Irena Karanetz, MD

Page Updated: August 21, 2023

Irena Karanetz, MD

Dr. Irena Karanetz is a board-certified New York City-trained plastic surgeon, who completed advanced fellowship training in the field of breast cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. She joined New York Plastic Surgical Group, a Division of Long Island Plastic Surgical Group in 2019.

Dr. Karanetz offers a full range of services, including both cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries of the face, breast, and body. She also specializes in labiaplasty and non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures. She is currently seeing and accepting new patients throughout the greater New York metropolitan area.

She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Loyola University Chicago with Magna Cum Laude distinction. She then went on to receive her Doctor of Medicine degree from Rush Medical College in 2012 and was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

Follow Dr. Karanetz

Due to patient confidentiality and sensitivity, before and after photos for this doctor are not available online.
Photos can be viewed in the office at your consultation.

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Excellence in General Surgery Award Recipient

Castle Connolly Rising Star 2022

With her excellent academic record and medical licensing exams, Dr. Karanetz was then selected to start her surgical training at the highly competitive Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency Program at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell in New York. During residency, Dr. Karanetz received an extensive cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery training from the renowned leaders in the field of plastic surgery and was also selected to serve as a Chief Resident. She then went on to complete an additional 1-year fellowship at the premier Lenox Hill Hospital and Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital (MEETH) in Manhattan, specializing in the cosmetic and reconstructive microsurgical procedures of the breast.

Meet Dr. Irena Karanetz

What Patients Have to Say About Dr. Karanetz

As an avid researcher, Dr. Karanetz has authored numerous articles, presentations and book chapters advancing the field of plastic surgery. She has presented her research at the academic conferences across the United States on the topics of melanoma reconstruction, breast cancer reconstruction, and clinical outcomes following microsurgical breast reconstruction.

Dr. Karanetz performs a wide variety of cosmetic procedures including breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, breast lift with implants, abdominoplasty, liposuction, body contouring surgeries, labiaplasty, gender affirming surgical procedures, and both surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation.

In addition to English, Dr. Karanetz is also proficient in Ukrainian, Russian, Polish, and Spanish. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors, traveling, spinning, reading, and photography.

5 Star Patient Rating

Dr. Karanetz is incredible. Not only has she taken great care of my health, but also she is lovely to speak with at every appointment. It’s refreshing to find a doctor that is so personable. She is knowledgeable, sensitive, and informative. After searching and reviewing other doctors, I immediately felt at ease and felt confident in receiving expert medical care from Dr. Karanetz. The staff was great too!! I highly recommend!

Real Patient Testimonial

Education

2008-2012: Rush Medical College, Illinois – Doctor of Medicine
2004-2008: Loyola University Chicago, Illinois – Bachelor of Science, Magna Cum Laude

Training

2018-2019: Lenox Hill Hospital – Breast Aesthetic and Reconstructive Microsurgery Fellowship
2012-2018: Northwell Health System, Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine – Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency

Professional Associations / Affiliations

American Board of Plastic Surgery
American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Teaching

2008-2010: Henry Horner Tutoring Program – Chicago, IL
Tutored mathematics and reading to 2nd through 5th grade students who attend the Major Adams Academy and live at Henry Horner Homes.
2007-2008: Loyola Community Literacy Center – Rogers Park, IL
Provided individual tutoring to a diverse community of foreign-born adult learners in order to improve their reading and writing skills. Advised regarding career choices.

Honors & Awards

Castle Connolly, Top Doctor, 2023
Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society, 2012
Award for Excellence in General Surgery, 2012
Academic Achievement Award by American Medical Women’s Association, 2012
A. Watson Armour Scholarship, 2010
Loyola University Chicago: Dean’s list, 2004-2008
Loyola University Chicago: Presidential Scholarship, 2004-2008
Loyola University Chicago: Magic Scholar, 2008

Publications

Karanetz, I; Stanley S; Knobel D; Smith BD; Beg M; Kasabian AK; Tanna N. Reply: Melanoma Extirpation with Immediate Reconstruction: The Oncologic Safety and Cost Savings of Single Stage Treatment. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017 Feb;139(2):561e-562e
Karanetz, I; Stanley S; Knobel D; Smith BD; Beg M; Kasabian AK; Tanna N. Melanoma Extirpation with Immediate Reconstruction: The Oncologic Safety and Cost Savings of Single Stage Treatment. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016 Jul;138(1):256-61
Tanna N; Smith BD; Zapanta P; Karanetz I; Andrews B; Urata M; Bradley J. Expanding Your Practice: Surgical Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016 Apr;137(4):1263-72.

Book Chapters

Karanetz, I; Lerman O. Management of Soft Tissue Defects. Complex Cases in Total Knee Arthroplasty. Springer. ISBN: 9783319693804. March 28, 2018.

Presentations

Karanetz, I; Jin M; Nguyen K; Delmauro M; Kasabian AK; Tanna N. Evaluation of Opportunistic Internal Mammary Lymph Node Sampling During Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction: An Analysis of 548 Consecutive Patients. 2017 American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM) Annual Meeting, Big Island, HI, January 2017.
Bassiri-Tehrani, B; Karanetz, I; Bernik S; Dec W; Lerman O. The Safety of Preoperative Versus Postoperative Enoxaparin Chemoprophylaxis in Autologous Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction. 2017 American Association of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS) Annual Meeting. Austin, TX, March 2017.
Karanetz, I; Stanley S; Knobel D; Smith BD; Beg M; Kasabian AK; Tanna N. Oncologic Accuracy of Shave Biopsy for Malignant Melanoma: a Diagnostic Dilemma.
2016 American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, CA, September 2016.
Karanetz, I; Stanley S; Knobel D; Smith BD; Beg M; Kasabian AK; Tanna N. Melanoma Extirpation with Immediate Reconstruction: The Oncologic Safety and Cost Savings of Single Stage Treatment. 2015 American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Annual Meeting, Boston, MA, October 2015.
Stanley S; Karanetz, I; Beg M. Is Shave Biopsy Oncologically Adequate in Evaluating Malignant Melanoma? 2015 American College of Surgeons (ACS) Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL, October 2015.
Karanetz, I; Stanley S; Knobel D; Smith BD; Beg M; Kasabian AK; Tanna N. Melanoma Extirpation with Immediate Reconstruction: The Oncologic Safety and Cost Savings of Single Stage Treatment. 1st prize for clinical research presentation. Northshore-Long Island Jewish Health System, Annual Surgery Research Day. Manhasset, NY, May 2015.
Korn PT; Karanetz, I; Maia, M; Strobel KE; Feingold R; Israeli R. The Fleur-de-lis Upper Gracilis Flap Versus Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) Flap for Bilateral Breast Reconstruction in Thin Patients: A Prospective Comparison of Outcomes, Donor Site Morbidity, and Patient Satisfaction. 2014 American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL, October 2014.
Korn PT; Maia, M; Karanetz, I; Feingold R; Israeli R. Immediate Nipple Reconstruction with Autologous Breast Reconstruction following Areola-Sparing Mastectomy: A Marriage of Aesthetics and Oncologic Principles. 2014 American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL, October 2014.
Karanetz, I; Maia, M; Strobel KE; Feingold R; Israeli R, Korn PT. The Fleur-de-lis Upper Gracilis Flap Versus Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) Flap for Bilateral Breast Reconstruction in Thin Patients: a Prospective Comparison of Outcomes, Donor Site Morbidity, and Patient Satisfaction. Resident’s Night, New York Regional Society of Plastic Surgeons. New York, NY, March 2014.
Karanetz, I; Bassiri-Teharni B; Jalil W; Lerman O. Aesthetic Considerations Following Autologous Breast Reconstruction. 2017 Northeastern Plastic Surgery Society Annual Meeting. Newport, RI, September 2017.
Karanetz, I; Schultz, B; Chen K; Tanna N; Leipziger L. Pectoralis Major Splitting Approach in Immediate Breast Reconstruction: A Submuscular Tissue Expander Technique for High Risk Patients. 2017 American Association of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS) Annual Meeting. Austin, TX, March 2017.
Karanetz, I; Maia, M; Strobel KE; Feingold R; Israeli R, Korn PT. The Fleur-de-lis Upper Gracilis Flap Versus Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) Flap for Bilateral Breast Reconstruction in Thin Patients: a Prospective Comparison of Outcomes, Donor Site Morbidity, and Patient Satisfaction. 15th International Course on Perforator Flaps. New York, NY, November 2013.
Karanetz, I; Sasson H. Epinephrine-induced Digital Ischemia in Patient with Underlying Raynaud’s Disease Reversed with Phentolamine and Heparin Anticoagulation. The Nassau Surgical Society Annual Clinic Day. New York, NY, December 2013.
Maia M; Karanetz, I; Kasabian AK. Successful Treatment of Digital Ischemia with Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection in Patient with Severe Raynaud’s Phenomenon. Honorable mention. Medical Society of the State of New York Research Symposium. New York, NY. May 2014.

Volunteer
Experience

2009-2012: Buddies Program – Chicago, IL
Volunteered as a mentor and advocate for chronically ill children admitted to Rush Medical Center.
2009-2012: Marah’s Place – Chicago, IL
Conducted health and wellness education seminars for female residents who utilize shelter’s services. Answered any health-related questions following the seminar.
2008-2012: Franciscan Clinic – Chicago, IL
Rush Community Service Initiatives Program (RCSIP) staffed exclusively by Rush students and physicians. Provided healthcare services to residents of the largest overnight homeless shelter in Chicago.
2008-2012: Community Health Clinic – Chicago, IL
Rush Community Service Initiatives Program (RCSIP) staffed exclusively by Rush students and physicians. Provided a wide range of primary healthcare services to the uninsured members of the community including diagnostic testing and preventive care.
2008-2012: Indian American Medical Association Clinic – Chicago, IL
Rush Community Service Initiatives Program (RCSIP) staffed exclusively by Rush students and physicians.Provided primary care to the uninsured members of Indian and Pakistani community of Chicago including management of chronic and acute conditions, diagnostic testing and preventive care.
2005-2008: Lutheran General Hospital – Park Ridge, IL
Volunteered at multiple hospital units including flower shop, transportation, ED and Pediatrics. Worked closely with child-life specialists to organize educational interactive events for the inpatient children. Assisted them with their homework assignments.