfers, Botox and fillers, facial nerve paralysis treatment, corrective surgery for facial defects, ear reshaping, microsurgery, reconstruction of cancer patients and extensive post-traumatic deformities. As a facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Heffelfinger specializes solely in plastic surgery of the face, head and neck. As such, his patients are assured of a focused expertise. He treats both children and adults. Ryan N. Heffelfinger, M.D. received his undergraduate degree from Yale University where he played varsity soccer. He began his medical education at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia where he received his MD degree and graduated at the top of his class. He was elected into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and was awarded the S. MacCuen Smith Memorial Prize in Otology. . Dr. Heffelfinger completed his internship in general surgery followed by a surgical residency and specialization in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Dr. Heffelfinger was then chosen for a highly-specialized Fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, sponsored by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), at the University of California, Los Angeles. During his fellowship at UCLA, his entire experience focused on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, head and neck. Here he honed his skills in the latest techniques in rhinoplasty, cosmetic surgery, and facial reconstruction including microvascular reconstruction of complex facial deformities. He returned to Jefferson in 2006 as the Director of Head and Neck Microvascular Surgery, and was soon named the Director of the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He was the first AAFPRS fellowship director in Philadelphia, and is very active in teaching the latest advancements and techniques in plastic surgery to residents and fellows. Dr. Heffelfinger has been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and a Philly Top Doc yearly since 2017. Dr. Heffelfinger is Board Certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He is one of a small group of surgeons that has achieved Dual Board Certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as Head and Neck Surgery. He is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Surgeons. In addition to his busy surgical practice, Dr. Heffelfinger has also been actively involved in several humanitarian organizations. He is one of five surgeons regularly serving the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute and Surgery Program (C.R.I.S.P.). He travels routinely to Nicaragua and Guatemala to treat children with facial deformities. Patients refer to him as “Dr. Heff”, which reflects his personal approach to being a surgeon. He spends extra time making sure his patients fully understand each procedure he recommends. “My personal goal is to connect with a patient and create a unified vision as to our expectations and possibilities,” he says. “This ensures a natural result and a satisfied patient.” Away from work, Dr. Heff enjoys attending Eagles and Sixers games. However, the Sixers are his second favorite basketball team; he proudly reports coaching his middle daughter’s hoops squad to an undefeated season this year. He still tries to dominate on the soccer turf, but is more effective at cheering for his children’s soccer teams every weekend. Whether it’s learning to surf in Costa Rica, or bar-b-queing in the backyard, his favorite times are those spent with his wife Michele of 15 years and his 3 beautiful children.
