Meet Dr. Jeffrey Mella
The Hilger Face Center is beyond excited to welcome the newest member of our surgical team, Dr. Jeffrey Mella!
What excites you most about joining the Hilger Face Center team?
Throughout my surgical training—both in Texas and Virginia—I frequently heard about the remarkable work being done at the Hilger Face Center and the University of Minnesota. It’s truly a dream come true to join this group and continue the legacy of advancing the field of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, as has been done here for decades. I’m deeply honored to be part of a team with such a world-renowned reputation for excellence.
What made you choose the Hilger Face Center and the Twin Cities area for your career and family?
My wife and I immediately fell in love with the family-centered nature of the Midwest, which is felt so tangibly here in the Twin Cities. We have four young children who have loved moving to a place where kids are playing on every block and where they can enjoy an idyllic childhood.
I consider the entire team at the Hilger Face Center—physicians, nurses, and staff—not only to be outstanding professionals but also great friends. It’s a privilege to work alongside people I admire both personally and professionally.
What is your patient care philosophy?
I strive to build a relationship of trust and understanding with each of my patients—one in which they feel comfortable sharing their concerns and empowered to make informed decisions about their treatment options. It’s a profound privilege to be entrusted with operating on a person’s face, knowing it directly affects their identity and how they engage with the world. I honor that trust deeply, and it brings me great joy to witness the transformation that often follows—not just physically, but in the self-confidence that emerges after surgery.
How do you approach getting to know a new patient?
For me, getting to know a new patient starts with building trust. I take time to listen—not just to their symptoms or concerns, but to their story. Understanding their background, lifestyle, and what matters most to them helps me tailor their care to meet their unique needs. I also aim to create an environment where patients feel comfortable asking questions, expressing fears, and sharing their goals. Whether it's a complex reconstructive issue or a cosmetic concern, I want them to feel seen as a whole person, not just a diagnosis.
Are there areas of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery you specialize in?
While I practice the full breadth of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, I have particular interests in rhinoplasty, facial rejuvenation (including both surgical and nonsurgical procedures), reconstruction after Mohs surgery, and facial nerve reanimation.
What keeps you motivated?
What keeps me motivated is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life every day. Whether I’m helping restore function after facial trauma or guiding a patient through a cosmetic journey, there’s a deep sense of purpose in the work. I’m also motivated by the trust my patients place in me—it’s something I take seriously and never take for granted. On a personal level, my faith and my family keep me grounded. My wife and kids remind me daily why this work matters, and they inspire me to bring my best to every patient interaction.
