Dr Ariel Rad, MD, PhD, FACS
- Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon | Assistant Clinical Professor, Johns Hopkins
- Expert in facial aesthetics, microsurgery, breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, neck lift and body contouring
- Strong reputation for minimally invasive techniques and scar-concealing methods
- Published more than 50 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters in plastic surgery
About Dr. Ariel Rad
Dr. Ariel Rad is a Princeton- and Duke-educated, Johns Hopkins-trained plastic surgeon and Assistant Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Known for his precision and artistry, he combines advanced aesthetic and reconstructive techniques to deliver natural, refined, and transformative outcomes.
Training & Credentials
Dr. Rad graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University, earned his MD from Duke University, and completed a PhD in Immunology at the University of London through NIH-funded research fellowships. He trained in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Johns Hopkins, where he later served as Assistant Professor and Director of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and an active member of the ASPS, The Aesthetic Society, The Rhinoplasty Society, and ISAPS.
Expertise & Innovation
Having performed thousands of facial aesthetic surgeries, Dr. Rad specialises in minimally invasive and scarless techniques, such as closed rhinoplasty, mini-incision neck lift, and facial skeletal contouring. He is among a select group of surgeons worldwide capable of advanced microvascular breast reconstruction, including DIEP and love-handle flaps, and has pioneered microsurgical methods now adopted internationally.
Academic Leadership & Recognition
Dr. Rad has published extensively and lectures globally at leading conferences, including the World Microsurgery Congress, American Association of Plastic Surgeons, and International Society of Plastic Surgeons. Ranked among the Top 3 Plastic Surgeons in Washington DC, he consistently maintains the highest patient satisfaction ratings across review platforms.
Philosophy & Practice
At SHERBER + RAD, which he co-founded with dermatologist Dr. Noëlle Sherber, Dr. Rad provides discreet, comprehensive care that balances surgical precision with artistry. His approach ensures patients look refreshed, natural, and confident—with minimal downtime and virtually invisible scars.
Dr. Rad has membership with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, The Rhinoplasty Society, and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Through rigorous written and oral examinations, these national societies have vetted Dr. Rad’s education, training, professional qualifications, surgical competence, and ethical conduct as having met the highest standards in the world.
During his medical training Dr. Rad was awarded two Howard Hughes Medical Institute fellowships to conduct immunology research at the National Institutes of Health and Duke University. Following medical school Dr. Rad was awarded a three-year grant from the NIH (NRSA F32 fellowship) to expand upon his research at the University of London where he completed a Ph.D. in immunology. While in London, Dr. Rad competed and performed internationally in competitive ballroom Latin American dance, and within the global professional ranges he was ranked in the top 38 in the world in 2002.
In 2003, Dr. Rad returned to the United States to enter the training program in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Johns Hopkins. Upon completion of his training in 2009 Dr. Rad joined the full-time faculty at Johns Hopkins as Assistant Professor and Director of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery where he instructed surgeon trainees in state-of-the-art aesthetic and reconstructive techniques. Dr. Rad has published numerous journal articles and book chapters. While at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Rad and his colleagues pioneered microvascular techniques several of which only 50 surgeons worldwide are skilled to perform. Dr. Rad has lectured on his work at international meetings such as in Helsinki, Finland at the World Microsurgery Congress, the International Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Association of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery.
Dr. Rad has published articles and book chapters and teaches resident surgeons at his alma mater, Johns Hopkins Department of Plastic Surgery as well as Georgetown Hospital and Inova Fairfax Hospital. Dr. Rad is an experienced consultant to writers and editors at newspapers and magazines, from DC Modern Luxury and Capitol File, to the Washington Post and Vogue.
I had the honor of being under the care of Dr. Rad, and I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience. From start to finish, Dr. Rad and his team were professional, kind, and attentive to my needs. Not only did Dr. Rad provide me with excellent care, but he also took the time to explain everything to me in detail and answer all of my questions.What really stood out to me about Dr. Rad was his genuine care for his patients. He went above and beyond to make sure I felt comfortable and informed every step of the way. Thanks to his expertise and guidance, I achieved great results and I am feeling amazing about myself. Overall, I highly recommend Dr. Rad. He is an amazing doctor who truly cares about his patients, and his team is just as wonderful. Thank you, Dr. Rad and his team.
