Dr. Ariel N. Rad is a leading board-certified plastic surgeon known for his precise, evidence-based approach to facelift and aesthetic medicine.
He built his career on disciplined training, scientific rigor, and the belief that natural results come from deep understanding rather than trends. After completing his residency at Johns Hopkins University, he and his wife, dermatologist Dr. Noëlle Sherber, SHERBER+RAD in Washington, DC Together they founded one of the first fully integrated practices that combined dermatology, facial aesthetic surgery and curated skin care under one roof.
Dr. Rad has performed more than 3,000 facelifts using refined deep plane and endoscopic techniques. His early work in microvascular reconstructive surgery shaped his respect for anatomy, meticulous attention to detail, and long-term function. He often says, “You can’t force beauty; you reveal it,” a philosophy that guides his decision-making in surgery and patient care.
Instead of chasing fads, Dr. Wheel on education, ethics and safety. He has been known to turn patients away if a request does not serve their well-being. He performs all surgical procedures in the hospital setting and emphasizes that “safety is not optional.”
His customers include high-profile professionals, diplomats and world travelers who value discretion, honest advice and credible results. Word of mouth has driven SHERBER+RAD’s growth since 2014 and reflects the trust he has built through consistency and expertise.
Dr. Rad continues to advocate for higher standards in aesthetic medicine and emphasizes the importance of board-certified training, responsible technique and patient-centered care. His career continues to be based on the principle that excellence is a habit built through integrity, collaboration and lifelong learning.
Questions and answers with Ariel Rad
You trained at Johns Hopkins University. How have these years shaped your approach to facial surgery?
Above all, my time there taught me discipline. At Hopkins, excellence became a daily habit. Above all, we were taught to master the basics. This attitude has stayed with me. This also introduced me to microvascular reconstructive surgery, which required precision and respect for anatomy. These experiences have shaped the way I work today.
You started with reconstructive work before focusing on aesthetic surgery. What did you take away from this early chapter?
Through reconstructive work one learns humility. From a technical perspective, the entire operation can fail if a blood vessel connection is a millimeter away. You learn that you can’t rush anything. And when you restore form and function to patients recovering from cancer, you realize how important structure is. You learn to work with the tissue, not against it. This discipline forms the basis for everything I do now in the field of facial rejuvenation.
In 2014 you and Dr. Noëlle Sherber SHERBER+RAD opens. What was the vision behind the practice?
We wanted a practice that felt coherent. Dermatology, surgery and skin care are often viewed as separate worlds, but they are closely related. We wanted a place where everything worked together for the long-term benefit of the patient. We designed private cabanas, a confidential entrance, and a flow that allows for peace and privacy. Every detail was intentional.
Her work is known for natural results. How do you achieve this?
For me, a natural result comes from respecting anatomy. I have performed more than 3,000 facelifts using deep plane and endoscopic methods. These techniques allow us to work beneath the surface, where the actual support structures are located. If you treat the deeper layers properly, the face will move naturally. You don’t see the “pulled out” look that people fear.
You said, “A good operation doesn’t announce itself.” What do you mean by that?
A good operation should make people feel like themselves. It shouldn’t attract attention. When someone tells me that their friends say they feel “rested” or “look good,” that’s the best feedback. An operation should support identity and not replace it.
Her practice has grown through word of mouth rather than heavy marketing. Why go this route?
Trust cannot be established. It’s deserved. We focus on evidence-based care and reject requests that are not consistent with safety or natural outcomes. Patients value honesty. The growth happened because people valued this approach and shared their experiences with others.
What do you think people misunderstand most about aesthetic medicine these days?
People underestimate the complexity. On social media, processes look simple, but the face is a complicated structure. Every decision has long-term consequences. Aesthetic medicine is real medicine. It requires training, ethics and careful judgment.
What have you learned from performing more than 3,000 facelifts?
Consistency is more important than anything else. Each case is individual, but the principles never change: respect anatomy, plan carefully, work methodically and prioritize safety. Experience deepens your judgment. You will learn when you need to operate – and when you don’t.
What advice do you give to people thinking about cosmetic surgery?
Ask about training. Check board certification. Make sure your surgeon operates in accredited, hospital-based facilities. And take your time. These decisions should not be rushed. If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
After two decades in this field, what still motivates you?
Helping people feel more confident. This is meaningful work. And teaching – I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned and pushing for higher standards in our field. The industry advances when we prioritize safety, evidence and integrity.
For more information on his approach to facial surgery, visit Ariel Rad.
38 year old woman 2 months after endoscopic eyebrow lift, canthoplasty (outer canthus lift), deep plane facelift, deep structural neck lift, porous polyethylene orbital implants, inferior blepharoplasty, microfat grafting.
