Dr. Ariel Rad, FACS
Board-Certified by board certified plastic surgeon
Member of The Aesthetic Society
Profile updated
Real patient transformations — evaluate surgical skill and style
Dr. Ariel Rad is a board-certified deep plane facelift surgeon based in Washington DC, USA. Rated 4.8/5 based on 99 Google reviews.
About
MD Ariel Rad practices facial plastic surgery in Washington DC, specializing in advanced aesthetic procedures including deep plane facelift surgery. the surgeon maintains a 4.8-star rating across 99 Google reviews, positioning them among Washington DC's established facial rejuvenation specialists.
Board certification credentials place Dr. Rad within the community of qualified plastic surgeons serving the nation's capital. Educational foundations include Princeton University and Duke University, followed by surgical training at Johns Hopkins.
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Clinical focus encompasses facial aesthetic surgery with particular emphasis on advanced lifting techniques. The practice philosophy centers on achieving natural-looking results through personalized treatment approaches tailored to individual facial anatomy.
Patients frequently highlight the surgeon's compassionate approach and thorough explanations during consultations. Review analysis reveals consistent themes of attentive care and detailed communication throughout the surgical journey.
Professional appointments include serving as Assistant Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery. This academic involvement reflects ongoing commitment to surgical education and technique refinement.
The Washington DC practice location offers accessibility for both local and traveling patients. Situated within the metropolitan area, the facility provides comprehensive pre-operative and post-operative care coordination.
Deep plane facelift represents one component of a broader facial rejuvenation practice. This advanced technique involves repositioning the deeper facial layers (SMAS - superficial musculoaponeurotic system) to achieve more lasting results compared to traditional lifting methods.
Two decades of clinical experience inform the surgical approach. Evolution of practice includes strategic specialization in facial procedures and microvascular techniques, demonstrating focused expertise development.
Patient testimonials frequently mention feeling heard and understood during consultations. The practice emphasizes creating realistic expectations while addressing individual aesthetic goals.
Integration with SHERBER+RAD represents a collaborative approach combining dermatology and plastic surgery expertise. This multidisciplinary model allows patients to access comprehensive facial rejuvenation options.
Recovery protocols reflect current best practices in deep plane facelift surgery. Patients typically experience initial swelling and bruising during the first two weeks, with gradual improvement over subsequent months.
The practice maintains an active social media presence through Instagram (@drarielrad). Digital engagement provides prospective patients with visual insights into surgical outcomes and practice philosophy.
Consultation processes involve detailed facial analysis and personalized treatment planning. Each patient receives individualized recommendations based on their unique anatomy and aesthetic objectives.
MD Ariel Rad practices facial plastic surgery in Washington DC, specializing in advanced aesthetic procedures including deep plane facelift surgery. the surgeon maintains a 4.8-star rating across 99 Google reviews, positioning them among Washington DC's established facial rejuvenation specialists. Board certification credentials place Dr. Rad within the community of qualified plastic surgeons serving the nation's capital. Educational foundations include Princeton University and Duke University,
Quick Facts: Dr. Ariel Rad
- Specialization
- Deep Plane Facelift
- Location
- Washington DC, USA
- Google Rating
- 4.8/5 (99 reviews)
Source: DeepPlane.com Surgeon Directory
Dr. Rad's Surgical Approach
Deep plane facelift technique, as practiced by MD Ariel Rad, involves precise dissection beneath the SMAS layer to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation. The SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) represents the fibromuscular layer that connects facial muscles to overlying skin.
Deep plane facelift technique, as practiced by MD Ariel Rad, involves precise dissection beneath the SMAS layer to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation. The SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) represents the fibromuscular layer that connects facial muscles to overlying skin.
Surgical approach begins with carefully planned incisions following natural facial contours. Access points typically extend from the temporal region, around the ear, and into the posterior hairline, allowing optimal tissue repositioning while minimizing visible scarring.
Related: How does Dr. Rad perform deep plane facelift?
Dr. Rad's Credentials & Training
MD Ariel Rad is listed as holding educational credentials from Princeton University and Duke University, representing foundational academic preparation. Surgical training completion at Johns Hopkins Hospital places the surgeon among those trained at recognized medical institutions.
MD Ariel Rad is listed as holding educational credentials from Princeton University and Duke University, representing foundational academic preparation. Surgical training completion at Johns Hopkins Hospital places the surgeon among those trained at recognized medical institutions.
Board certification status in plastic surgery indicates completion of required examinations and training standards. Verification of specific certifying boards remains subject to direct confirmation with relevant medical boards.
Related: Is Dr. Rad board certified?
Patient Reviews & Reputation
Patient feedback for MD Ariel Rad encompasses 99 Google reviews maintaining a collective 4. 8-star rating.
Patient feedback for MD Ariel Rad encompasses 99 Google reviews maintaining a collective 4.8-star rating. This substantial review volume provides meaningful insight into patient experiences and satisfaction levels.
Language analysis of available reviews shows English as the primary communication language. This pattern suggests local and domestic patient demographics comprise the primary practice base.
Related: Dr. Rad reviews
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Request a free evaluation →How Dr. Rad Compares
Within Washington DC's community of eight deep plane facelift surgeons, MD Ariel Rad maintains competitive positioning through established practice presence and patient feedback metrics. The surgeon's 4.
Within Washington DC's community of eight deep plane facelift surgeons, MD Ariel Rad maintains competitive positioning through established practice presence and patient feedback metrics. The surgeon's 4.8-star Google rating matches the city-wide average for deep plane specialists.
Practice differentiation includes integration with SHERBER+RAD, combining dermatology and plastic surgery expertise. This multidisciplinary approach offers patients comprehensive facial rejuvenation options beyond surgical interventions alone.
Related: best facelift surgeon in Washington DC
Cost & Value Context
Deep plane facelift investment in Washington DC reflects the metropolitan area's position as a major US city with corresponding medical service pricing. Regional cost factors include overhead expenses, facility standards, and surgeon experience levels.
Deep plane facelift investment in Washington DC reflects the metropolitan area's position as a major US city with corresponding medical service pricing. Regional cost factors include overhead expenses, facility standards, and surgeon experience levels.
Typical deep plane facelift costs vary significantly based on individual case complexity. Factors influencing pricing include extent of correction needed, surgical time requirements, and complementary procedures performed simultaneously.
Related: How much does Dr. Rad charge?
Deep Plane Facelift in Washington DC
Washington DC presents unique advantages for patients seeking deep plane facelift surgery within the United States capital region. The metropolitan area combines political significance with established medical infrastructure supporting aesthetic surgery practices.
Washington DC presents unique advantages for patients seeking deep plane facelift surgery within the United States capital region. The metropolitan area combines political significance with established medical infrastructure supporting aesthetic surgery practices.
Accessibility ranks among Washington DC's primary benefits for medical travelers. Three major airports serve the region: Reagan National Airport offers closest proximity to downtown, while Dulles International and Baltimore-Washington International provide additional flight options.
Related: deep plane facelift in Washington DC
Recovery Expectations
Deep plane facelift recovery follows predictable patterns, with individual variations based on healing capacity and surgical extent. Initial recovery phase spans approximately two weeks, during which most visible bruising and swelling subside.
Deep plane facelift recovery follows predictable patterns, with individual variations based on healing capacity and surgical extent. Initial recovery phase spans approximately two weeks, during which most visible bruising and swelling subside.
First week post-surgery involves maximum swelling, particularly around the eyes and lower face. Patients typically experience tightness and mild discomfort managed through prescribed medications.
Related: Dr. Rad recovery time
International Patient Guide
International patients considering deep plane facelift surgery with MD Ariel Rad in Washington DC should note that according to available data, the practice's international patient acceptance status requires direct verification. The Washington DC surgical community shows limited documented international patient programs at time of writing (2026).
International patients considering deep plane facelift surgery with MD Ariel Rad in Washington DC should note that according to available data, the practice's international patient acceptance status requires direct verification. The Washington DC surgical community shows limited documented international patient programs at time of writing (2026).
Visa requirements for medical travel to the United States vary by country of origin. Most patients require B-2 tourist visas, with medical treatment declared as the visit purpose during application processes.
Related: Dr. Rad international patients
Consultation Guide
Initial consultation with MD Ariel Rad encompasses comprehensive facial analysis and personalized treatment planning for deep plane facelift candidates. Patients should prepare by gathering medical history information and formulating specific aesthetic goals.
Initial consultation with MD Ariel Rad encompasses comprehensive facial analysis and personalized treatment planning for deep plane facelift candidates. Patients should prepare by gathering medical history information and formulating specific aesthetic goals.
Key questions include recovery timeline specifics, expected results based on individual anatomy, and total investment requirements. Understanding surgeon experience with similar facial aging patterns helps set realistic expectations.
Related: How to book Dr. Rad
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Ariel Rad
MD Ariel Rad is a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing in Washington DC, specializing in facial aesthetic surgery including deep plane facelifts. With educational credentials from Princeton and Duke Universities and training at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Rad serves as Assistant Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery while maintaining an active surgical practice with 99 Google reviews averaging 4.8 stars.
Medical School
Princeton and Duke
Practice Location
Inova Fairfax Hospital, Inova Fair Oaks Hospital
Washington DC, USA
View on Google MapsThis review keeps getting hidden for some reason. Why? This is a difficult review to write, as I was a long time patient of Dr. Rad’s. I made the very expensive mistake of going with him for a jaw angle implant in June 2023. I expressed the desire to have a more v-shaped jawline, which Dr. Rad said he could achieve. My jaw wasn’t bad to start, but I felt a modest improvement could be done. Part of that is my fault for fixing something that was t broken. After dropping the cost of a new car on a custom jaw angle implant, it became apparent that the implant was too big and bulky, but I waited, at Dr. Rad’s insistence. He is very persuasive, which masks some of the necessary technical abilities to do a good job. He doesn’t do a good job in setting limitations of what can be achievable. He’s more of a marketer at this point. Despite the large sum of money, the design process of the implant felt rushed, and the effort seemed poor. When I expressed those concerns and went to another doctor for his opinion of the implant design, he lashed out at me, saying it was unprofessional by me. I apologized and stated I’d like to get the surgery done by him. At almost a year later, nothing improved and Dr. Rad agreed with my concerns of the implant not looking the way we both wanted during a followup. I wanted him to remove it, but because he vehemently insisted on using medpor as the jaw implant material, which is ingrained with my tissues, he thought removal would leave me worse off aesthetically, leaving sagging skin and other issues. He recommended shaving down the mid-mandible and doing a neck lift to create a more v-shaped look, which is the look I was originally going for. He told me it would be possible to achieve, which again, I foolishly believed. After another large sum of money, and another year of waiting for it to settle, my jaw looks worse than it did before. It gives me a bloated look and doesn’t suit the rest of my face. He got paid twice to make me look worse. This has been incredibly difficult to deal with, waiting over 2 years in the false hope things would improve. When I expressed my concerns yet again after a long wait, Dr. Rad seemed indifferent to my concerns and quoted me another exorbitant amount for removal along with some reprimanding for my dissatisfaction. It doesn’t feel like he cares at this point, especially now that his social media presence has exploded, trying to schedule time with him despite the amount and leeway I’ve given him takes quite a few months. I can honestly say this was the biggest mistake of my life.
For over a decade, I wanted a facial refresh but didn’t know anyone who had done it. When my neighbor booked Dr. Ariel Rad for her surgery, I asked to “walk alongside her” as she went down this path. I began following Dr. Rad's Instagram posts. Two weeks after my neighbor's surgery, I already could see the benefits in her beautiful face. I accompanied my neighbor at her one month and two month check-ups. At that point, I requested my own consult with Dr. Rad. I had my surgery 3 months after my neighbor did hers. I am now six months post-surgery and three things stand out for me. (1) DR. RAD PUTS SAFETY FIRST. That mattered to me. I had seen and heard horror stories from others which had prevented me from moving forward. Dr. Rad’s surgical team was extraordinary in both their medical competence and their passion and caring for me. That extended to Donna Pegues, the nurse I hired at Dr. Rad’s recommendation for after surgery care for a few days. Donna was amazing! (2) DR. RAD PARTNERS REALLY WELL WITH HIS PATIENTS. He danced professionally (check out an earlier Instagram post of Dr. Rad – it’s really inspiring) so partnering is second nature to him. He listened attentively, asked questions, and collaborated to fully customize my surgery. Again, that mattered to me. Dr. Rad requested pictures of me from each decade since my 20’s. Thinking back, that process was really meaningful for me. I had the chance to reflect on the best of me over the years, and I believe Dr. Rad gave me a real refresh! (3) DR. RAD GETS REAL JOY FROM HIS WORK! Again, that matters to me. The day after my surgery, Dr. Rad was so excited about taking years off my face. I couldn’t see it of course, but somehow his joy made me believe him. Today, I am seeing the animation return and am smiling more naturally. I am not known for having any patience … I want overnight transformations. Healing takes time and I can say with 100% certainty, it’s worth the wait! Dr. Rad, I am so grateful to you for doing this dance with me!
Dr. Rad is one of the most caring and compassionate doctors I have ever met. He listens carefully, explains everything clearly, and truly makes his patients feel heard and valued.