Leo J. Urbinelli, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon      *Top Plastic Surgeon in CNY*      Bringing his expertise from NYC and Los Angeles back home to Upstate NY

About Our Plastic Surgery Practice in Syracuse, NY

Premier Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery of NY is led by Leo J. Urbinelli, MD, MA, FAAP, who trained at NYU and Bellevue, completed a craniofacial and pediatric fellowship at USC and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and came home to Central New York to practice. See all services or meet the team.

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Affiliations/Certifications

The Practice

Premier Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery of NY opened in East Syracuse in March 2026, offering surgical and non surgical aesthetic treatment alongside reconstructive surgery for adults and children. The practice covers facial surgery, breast surgery, body contouring, pediatric and craniofacial reconstruction, and injectable and laser treatments.

The approach is unglamorous on purpose. An examination comes before any recommendation, the recovery is described in full before a date is set, and patients are told when the answer is to wait or to do nothing. Expectations that cannot be met with the anatomy in front of us are raised at the consultation rather than discovered afterward.

Dr. Leo J. Urbinelli

Dr. Urbinelli grew up in Upstate New York. He studied at Cornell University, took a master’s degree at Boston University School of Medicine, and earned his medical degree at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse.

He completed the combined general surgery and plastic surgery residency at NYU School of Medicine and Bellevue Hospital, at the Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, then a fellowship in craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

He is an Active Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. After practicing in New York City and Los Angeles he returned to Central New York, which is where he is from.

Facial Aesthetics Experts

We offer world-class services covering both surgical and non-surgical options for facial rejuvenation, skin tightening, wrinkle reduction, nasal reshaping, double-chin reduction, and lip and cheek volumizing options.  Contact us today!

Body and Breast Enhancements

Looking to sculpt and tone your abdomen? Want to get into a bikini but feel self-conscious about breast size/shape/sagging?

Looking to augment hip dips, buttocks, breasts or sculpt arms and thighs?
Look no further – Call us today for your consultation!

Background & Experience

Pediatric Plastic Surgery - A Passion & Purpose

Satisfied Patients, Stunning Results

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John Beau Saul
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Dr. Urbinelli was outstanding in every aspect. He took his time to explain everything so we all knew exactly everything occurring. In addition to his expert knowledge sand work, he's also very personable
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Colleen Volmut profile picture
Colleen Volmut
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After doing a thorough research for a plastic surgeon, I had a consultation with Dr Leo Urbanelli I immediately felt at ease talking to him about what I was hoping to accomplish. His depth of his knowledge and skill as a surgeon became obvious as he discussed the variations of my options. Dr. Leo would look at a particular area of my face and tell me what he could do and how it would look. He spent a great deal of time with me and answered all my questions and concerns. We both decided what would be the best procedure for me. I am just 8 weeks post surgery and my face, neck and brow lifts came out so much better than I could have possibly imagined. The stages of my recovery were exactly what he said they would be. I knew what to expect and how I would feel as my recovery progressed. He truly takes great pride in his work and cares deeply for his patients. He has always been available day, night and even weekends. He is an incredibly talented surgeon and the most thoughtful person you will ever meet. He is a true artist.
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Debi Suarez
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I can’t say enough wonderful things about my experience. I was extremely nervous going into this, and from the very first appointment, he made me feel completely at ease. He took the time to listen, explain everything clearly, and truly understand my concerns. He treated a cyst-like spot for me and repaired an area that kept reopening, something that had been both frustrating and worrisome. The results have been amazing, and I couldn’t be happier. Not only did he fix the issue, but he did so with such care and precision. What really stood out to me was his kindness and attention to detail. At one point, he even noticed and studied some of my old scars, which honestly made me giggle—it’s clear he sees things through a very skilled and thoughtful lens. His passion for what he does really shows. I’m so grateful I trusted him with something I was so scared to do. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a talented, compassionate surgeon.
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Nikki Ann Walters
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I met with Dr. Leo in 2025 with anxiety and hesitation, I left with hope. During my visit he was patient, empathetic, and kind. He brought to light an issue of Lipedema that has plagued me for decades. After two procedures, I can say his professional skills and bedside manner are unmatched. I’m looking forward to a life of no limitations and more confidence, while looking better than I have in years. Thank you!
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Emily Dygert
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Dr. Urbinelli is the best! He performed a breast reduction on me in December 2024 and choosing him as my surgeon was the best decision I have ever made. My results are exactly what I asked for and my self-confidence has increased tremendously. I am now able to live an active lifestyle without being uncomfortable or in pain. I consulted with other surgeons and none of them made me feel as confident and comfortable as Dr. Urbinelli did. He treats his patients like family and it is so evident that he loves what he does. Anytime I had a question or concern, Dr. Urbinelli got me in the office within one or two days to address my concern (and often offered to do virtual appointments so I didn’t have to take too much time out of my day to travel to the office). Upstate NY is so lucky to have a plastic surgeon as knowledgeable, professional, and talented as Dr. Urbinelli. I would recommend him to anyone!
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Mary Klockowski
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Dr. Urbinelli is everything you could hope for in a surgeon—compassionate, encouraging, empathetic, and incredibly responsive. From my very first consultation through surgery and recovery, he was attentive and never made me feel rushed, always taking the time to answer my many questions with patience and care. This experience has truly been life-changing. Not only am I thrilled with the results of my abdominoplasty, but my confidence and overall mental well-being have improved in ways I didn’t expect. I feel more like myself again and genuinely excited about the future. I cannot recommend Dr. Urbinelli highly enough—he is an exceptional surgeon and a truly caring professional.
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Monica Deza
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I am so happy with Dr. urbinelli s work! For my 43rd birthday, I treated myself to a midface lift and lower bleph. He was great, honest , gave me realistic expectations, responsive , kind and delivered exactly the results I was hoping for. We discussed several pathways to get the refreshed look I was hoping for, and he discussed it with me with so much patience . These are my before and afters only a short time after the procedure ! Thank you Dr!
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Karrie Newkirk
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dr. Urbinelli is absolutely outstanding. His attention to detail and pursuit of perfection are truly every patient’s dream. You can immediately tell he is not only highly skilled but also deeply passionate about his work. He takes the time to listen and ensures that everything is tailored exactly to what you need. Syracuse Plastic Surgery is the gold standard. Having such a talented, caring, and supportive team all under one roof is truly a blessing for any patient seeking the highest level of care and results. 🩷💎🩷
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Patricia Maycumber
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I cannot praise Dr. Urbinelli and the staff of Syracuse Plastic Surgery enough for the care which was given to me during my recent surgery and recovery. Dr. Urbinelli is caring person and an artist at what he does. He was responsive to all my needs especially due to an unforeseen issue during my recovery. Dr. Urbinelli even made a house call to teach my sister how to dress my wound. I traveled far from Las Vegas to Syracuse, NY because he is a reconstructive facial specialist. I am so pleased with my results. I highly recommend Dr. Urbinelli for any reconstructive or plastic surgery you may need.
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Sam Bredenbeck
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I waited as long as possible to write this review because I was holding out hope that I could leave a rave, 5-star review, but I can't. I had a revision surgery in August of 2023, in an attempt to correct my breathing and fix countless issues the first surgeon left behind. Knowing this surgery wouldn't be a small task, I tried to remain patient and hopeful with Dr. Urbinelli and team that all would go great. It didn't. My breathing is the same, if not worse, than before (which is terrible). It feels like I am suffocating all day, every day. The aesthetic of my nose has gotten worse (fat, asymmetrical, twisted, etc.). The columella scar is still visible. Swelling refuses to go down. I still have a septal perforation, collapsed nasal valves, deviated septum, and enlarged turbinates. He used a cadaver rib, which seems to be curved and feels rock hard, which is extremely annoying. I have a foul odor that has been persistent since surgery. And when I can't smell that, my sense of smell is practically non-existent. The entire process has been miserable and extremely frustrating. I did everything (and more) that I was told. Taping, Vaseline, elevation, icing, no exercise, sprays, cleanses, follow-up appts. every single thing. Yet, I still can't breathe, my nose looks terrible, in my opinion...and I'm out thousands of dollars. I am bummed to leave a poor review because I truly did want it to be positive, but I can't at this time. The surgery failed, and now I'm left with very few options to actually get this fixed. Regretful is an understatement. Dr. Urbinelli is nice, did a good job with bedside manner, and the anesthesiologist did a great job. Unfortunately, the office staff and Dr. Urbinelli were unresponsive many times after surgery, but I gave them the benefit of the doubt. Overall, it is frustrating, mentally debilitating, and I'm at a loss for what to do next. If you're looking to get surgery done for breathing issues or reconstruction of the nasal area, I would suggest going to a nose specialist instead of a general plastic surgeon.

What Craniofacial Training Changes

Craniofacial surgery deals with the facial skeleton, the soft tissue over it, and how the two relate across a lifetime. That background informs aesthetic work in a way that is easy to overlook. A jawline that has softened is a soft tissue problem in some faces and a skeletal proportion problem in others, and the two need different answers. Training that covers both means the question gets asked.

It also means the practice treats children. Congenital differences, ear and nasal deformity, nevi, jaw surgery and scalp and skull reconstruction are part of the work rather than an aside. See pediatric reconstructive surgery.

How Consultations Run

You describe what bothers you. An examination follows. Then a discussion of what is achievable, what the recovery involves, and what it will cost, with surgeon, anesthesia and facility fees separated so nothing is hidden inside a single number.

Some consultations end with a surgical plan. Some end with a non surgical one. Some end with a recommendation to leave it alone for now. All three are legitimate outcomes.

What You Will Not Get Here

A result promised in advance. No surgeon can promise an outcome, and anyone who does is telling you something about themselves rather than about your face. You will get a realistic range, the factors that move it, and the risks that attach to your own history.

You also will not be upsold. The procedure list is long, and the point of a long list is to have the right answer available, not to find more of them to recommend.

Where Patients Come From

Across Central New York and beyond, including East Syracuse, Liverpool and Fayetteville. See the gallery, read the patient stories or the blog, or get in touch.

Come see us in person!

  • Booking New Appointments & Telehealth Visits Available Now! 

 

  • Come visit us to address your facial or body aesthetic or plastic surgery concerns, including non-surgical options like Botox, Dysport, Fillers – Juvederm and Restylane, and more!

Premier Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery of NY

5800 Heritage Landing Drive, Suite B, East Syracuse, NY, USA

Hours

Mon 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Tue 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Wed 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Thu 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Fri 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Sat Closed
Sun Closed