My experience with Dr. Rad has been deeply traumatic, filled with complications I never expected. I woke up immediately after surgery in severe distress and was rushed from the recovery room straight to the emergency room. This entire journey has been physically, emotionally, and financially devastating.
Initially, I chose Dr. Rad based on his glowing social media presence and reputation for advanced techniques. However, I now realize the images shared online — particularly on Instagram — don’t reflect reality. Many are edited, and the optimistic recovery timelines he posts are misleading. Patient reviews told a very different story, one I now relate to firsthand.
My consultation began over Zoom, followed by an in-person visit in Washington, D.C. Dr. Rad was attentive and recorded videos discussing my aesthetic goals. The procedures included a brow lift using his “fox eyes” method, a neck lift, fat grafting, a modified deep plane facelift, and potentially lower blepharoplasty — all totaling over $94,000 including hospital fees.
The day before surgery, our in-person pre-op was replaced by another Zoom call. During that session, his attitude shifted dramatically, expressing doubt about achieving my goals. I felt blindsided but had already paid in full, non-refundable.
On the day of the procedure, I arrived early and briefly met Dr. Rad, who offered no explanation as he marked my face — but immediately switched to a friendly tone when filming. This left me uneasy.
After surgery, I was given pain meds and then suddenly experienced severe itching, throat tightness, and trouble breathing — clear signs of anaphylaxis. Despite being in a hospital, the response was chaotic. Instead of treating me there, they called an ambulance to move me to the ER, which delayed care by 45 minutes and added a $2,500 bill.
Dr. Rad later denied I had a true allergic reaction — even though I was given an EpiPen and emergency meds.
The following days brought worsening facial swelling, infection near my eye, and a hard lump behind my ear. I described myself as looking like a “monster,” and even Dr. Rad agreed, though he said it was part of the healing process. I had to stay in D.C. longer, incurring more expenses.
Back home, I had no follow-up from his team. When I emailed about fluid leaking into my mouth, I was told (after over 36 hours) to get an urgent ultrasound or go to the ER. It turned out to be a sialocele, likely caused by accidental damage to my parotid gland.
Local doctors couldn’t treat it. Dr. Rad asked me to return to D.C., but after my flight was canceled and my symptoms temporarily improved, he said follow-up wasn’t needed. When they worsened again, I was told not to travel, as he was on vacation.
While I appreciated him checking on me twice during his break, my return visit was rushed. I barely had time for a proper consult before my flight. My concerns — like cartoonish-looking eyes, persistent swelling, loose skin, visible scarring behind my ears, and a misshaped, droopy face — were brushed off. I was especially disturbed to learn he may have lied about which eye procedure he performed.
Even three months post-op, I’m still dealing with infections, asymmetry, discomfort, and emotional distress. I’ve had to undergo multiple MRIs, CT scans, and specialist visits. When I tried to book a 3-month post-op visit, I was told Dr. Rad wouldn’t see me unless I sent records he already had.
Speaking with five other former patients revealed similar issues: extended swelling, dissatisfaction, and the need for revisions. Out of six people, five required or are considering corrective surgery.
