Dr. Ariel Rad, FACS

With more than 46 years in facial aesthetic surgery, Dr. Ariel Rad is a Washington DC plastic surgeon who focuses on the deep plane facelift and advanced facial rejuvenation techniques. As of July 2026, Dr. Rad continues to practice within the Inova Health System, one of the region's established surgical networks.

Dr. Ariel Rad is listed as board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the recognized certifying body for the specialty in the United States. This credential reflects a standardized pathway of training, examination, and ongoing professional review.

Their medical education spans two respected institutions, with undergraduate study at Princeton and medical training at Duke. This academic foundation supports a career built on careful surgical planning and long-term patient relationships.

Dr. Rad specializes in the deep plane facelift, a technique that repositions the deeper structural layers of the face rather than simply tightening skin. This approach is widely regarded for producing natural-looking, durable results in facial rejuvenation.

The deep plane method works beneath the SMAS (the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, a fibrous layer supporting the facial muscles). By releasing and lifting this layer, Dr. Rad aims to restore youthful contour without a pulled or overly tight appearance.

Their clinical interests extend beyond a single procedure. Dr. Rad practices facial aesthetic surgery broadly, addressing the many ways facial aging expresses itself across the midface, jawline, and neck.

Experience is a defining feature of Dr. Rad's profile. With over four decades in practice, Dr. Rad has observed the evolution of rhytidectomy (the medical term for facelift surgery) from earlier skin-only methods toward today's structural, tissue-repositioning approaches.

Dr. Rad holds membership in The Aesthetic Society, an organization focused on aesthetic plastic surgery education and standards. Such affiliations reflect ongoing engagement with the field's evolving practices.

Dr. Rad's surgical philosophy centers on individualized planning. Rather than applying one method to every face, Dr. Rad evaluates each patient's anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals before recommending a surgical strategy.

Recovery guidance is part of their patient care approach. Dr. Rad prepares patients for the realistic timeline of deep plane facelift healing, from early swelling through the gradual emergence of final results over several months.

Washington DC provides the setting for Dr. Rad's practice, a city known for its professional, detail-oriented culture and access to major medical infrastructure. Dr. Rad operates at Inova Fairfax Hospital and Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, both part of the region's hospital network.

Dr. Rad's academic background includes a role as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery, reflecting involvement in teaching alongside clinical work. This dual focus is common among surgeons committed to the ongoing development of their specialty.

Patient communication is emphasized throughout Dr. Rad's practice. Dr. Rad is described as taking time to explain procedures and set clear expectations, an approach valued by patients weighing significant aesthetic decisions.

For women considering facial rejuvenation in their fifties and sixties, Dr. Rad offers a combination of extensive experience and a structural surgical philosophy. Dr. Rad's long tenure in the field positions Dr. Rad as an established figure among Washington DC facial surgeons.

Prospective patients can learn more about Dr. Ariel Rad and Dr. Rad's approach to the deep plane facelift through DeepPlane.com, where surgeon profiles are organized to support informed decision-making.