Kristen A. Echanique, MD

Kristen A. Echanique, MD, is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who sees patients in Livingston, Jersey City, and Newark, NJ. She is an Assistant Professor and attending surgeon in the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and is committed to patient care. Dr. Echanique brings compassion, shared decision-making, and advanced techniques to her practice.

After receiving her medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Dr. Echanique completed a prestigious five-year residency in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at UCLA Medical Center, a top otolaryngology hospital in the country as ranked by U.S. News & World Report. She further honed her expertise by completing a specialized fellowship in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at the acclaimed Cleveland Clinic. Here, she refined her skills in both cosmetic facial plastic and reconstructive surgery while learning cutting-edge surgical techniques for facial paralysis, rhinoplasty, facelifts, and facial reconstruction.

Dr. Echanique's extensive training equips her with a comprehensive understanding of all facets of otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery. She delivers exceptional and thorough medical and surgical treatment for patients of all ages experiencing facial paralysis due to conditions such as Bell's palsy, tumors, trauma, and congenital disorders. Her services encompass nerve transfers, gracilis free muscle transfers, and static techniques for reanimation. Additionally, she performs cosmetic facial surgeries (facelift, brow lift, eyelid lift, neck lift), nonsurgical facial rejuvenation methods (including Botox, filler injections, and skincare), hair transplants, rhinoplasty, facial trauma repairs, Mohs reconstructive surgery for skin cancer, and microvascular free flap surgery for those with head and neck contour deformities following trauma or cancer.

Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Echanique is a prolific contributor to the fields of otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery, with numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, as well as presentations at national meetings. She strives to improve outcomes and quality of life for her patients and has received grant funding for her research in facial paralysis. She is a member of multiple national organizations and holds leadership roles in both the Triological Society and the Women in Facial Plastic Surgery Committee through the AAFPRS. As an Assistant Clinical Professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, she is passionate about teaching both residents and medical students. She has received numerous awards, including induction into the Gold Humanism Honor Society, the Cohen-Geller Award for Resident of the Year at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), and the Excellence in Teaching with Humanism Resident & Fellows' Award in 2020. Throughout medical school, she also received several scholarships.

Philosophy of Care

Providing the highest level of care within facial plastic surgery (cosmetic, functional, and reconstructive) and the entire field of otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat) to both children and adults. I treat every single patient as if they were my own family member.