Dr. Michelle Lee Returns to Cleveland Clinic as Visiting Professor for the 7th Annual Earle-Jordan Endowed Lectureship
Beverly Hills, CA — September 2025 — Dr. Michelle Lee, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of PERK Plastic Surgery, returned to her training roots this fall to deliver the 7th Annual MetroHealth Earle-Jordan Endowed Lectureship in Plastic Surgery for the Cleveland Clinic Plastic Surgery Residency Program.
Coming Full Circle
Ten years ago, Dr. Lee trained in Cleveland as a surgical resident, surrounded by mentors and colleagues who shaped her foundation in plastic surgery. Returning a decade later as a Visiting Professor was more than an academic honor but a full-circle moment.
“To stand at the podium where I once sat as a trainee reminded me how far this journey has taken me,” Dr. Lee shared. “It also reinforced what I’ve always believed: plastic surgery is not just a career, it’s a community built on mentorship, shared knowledge, and pushing one another forward.”
Sharing Expertise: Choosing the Right Facelift for the Right Face
During her lectureship, Dr. Lee focused on one of the most important aspects of facial rejuvenation: how to custom tailor the facelift procedure to the unique needs of each patient.
“There is no one-size-fits-all facelift,” Dr. Lee explained. “The artistry lies in evaluating each face respecting its anatomy, its aging pattern, its history of prior treatments or surgeries and then tailoring the operation to achieve harmony and longevity.”
Rather than promoting a single “signature” technique, Dr. Lee highlighted her philosophy of customization in the Deep-plant facelift. Everything about the facial rejuvenation must be individualized:
- Extended deep-plane dissection for patients with significant midface descent or heavy jowling, to restore youthful cheek contour and jawline.
- More limited dissection for younger patients or those with early changes, balancing rejuvenation with recovery.
- Revision cases requiring meticulous release of scarred planes to restore mobility and correct asymmetry.
This patient-centered approach ensures results are not only technically successful but also aesthetically authentic to each individual.
The Importance of Community
Beyond the lecture, the visit was an opportunity to reconnect with faculty, colleagues, and residents. A reminder of the importance of community in a specialty that often demands both rigor and resilience.
About Dr. Michelle Lee
Dr. Lee is a Beverly Hills-based, board-certified plastic surgeon internationally recognized for her expertise in facelift surgery, regenerative aesthetics, and natural facial rejuvenation. She is the founder of PERK Plastic Surgery and the luxury skincare line PERK Potions. Her work has been featured in Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and E!’s Dr. 90210.
