Ian L. McCulloch, MD
Ian L. McCulloch, MD
Dr. Ian L. McCulloch brings a thoughtful, modern approach to plastic surgery that blends advanced reconstructive and aesthetic training with a deep commitment to innovation and patient care. With experience spanning complex oncologic reconstruction, advanced facial rejuvenation techniques, and academic leadership, he is known for approaching each procedure with precision, curiosity, and an individualized perspective. Dr. McCulloch specializes in facial rejuvenation, including facelift, neck lift, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, otoplasty, and brow lift, and facial fat grafting. Patients choose Dr. McCulloch for his meticulous attention to detail, warm and honest bedside manner, and dedication to achieving outcomes that support both function and confidence.
Meet Dr. Ian L. McCulloch
Dr. Ian L. McCulloch is a plastic surgeon serving patients throughout the New York metropolitan area. As a graduate of Harvard Plastic Surgery Residency Program and an attending physician at New York Plastic Surgical Group, Dr. McCulloch is recognized for his commitment to surgical excellence, rigorous academic research, and advancing the field of plastic surgery through evidence-based innovation and clinical scholarship.
Dr. McCulloch is a highly trained facial plastic surgeon who has studied alongside some of the nation’s leading facelift experts. He specializes in advanced facelift techniques, including deep plane facelifts, SMAS facelifts, subcutaneous facelifts, and deep neck lifts.
With extensive training in all aspects of facial rejuvenation surgery, Dr. McCulloch is known for delivering natural-looking, long-lasting results. His approach is highly individualized—each treatment plan is carefully customized to match the patient’s facial anatomy, goals, and aging patterns.
Patients choose Dr. McColloch for his expertise in:
- Deep plane facelift surgery
- SMAS facelift techniques
- Neck lift and jawline contouring
- Comprehensive facial rejuvenation
His commitment to precision, safety, and aesthetic balance ensures that every patient receives a personalized surgical plan and refined outcomes.
Education and Professional Credentials
Undergraduate Education
Dr. McCulloch a native of southern West Virginia, earned dual Bachelor’s degrees from West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia, completing a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. His diverse academic foundation reflects a broad intellectual curiosity and commitment to understanding both the scientific and humanistic dimensions of medicine and healthcare.
Medical School
Dr. McCulloch earned his Doctor of Medicine from West Virginia University School of Medicine in Morgantown, West Virginia. His medical education provided comprehensive training in clinical medicine, surgical fundamentals, and the scientific basis of medical practice, preparing him for advanced specialty training in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Advanced Medical Training
Dr. McCulloch completed a Master of Research in Medicine from the prestigious University of St. Andrews School of Medicine in St. Andrews, Scotland. His work focused on delivering growth factors via exosomes demonstrating his commitment to advancing surgical knowledge through rigorous academic research and scholarly inquiry. This advanced degree reflects his dedication to evidence-based practice and contributing to the scientific literature in his field.
Residency Training
Dr. McCulloch completed a comprehensive Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Residency through the Harvard Plastic Surgery Residency Program in Boston, Massachusetts where he was selected as the Chief Resident of the Executive Committee. Training at Harvard, one of the nation’s most prestigious and selective plastic surgery programs, provided Dr. McCulloch with extensive experience across all aspects of plastic and reconstructive surgery, including aesthetic procedures, complex reconstructive techniques, microsurgery, and advanced surgical problem-solving.
Professional Affiliations and Memberships
Dr. McCulloch maintains active membership in leading professional organizations dedicated to advancing plastic surgery:
- Candidate Member, The Aesthetic Society: A premier organization of plastic surgeons committed to advancing the science and art of aesthetic plastic surgery through education, research, and professional collaboration.
- Candidate Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS): The leading professional organization of board-certified plastic surgeons dedicated to advancing the science and art of plastic surgery and promoting excellence in patient care.
- Candidate Member, American College of Surgeons (ACS): A prestigious organization dedicated to improving the quality of care for surgical patients through education, advocacy, and professional standards.
These memberships and academic roles reflect Dr. McCulloch’s dedication to staying current with the latest advances in plastic surgery and maintaining the highest standards of clinical practice and professional engagement.
Clinical Experience and Areas of Expertise
Comprehensive Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Training
Dr. McCulloch completed advanced training in all aspects of plastic and reconstructive surgery through Harvard Plastic Surgery Residency Program. His clinical experience encompasses:
Reconstructive Surgery:
- Lower extremity reconstruction for limb salvage and functional restoration
- Complex wound reconstruction and management
- Tissue engineering and innovative reconstructive techniques
- Microsurgical reconstruction and advanced vascular techniques
- Abdominal wall reconstruction and hernia repair
Surgical Innovation and Technical Expertise:
- Development and clinical evaluation of novel surgical devices and techniques
- Tissue expander management and optimization
- Advanced hernia repair techniques and abdominal wall reconstruction
- Specialized wound management and infection control strategies
- Surgical problem-solving in complex clinical scenarios
Research and Academic Focus:
Dr. McCulloch is an active researcher with a strong publication record demonstrating his commitment to advancing surgical knowledge and improving patient outcomes. His research interests include reconstructive surgery outcomes, surgical innovation and device development, tissue engineering, and the role of social media and digital platforms in surgical education and professional development.
Leadership, Innovation, and Clinical Focus
Leadership Roles
Dr. McCulloch’s commitment to advancing the field extends beyond clinical practice. During his residency at Harvard, he held multiple leadership positions:
- Chief Resident Executive Committee Representative (2026): Led resident governance and represented resident interests in program leadership
- Social Media Chair (2021-2026): Advanced digital communication and professional visibility within the plastic surgery community
- Website Chair (2021-2026): Oversaw digital platforms and online resources for resident education and professional engagement
- Resident Education Chair (2024-2025): Developed and implemented educational curricula and learning initiatives for resident training
- Teaching Fellow, Harvard Medical School (2020-2026): An academic appointment reflecting his commitment to surgical education and training the next generation of physicians and surgeons in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery.
These roles demonstrated Dr. McCulloch’s commitment to advancing surgical education, fostering professional collaboration, and leveraging digital platforms to enhance communication and learning within the plastic surgery community.
Research and Academic Contributions
Dr. McCulloch is an accomplished researcher with 15 peer-reviewed publications and numerous academic citations. His research spans reconstructive surgery, surgical innovation, tissue engineering, and surgical education. His publications demonstrate his commitment to advancing the field through rigorous scientific inquiry and clinical scholarship.
Complete Bibliography
- Remy, Katya MD; Fruge, Seth E. MD; McCulloch, Ian L. MD; Vicente, Kristyn BA; Kochheiser, Makayla BA; Carruthers, Katherine H. MD; Austen, William G. Jr MD; Gfrerer, Lisa MD, PhD; Valerio, Ian L. MD. “Reinnervation of Free Nipple Grafts Associated With Improved Erection Function.” Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery-Global Open 13(1):p e6418, January 2025. DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000006418
- Malek, Andrew J. BS; McCulloch, Ian L. MD; Yang, Alan Z. MSc; Gadiraju, Goutam K. BS; Broyles, Justin M. MD, MPH. “Restrictive Covenants in Surgical Care: Time to Reconsider.” Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery-Global Open 12(5):p e5825, May 2024. DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005825
- McCulloch, I.L.; Valerio, I. “Lower extremity reconstruction for limb salvage and functional restoration – The Combat experience.” Clinics in Plastic Surgery Volume 48, Issue 2, p349-361, April 2021
- McCulloch, I.L.; Mullens, CL; Hardy, KM; Cardinal, JS; Ueno, CM. “Linea Arcuate Hernia Following Transversus Abdominis Release Incisional Hernia Repair.” Annals of Plastic Surgery 2019;82(1):85-88. DOI:10.1097/SAP.0000000000001671
- Mullens, CL; McCulloch, IL; Hardy, KM; Mathews, RE; Mason, AC. “Associations between Orofacial Clefting and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.” Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open 9000;Latest Articles
- Sherman, RA; Bjork, R; McCulloch, IL. “Association Does Not Mean Causation, Especially When It Concerns Maggots.” WOUNDS 2018;30(12):382
- McCulloch, IL; Chambers, J; McClellan, WT. “Abstract: Portfindr: A Novel and More Accurate Device for Locating Tissue Expander Ports.” Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open 2018;6(9 Suppl). DOI:10.1097/01.GOX.0000546948.26338.e9
- Mullens, CL; McCulloch, IL; Hardy, KM; Mathews, RE; Mason, AC. “Abstract: Characterizing Associations between Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and Orofacial Clefting.” Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open 2018;6(9 Suppl). DOI:10.1097/01.GOX.0000546989.33893.94
- McCulloch, I.L.; Mullens, CM; Shreve, J; Sarwari, AR; Ueno, CM. “Considerations for Systemic and Topical Treatment of Morganella morganii Septicemia Arising from Maggot Infestation.” WOUNDS 2018;30:E60-E64
- Mullens, CL; McCulloch, IL. “The Social Media Scrub-In.” Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery 2017. DOI:10.1097/PRS.0000000000003883
- McCulloch, I.L.; McClellan, WT. “Lipoma of the Finger with Neurovascular Bundle Divergence: A Rare Case.” ACS Case Reviews in Surgery
- McCulloch, I.L.; Addicks, B.A.; Lynch, M.; Patel, R. “Heavily Pigmented Sinonasal Melanoma with Indolent Behavior.” Hindawi
- Hardy, K.M.; Mullens, C.L.; McCulloch, I.L.; Manders, EK; Ueno, CM; Mason, AC. “Prolonged Allograft Survival in Immunocompromised Patients.” ACS Case Reviews in Surgery (In Press)
- Abdelsattar, J.; McCulloch, I.L.; Abunnaja, S. “Emergency Laparoscopic Repair in a Patient with a Unique Bleeding Gastrogastric Fistula.” Society of Obesity and Related Diseases
- Mullens, C.L.; Hernandez, J.A.; Hardy, K.M.; McCulloch, I.L.; Henderson, J.T.; Gabbay, J.; Ueno, C.M. “#PlasticSurgery: A Comparative Deep Dive into Social Media and Plastic Surgery.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
His commitment to advancing surgical knowledge through rigorous research and academic scholarship reflects his dedication to improving patient outcomes and contributing meaningfully to the broader field of plastic surgery.
Professional Recognition and Honors
Dr. McCulloch has received recognition for his academic excellence and contributions to surgical education and research:
- Resident Essay Competition Scholarship Winner, Massachusetts Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, 2024
- Terry and Frances Seelinger Scholarship for Entrepreneurship
- Dr. Richard Vaughn Scholarship
- Inductee, West Virginia University’s highest honorary society, Mountain Honorary
These honors reflect his commitment to academic excellence, surgical innovation, and professional leadership.
Patient Care Philosophy
Dr. McCulloch believes that exceptional plastic surgery results begin with understanding each patient’s unique goals, concerns, and individual needs. His approach to patient care emphasizes:
Personalized Surgical Planning: Dr. McCulloch takes time to listen carefully to each patient’s concerns, perform thorough clinical assessment, and develop a customized surgical plan that aligns with their individual goals and clinical circumstances.
Transparent Communication: Dr. McCulloch prioritizes honest, detailed discussions about treatment options, realistic outcome expectations, potential risks and benefits, and recovery timelines. He believes informed patients make better decisions about their care.
Evidence-Based Practice: Dr. McCulloch’s surgical approach is grounded in current medical literature, innovative techniques, and rigorous clinical outcomes assessment. His active research contributions reflect his commitment to advancing surgical knowledge and improving patient care.
Comprehensive Care: From initial consultation through post-operative follow-up, Dr. McCulloch and his team provide attentive, coordinated care to ensure patient comfort, safety, and satisfaction.
Commitment to Excellence: Dr. McCulloch maintains rigorous standards of surgical technique, patient safety, and clinical outcomes through ongoing education, research, and collaboration with colleagues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. McCulloch
What are Dr. McCulloch’s credentials and qualifications?
Dr. McCulloch earned his MD from West Virginia University School of Medicine and completed a Master of Research in Medicine from the University of St. Andrews School of Medicine in Scotland. He completed his Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Residency at Harvard Plastic Surgery Residency Program (Class of 2026), one of the nation’s most prestigious training programs.
What is Dr. McCulloch’s clinical experience?
Dr. McCulloch completed comprehensive training in all aspects of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Harvard, with particular experience in reconstructive surgery, tissue engineering, surgical innovation, and complex wound management. His training included extensive experience in microsurgery, aesthetic procedures, and advanced surgical problem-solving.
What procedures does Dr. McCulloch perform?
Dr. McCulloch specializes in:
- Deep plane facelift surgery
- SMAS facelift techniques
- Neck lift and jawline contouring
- Comprehensive facial rejuvenation
Is Dr. McCulloch involved in research or education?
Yes. Dr. McCulloch is an active researcher with 15 peer-reviewed publications and numerous academic citations. His research focuses on reconstructive surgery outcomes, surgical innovation, tissue engineering, and the role of digital platforms in surgical education. He also serves as a Teaching Fellow at Harvard Medical School, contributing to the education of medical students and residents.a
What leadership roles has Dr. McCulloch held?
During his residency at Harvard, Dr. McCulloch served as Chief Resident Executive Committee Representative, Social Media Chair, Website Chair, and Resident Education Chair. These roles reflected his commitment to advancing surgical education, professional collaboration, and digital communication within the plastic surgery community.
What is Dr. McCulloch’s approach to patient care?
Dr. McCulloch believes in personalized surgical planning, transparent communication, evidence-based practice, and comprehensive care. He takes time to understand each patient’s unique goals and concerns, provides detailed discussions about treatment options and realistic expectations, and maintains rigorous standards of surgical technique and patient safety.
How do I schedule a consultation with Dr. McCulloch?
To schedule a consultation, call (516) 742-3404 or book online through our website. Dr. McCulloch is currently seeing patients at our Columbus Circle, Westchester, and Garden City locations. Our team will help arrange an appointment that fits your schedule.
About New York Plastic Surgical Group
New York Plastic Surgical Group brings together experienced surgeons committed to delivering personalized, evidence-based plastic surgery care to patients throughout the New York metropolitan area. The practice emphasizes a collaborative approach to patient care, combining surgical expertise with advanced technology and a deep commitment to understanding each patient’s individual goals. Through a focus on innovation, rigorous clinical outcomes, and active engagement in surgical research and education, New York Plastic Surgical Group continues to advance the field of plastic surgery while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety and satisfaction.
- Manhattan
- Long Island
- Brooklyn
- Queens
- Westchester
- Connecticut
- New Jersey
