Samir S. Rao, MD, FACS

Samir S. Rao, MD, FACS has a keen eye for aesthetic detail and surgical precision that define him as a plastic surgeon at our practice serving Washington, DC; Chevy Chase and Bethesda, MD; Arlington and Fairfax, VA; and surrounding areas. Dr. Rao is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is skilled in all aspects of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.

Dr. Rao’s Specialties

It is a rare day when my work actually feels like work. I have the good fortune of being able to spend my days doing something I love. I consider it an honor and privilege to treat each and every patient I see. My goal is to ensure that all my patients have the best possible experience and outcome, and I will work tirelessly until that is achieved.

Dr. Samir Rao

Education & Achievements

Originally from Massachusetts, Dr. Rao graduated cum laude from the University of Rochester. He attended medical school at the George Washington University School of Medicine, where he graduated with distinction and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society, a distinction reserved for the top of a medical school class. Dr. Rao then completed an additional six years of training at Georgetown University Hospital’s Plastic Surgery Residency Program, which is considered one of the elite programs in the country. During this time, he also completed training in both basic and advanced microsurgical techniques at The Curtis National Hand Center Microsurgical Training Program.

Dr. Rao has published multiple book chapters and original articles in peer-reviewed medical journals and has presented at national conferences, including the annual meetings of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, and the American Association of Plastic Surgeons. He has also been chosen as a peer reviewer for the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. A full list of Dr. Rao’s presentations and publications may be viewed here.

Dr. Rao is committed to giving back to the community through the field of plastic surgery. He regularly performs reconstructive surgery for the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington. He also participates in Fairfax County’s Skindeep Tattoo Removal program, which offers free laser removal of gang tattoos for court-involved youth who are committed to leaving the gang life behind. Additionally, he has served as a volunteer plastic surgeon for Ecuadent, a non-profit group providing much-needed cleft lip and palate repair as well as reconstructive surgery for congenital hand and foot abnormalities for children in Ecuador. He lives in Bethesda, MD with his wife and two children.