Dr. Gregory Mackay brings exceptional expertise in facial rejuvenation and aesthetic surgery to Silk Plastic Surgery in Atlanta. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced fellowship training and over a decade of specialized study with world-renowned facial surgeons, he blends meticulous technique with an artistic approach to deliver natural, age-appropriate results.
His pursuit of excellence has taken him around the world to learn from leading experts, including Dr. Andrew Jacono in New York City, Dr. Dominic Bray in London, and Dr. Ben Talei in Los Angeles. This continuous, hands-on study ensures that his patients benefit from the most modern, effective, and sophisticated techniques available today.
“Facial rejuvenation demands an understanding of how the face truly ages,” explains Dr. Mackay. “The face doesn’t simply drop—it lengthens and deflates inward. Every patient ages differently, which is why a 40-year-old and a 75-year-old require fundamentally different approaches.”
Dr. Page is an excellent surgeon who showed me so much patience and personal care throughout multiple reconstruction and revision surgeries. She and Dr. Mackay collaborated on one surgery, both are amazing. My results are great so I would choose this practice again. Her staff are top notch and always answered any questions promptly. I’m convinced that I got the very best care from Dr. Page.
Distinguished Education and Training
Dr. Mackay earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University and his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. He then completed rigorous residency training in both General Surgery and Plastic Surgery at Emory University, learning directly from leaders such as the President of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the former President of the American Society of Aesthetic Surgeons.
To deepen his expertise in facial anatomy, he pursued advanced fellowship training at the University of Pennsylvania and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where he was affiliated with The Center for Human Appearance. Under the mentorship of the President of the International Society of Craniofacial Surgeons, he gained comprehensive training in both pediatric and adult craniofacial surgery and aesthetic surgery of the facial skeleton.
He has worked with children with severe facial deformities for more than 25 years, an experience that continues to shape his surgical precision and compassion.
Global Training with the World’s Leading Facial Surgeons
Over the last decade, Dr. Mackay has sought out the most innovative facial surgery experts across the globe. His time with Dr. Jacono refined his deep plane facelift approach, his work with Dr. Bray strengthened his understanding of natural aesthetic balance, and his training with Dr. Talei expanded his expertise in minimally invasive and next-generation rejuvenation techniques.
International Teaching, Mission Work, and Recognition
Dr. Mackay has served as an invited visiting professor for both the Indian Society of Aesthetic Surgery and the Brazilian Society of Aesthetic Surgeons. He has also participated in humanitarian missions in the Philippines and Nicaragua, providing reconstructive care to underserved patients.
His research on endoscopic minimal-incision browlifts earned an Outstanding Achievement Award from the Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. He has published numerous scientific articles and book chapters and continues to present at national and international meetings.
Academic Leadership
Dr. Mackay has held faculty positions as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Plastic Surgery at both Emory University and the Mayo Clinic. At Mayo, he served as Director of the Aesthetic and Reconstructive Fellowship Program, helping train future leaders in aesthetic surgery.
A Modern Approach to Facial Rejuvenation
Dr. Mackay’s philosophy focuses on restoring youthful facial proportions rather than simply tightening the skin. His techniques emphasize:
- Deep plane facelift surgery for natural, long-lasting rejuvenation
- Strategic fat grafting to temples, lower eyelids, cheeks, and lips
- Precision volume restoration without an overfilled look
- Endoscopic browlifting to subtly lift the lateral brow
- Naturally balanced eyelid rejuvenation with volume preservation
- Functional and aesthetic rhinoplasty
- Neck contouring and jawline refinement
- Laser- and skincare-based skin rejuvenation
“True rejuvenation comes from lifting the deeper facial structures, restoring volume thoughtfully, and respecting each patient’s unique anatomy,” he says.
Deep Plane Facelift Expertise, Advanced Facial Rejuvenation Backed by Craniofacial Training
Dr. Gregory Mackay’s expertise in deep plane facelift surgery is the result of decades of focused surgical training, academic contribution, and continuous refinement alongside some of the world’s leading facial surgeons. While he has been performing deep plane facelift techniques for nearly ten years, his foundation includes more than 20 years of experience with SMAS-based facelift surgery, giving him a comprehensive understanding of both traditional and advanced approaches to facial rejuvenation.
His transition into deep plane techniques was driven by direct exposure to leaders in the field. Dr. Mackay was first introduced to the approach at a surgical meeting in Chicago in 2017, where Andrew Jacono presented his work. He later spent dedicated time in New York in 2019 observing Dr. Jacono in the operating room, gaining first-hand experience with modern deep plane facelift techniques.
Craniofacial Foundation and Academic Leadership in Facial Surgery
Dr. Mackay’s ability to perform deep plane facelifts safely and effectively is rooted in his advanced craniofacial training at the University of Pennsylvania Center for Human Appearance, where he trained under the leadership of the International Society of Craniofacial Surgeons. This level of training provides a deep understanding of facial anatomy, nerve pathways, and structural relationships that are essential when operating in the deeper planes of the face.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Mackay has held academic leadership roles, including serving as Director of Aesthetic Surgery while on faculty at the Mayo Clinic, where he was directly involved in training the next generation of aesthetic surgeons.
He continues this commitment to education today by teaching a fellowship course in facial cosmetic surgery, a role he has maintained for the past five years.
Published Research and Award-Winning Contributions to Facial Surgery
Dr. Mackay’s contributions to facial plastic surgery extend beyond the operating room. He co-authored one of the earliest papers on endoscopic brow lift techniques with Foad Nahai, work that earned the Best Paper Award from the Southeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons.
This recognition reflects peer-reviewed validation of his work and highlights his role in advancing techniques that influence modern facial rejuvenation procedures today.
International Recognition and Visiting Professor Experience
Dr. Mackay’s expertise has been recognized internationally through multiple invited teaching roles. He has served as a visiting professor for:
- The Indian Association of Aesthetic Surgeons, where he lectured in New Delhi and Agra
- The Brazilian Association of Aesthetic Surgeons, where he lectured in São Paulo
These invitations reflect recognition by international peers and a continued role in shaping surgical techniques on a global level.
He remains actively involved in ongoing education, including participation in advanced surgical training such as the Masters in Surgery Deep Plane Facelift course (South Florida, 2025).
A Comprehensive Philosophy of Facial Rejuvenation
Dr. Mackay’s approach is based on a nuanced understanding of how the face ages over time. Rather than viewing aging as simple sagging, he recognizes that the face:
- Lengthens over time
- Deflates inward due to volume loss
- Experiences structural and skin quality changes
This philosophy directly informs his use of deep plane facelift techniques, which allow for repositioning of deeper structures while restoring natural facial proportions.
He also emphasizes:
- Subtle restoration of the upper lip and cupid’s bow
- Correction of earlobe elongation and volume loss
- Lateral brow elevation without an overdone “brow lift” appearance
- Natural eye rejuvenation, often collaborating with oculoplastic specialists when appropriate
This level of detail and restraint is what separates natural-looking results from overly tight or artificial outcomes.
Advanced Training with Leading Facial Aesthetic Surgeons
To further refine his approach to facial rejuvenation, Dr. Mackay has pursued additional training with internationally recognized experts in facelift surgery, including:
- Andrew Jacono, New York City
- Ben Talei, Los Angeles
- Dominic Bray, London
This exposure to multiple advanced techniques and philosophies allows Dr. Mackay to tailor each deep plane facelift to the individual patient, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
Why This Matters for Patients Considering a Deep Plane Facelift
Deep plane facelift surgery is one of the most technically demanding procedures in facial plastic surgery. The surgeon must operate safely within deeper anatomical layers while preserving facial nerve function and achieving natural, balanced results.
Dr. Mackay’s combined experience includes:
- Nearly a decade of deep plane facelift surgery
- Over 20 years of SMAS-based facelift experience
- Craniofacial fellowship training
- Academic leadership at the Mayo Clinic
- Published, award-winning research
- International teaching and invited professorships
- Ongoing advanced training and innovation
This depth of experience provides patients with a level of expertise that is directly aligned with the complexity and precision required for deep plane facelift surgery.
Explore Deep Plane Facelift Options
Patients considering a deep plane facelift can learn more about the procedure, recovery, and expected results by visiting the dedicated page below:
Expertise in the Periorbital Region
Recognizing the eyes as the focal point of the face, Dr. Mackay prioritizes natural, full, non-hollowed rejuvenation around the eyes. When appropriate, he collaborates with oculoplastic surgeons to deliver the most refined and harmonious results.
Patient-Centered Care
Known for his warmth, honesty, and meticulous attention to detail, Dr. Mackay creates personalized treatment plans that reflect each patient’s anatomy, goals, and stage of life. His patients value his thorough explanations and his commitment to natural, elegant outcomes.
About Silk Plastic Surgery
At Silk Plastic Surgery, we blend advanced surgical expertise with a personalized, compassionate approach to help you look and feel your best. Our team includes double board-certified surgeons, who trained at prestigious institutions such as the Mayo Clinic and Emory University. We are dedicated to achieving natural, refined results that enhance your unique beauty. Every detail of your experience is designed to make you feel comfortable, confident, and fully supported from consultation to recovery.
We specialize in a comprehensive range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures for the face, breast, and body, offering both transformative enhancements and delicate restorative care. Whether you’re seeking subtle refinement or a significant change, our commitment to safety, precision, and artistry ensures beautiful, lasting results. At Silk Plastic Surgery, your goals inspire our work, and your confidence is our greatest success.
Experience Expert Facial Rejuvenation in Atlanta
Whether you are considering a facelift, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, or comprehensive facial rejuvenation, Dr. Mackay’s world-class training, academic leadership, and dedication to modern technique ensure exceptional results.
Contact Silk Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Mackay and discover how his expertise can help you achieve your surgical goals.