Dr. David Shafer stands on the terrace of his clinic.
Schafer Clinic Fifth Avenue
Today, plastic surgeons can be found in cities and small towns all over the world, and they cost just a dime. All advertise their skills and lure patients with promises of miraculous results.
But Dr. David Schaefer definitely stands out from the crowd. He has fans all over the world and attracts tourists from home and abroad who come to New York just to see him. He is known for cosmetic procedures such as facelifts and liposuction, and is also a master trainer in Juvederm and Botox cosmetics. And then there’s his Schaefer Clinic on Fifth Avenue. This is not a clinic. No, it’s the destination.
Spanning 30,000 square feet and spanning seven floors, this space is a retreat from the stresses of everyday life. It has a chic contemporary design, striking art, amenities such as candy, coffee and drinks, and a cozy lounge with comfy couches you’ll want to sit on.
Large windows provide plenty of natural light and a 1,330-square-foot terrace with panoramic city views, including views of the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building.
And please understand this. The clinic can transport patients by helicopter from the airport. They land at a helipad a few blocks away, and a driver waits in a luxury car to take them to their appointment.
Schaefer Clinic’s stylish patient lounge.
Schafer Clinic Fifth Avenue
It’s no wonder that society-obsessed international elites don’t hesitate to come from the Middle East, Asia, South America and Europe for appointments. Enjoying Dr. Schaefer’s luxurious office is a bonus to their trip.
I recently spoke with Dr. Schaefer about why it’s important to him to create a sanctuary that doesn’t look like a traditional doctor’s office, where some of his notable patients come from, and his travel style.
Please tell us the concept of your office. It is truly modeled after the style of a five-star resort.
We decided to design the interior of our clinic with both an elegant and modern design. High ceilings, 360-degree windows around each floor, and a selection of fine, museum-quality gemstones and crystals are displayed throughout the space. I played a huge role in handpicking every detail, from the raised ceilings to the unique art, to evoke a sense of warmth, comfort, and luxury. One of our key priorities was to design a space that maximizes patient privacy and comfort.
Why do both create such an attractive environment? Why is it important to you?
I always envisioned a place where patients could relax and feel like they were in their own living room. It’s important to me that my patients feel comfortable here and know that they have the support of experienced medical professionals. Our entire clinic is designed to give you a relaxing, friendly and calm atmosphere, even in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city.
Schaefer Clinic’s spacious terrace.
Schafer Clinic Fifth Avenue
Can you tell us about your patients and the destinations they come to visit you?
Our patients come to visit us from all over the world. For patients traveling by jet, the clinic offers private helicopter service from the airport. The helipad is located just a few blocks from the clinic, and vehicles are waiting to transport patients directly to the clinic entrance. This service is especially popular among powerful celebrities and executives seeking customized surgical and non-surgical treatments. We also offer extended stay packages for surgical patients in partnership with New York City’s top hotels. We love that our patients become like family and consider Schaefer Clinic a destination in New York.
Why do you think it attracts such an international clientele?
We believe in providing a unique and luxurious experience that attracts domestic and international customers. We have always called ourselves a comprehensive destination for all things beauty inside and out because we have resources for so many different treatments within our space. Located within our Sky Suites, we have a full-service skin lab, operating room, dermatology, celebrity facialist, and metabolic aesthetic clinic, allowing us to offer a wide range of specialties all under one roof.
What services are difficult to receive in other countries?
We take pride in providing high-quality medical care using the latest treatments, treatments, and technology. Although New York isn’t cheap, our goal is to provide our patients with a seamless experience from diagnosis to treatment to recovery. Part of what we have achieved is that we have brought in top specialists in many areas of aesthetics, including plastic surgery, dermatology, ENT, skin, and lasers, and we have brought in top specialists in many areas of aesthetics, including plastic surgery, dermatology, ENT, skin, and lasers, to help us transform the metabolic aesthetics of rejuvenation at the cellular level. I’m on the front lines.
What else do your customers do when they’re in town to see you? Are they interested in theater, shopping, museums, or lively restaurants?
all of the above! Our patients typically prefer to come to the city to shop, go to museums, eat out, and experience all the hustle and bustle that New York City has to offer. Many people visit us several times a year, so we plan special events to coincide with their visit to our clinic.
Please tell us about your own journey. Where do you like to go and what do you like to do when you are out and about?
I work and teach all over the world, traveling from the Middle East to Africa, Asia, and throughout the United States. In his off time, he enjoys spending time with his family at his rural retreat in Tranquility, New Jersey. They live in a restored 1800s mill house on the Pequest River.
What are three items that are always in your suitcase?
I always have Downy Wrinkle Releaser Fabric Spray, Bose Noise Canceling Headphones, and lots of chargers and cords.
Checked baggage or carry-on baggage?
I carry it with me 100% when I travel. If you’re traveling with your family, it’s like the “Coming to America” scene at JFK where you’ll need multiple cars to carry all your luggage. It depends on the destination. One trick I learned is to order disposable items from Amazon and have them delivered to your hotel in advance.
NYFW closing party held on September 14, 2024 on the terrace of Schaefer Clinic.
Jared Siskin/PMC/PMC
I heard you host a great party at your office. Can you tell me about it?
Our events are very spectacular and each one is very unique. We have hosted events large and small on our beautiful panoramic rooftop terrace for brands, patients, VIPs and more. We recently hosted a New York Fashion Week closing party with celebrity hairstylists where guests had the opportunity to experience our signature infusions and try Emsculpt NEO against the backdrop of New York’s beautiful skyline.
