From Small-Town Alabama to the Big Apple: The Rise of Dr. Chris Funderburk

Hailing from a humble background in small-town Alabama, Dr. Chris Funderburk has blazed a trail in the competitive world of plastic surgery, earning a reputation as the go-to plastic surgeon for men in New York City. As a member of the Neinstein Plastic Surgery team, he serves a growing base of younger male patients who seek his expertise in aesthetic enhancements, especially minimally invasive bodywork.

From a young age, Dr. Funderburk was no stranger to hard work. Growing up in a mill town with parents who held multiple jobs to make ends meet, he learned the value of a strong work ethic. He did everything from running cash registers and stocking shelves at his grandfather’s store to working on his uncle’s landscaping team.

After earning his Master’s Degree from the University of Alabama, Dr. Funderburk initially pursued a career in research. However, he quickly realized that his passion for human connection was not being fulfilled and pivoted to the medical field.

Finding a New Path

During his medical training, he had the opportunity to complete several plastic surgery rotations, including one at New York University. It was during this time, in 2008, that he found himself drawn to the field of plastic surgery.

Along with this professional turning point, Dr. Funderburk’s personal life was undergoing significant changes. The birth of his son led him to explore a new chapter in his life. This period of transition proved to be life-changing in more ways than one, as Dr. Funderburk came out and embraced his true identity.

A Year of Professional and Personal Milestones

After the birth of his son, he completed his general surgery residency at Emory University in Atlanta. This was followed by a move to Dartmouth for a plastic surgery residency, where he sharpened his focus on the field.

His ambition soon led him to New York City, where he was selected for a highly competitive fellowship at Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital. It was here that he discovered his passion for minimally invasive bodywork, something that has become his area of specialization. It was also in New York that he started working alongside Dr. Ryan Neinstein.

Learning from the Best

Dr. Neinstein comments, “Not everyone enjoys the process of training. But, Chris was just like a sponge—whatever advice I gave him, he absorbed and took on board. And the results speak for themselves. Chris has risen to be a leading specialist, with the kind of trajectory that is only possible thanks to his rigorous approach to learning and self-development.”

Dr. Funderburk found himself drawn to a younger generation of patients who sought subtle, natural-looking results from their procedures. “These health-conscious and active individuals,” he explains, “may have had a few stubborn areas of fat that wouldn’t go away, despite their best efforts. I helped them achieve their desired results with minimal downtime and without anyone knowing.”

A Surprising Surgical Niche

Neinstein Plastic Surgery had a surprising 30% male patient base, a rarity in the field. Dr. Neinstein recognized Dr. Funderburk’s interest in male plastic surgery and saw an opportunity to market him as a ‘male specialist’.

Together, they expanded the practice, offering procedures, including abs and torso shaping, body contouring, male butt lifts and all natural enhancements without implants. Male patients who once avoided being seen entering the clinic, requesting off-hours appointments, became bolder. The stigma diminished to the point where male patients in their 20s and 30s frequented the clinic without hesitation.

The Start of a New Male Trend 

Commenting on the growing trend, Dr. Funderburk added, “Botox is a common starting point for many younger males to treat lines between the eyebrows and forehead. Injectables are then used to build up weak jaws and chins. Likewise, liposuction is also a popular choice for a lean and athletic torso.”

But, when asked about his favorite procedure, Dr. Funderburk had no hesitation, “I have a special fondness for male body contouring. It is so satisfying to take out stubborn fat for patients who have been trying everything at the gym but not getting the results they want. I get to see their excitement as we make a dramatic difference in their appearance.”