Steven Cai, MD
Steven Cai, MD
Dr. Steven Cai is a Plastic Surgeon with New York Plastic Surgical Group, serving patients throughout Long Island and New York City. He completed advanced training in both general surgery and plastic surgery and has contributed to numerous research publications and national presentations within the field. Dr. Cai is dedicated to delivering thoughtful, individualized care and helping patients achieve outcomes that support both confidence and quality of life.
Meet Dr. Steven Cai
Dr. Steven Cai is a plastic surgeon providing advanced cosmetic and reconstructive surgery to patients throughout the Long Island and Manhattan area. As an Associate at New York Plastic Surgery Group, Dr. Cai specializes in facial aesthetics and complex reconstruction, bringing both rigorous surgical training and a commitment to individualized patient outcomes. He specializes in rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, and deep plane facelifts and has completed international observerships with renowned plastic surgeons in South Korea, where he studied contemporary facial aesthetic techniques and gained insight into the latest innovations in rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, and facial rejuvenation.
With comprehensive expertise in aesthetic facial procedures and general reconstructive surgery, Dr. Cai combines technical precision with a thoughtful approach to surgical planning. His background in both general and plastic surgery, coupled with active involvement in surgical research and education, reflects a deep commitment to advancing the field while delivering exceptional results for each patient.
Education and Professional Credentials
Undergraduate Education
Dr. Cai earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences from The University of Chicago (2008–2012), establishing a solid foundation in the life sciences that prepared him for medical training and surgical specialization.
Medical School
Dr. Cai earned his Doctor of Medicine from Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University in North Chicago, Illinois (2013–2018). His medical education provided comprehensive training in clinical medicine, surgical fundamentals, and patient care principles.
Residency Training
Following medical school, Dr. Cai completed a comprehensive General Surgery Residency at Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School in Newark, New Jersey (2018–2023). During this five-year program, he gained extensive experience in trauma surgery, emergency procedures, and complex surgical management. In his final year, Dr. Cai was selected as Administrative Chief Resident, a leadership position in which he managed scheduling and coordination for an 85-person residency program, served as a liaison between residents and administrative leadership, and collaborated on implementing the annual educational curriculum.
Plastic Surgery Training
Dr. Cai completed his Plastic Surgery Residency at New York Plastic Surgical Group / Nassau University Medical Center in Garden City, New York. This specialized training encompasses the full breadth of plastic and reconstructive surgery, including aesthetic procedures, microsurgical reconstruction, hand surgery, and complex problem-solving in challenging cases.
Languages
Dr. Cai is conversational in Mandarin.
Clinical Experience and Areas of Expertise
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Practice
Dr. Cai provides plastic and reconstructive surgery services to patients throughout Long Island and New York City. His clinical training encompasses the full spectrum of plastic surgery, with particular focus on areas aligned with his stated interests:
Facial Aesthetics: Dr. Cai has developed expertise in facial aesthetic procedures, including Asian facial aesthetics, through his comprehensive plastic surgery residency training. His specialties include rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, and deep plane facelifts.
General Reconstruction: Dr. Cai’s residency training has provided extensive experience in reconstructive surgical techniques and complex problem-solving.
Leadership and Teaching Experience
Administrative Chief Resident, Rutgers General Surgery Program
During his final year of residency, Dr. Cai held the position of Administrative Chief Resident, overseeing operational and educational functions for an 85-person surgical residency program. In this role, he managed resident scheduling and program coordination, served as a bridge between residents and program administration, and worked with leadership to develop and implement the annual educational curriculum. This experience reflects his dedication to surgical education and program management.
Research, Publications, and Academic Contributions
Dr. Cai maintains an active interest in surgical research and education, with contributions to peer-reviewed literature and presentations at major medical conferences.
Research Experience
Medical Research Scholars Program (MRSP), National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD
Research Fellow, NICHD (July 2016 – July 2017)
- Focus: Melanocortin 3 Receptor Regulates Autophagy and Lipid Metabolism in Liver
- Mentors: Jack Yanovski, MD, Ph.D & Lynette Nieman, MD
Student Research Training Program (SRTP), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Research Fellow, Department of Surgery (May 2014 – August 2014)
- Focus: Bile Diversion to the distal intestine achieves weight loss and metabolic effects similar to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
- Mentors: Naji Abumrad, MD & Robb Flynn, Ph.D
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Dr. Cai has authored or co-authored publications in plastic surgery and surgical research:
- Kunda N, Cai SB, Dagum AB. “The Small Finger Reverse Ulnar Digital Artery Hypothenar Palmar Perforator Flap: An Anatomical Study With Clinical Examples.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2024 Nov 22;12(11):e6331.
- Bogdasarian RN, Cai SB, Tran BNN, Ignatiuk A, Lee ES. “Surgical prevention of terminal neuroma and phantom limb pain: a literature review.” Archives of Plastic Surgery. 2021 May;48(3):310-322.
- Flynn CR, Albaugh VL, Cai SB, et al. “Bile diversion to the distal small intestine has comparable metabolic benefits to bariatric surgery.” Nature Communications. 2015;6:7715.
- Albaugh VL, Flynn CR, Cai SB, et al. “Early increases in bile acids post Roux-en-Y gastric bypass are driven by insulin-sensitizing, secondary bile acids.” Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2015;100(9).
- Zeng ZT, Natesan K, Cai SB. “Characterization of Oxide Scale on Alloy 446 by X-Ray Nanobeam Analysis.” Electrochemistry Solid-State Letters. 2008.
Oral Presentations
- “Melanocortin 3 Receptor Regulates Autophagy and Lipid Metabolism in Liver,” Medical Research Scholars Program Research Conference, NIH, Bethesda, MD, May 2017
- “A Peripheral Role for Melanocortin 3 Receptor in Obesity,” Pediatric Endocrine Research Conference, NICHD, April 2017
Poster and Conference Presentations
- Cai SB, Jun J, Patel P, et al. “Melanocortin 3 Receptor Regulates Autophagy and Lipid Metabolism in Liver.” ADA Scientific Sessions, San Diego, CA, June 2017
- Albaugh VL, Cai SB, et al. “Insulin-Sensitizing, Bacterially-Derived Secondary Bile Acids Drive Early Surges Post RYGB.” Obesity Week, Los Angeles, CA, Nov 2015
- Cai SB, Flynn R, Abumrad N. “Bile Diversion Achieves Weight Loss Similar to RYGB.” NIDDK Symposium, Nashville, TN, Aug 2015
- Uhlman AJ, Gehle DB, Jun JY, Cai SB, et al. “MC3R and Circadian Rhythmicity.” Obesity Week 2017
- Patel PG, Jun JY, Roberson RB, Cai SB, et al. “Role of Adiponectin in MC3R-Insufficiency.” Obesity Week 2017
Dr. Cai’s involvement in research and education demonstrates his commitment to advancing surgical knowledge and contributing to the broader medical community.
Approach to Patient Care
Dr. Cai views each patient consultation as an opportunity to understand individual aesthetic goals, concerns, and lifestyle factors. His surgical philosophy is built on several core principles:
Individualized Surgical Planning: Dr. Cai believes that effective surgical outcomes require careful listening and thorough assessment. Rather than applying a standard approach to all patients, he develops customized surgical plans that reflect each patient’s unique anatomy, goals, and preferences.
Clear Communication and Informed Consent: Dr. Cai prioritizes detailed discussions about available treatment options, realistic expectations for outcomes, potential risks and complications, and the recovery process. He believes that well-informed patients are better equipped to make decisions aligned with their values and goals.
Aesthetic Harmony and Balance: Dr. Cai’s surgical approach emphasizes creating results that appear natural and proportionate to each patient’s overall appearance and body structure. The goal is enhancement that looks intentional but not overdone.
Continuity of Care: From the initial consultation through post-operative recovery, Dr. Cai and his team maintain close communication with patients, addressing questions and concerns and monitoring healing progress.
Ongoing Professional Development: Dr. Cai remains engaged with current surgical literature, attends continuing education programs, and collaborates with colleagues to ensure his practice reflects the latest evidence-based techniques and innovations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and training does Dr. Cai have?
Dr. Cai earned his MD from Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University and completed a comprehensive General Surgery Residency at Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, where he served as Administrative Chief Resident. He recently completed his Plastic Surgery Residency at New York Plastic Surgical Group / Nassau University Medical Center.
What is Dr. Cai’s background in plastic surgery?
Dr. Cai completed medical school (2013–2018) and a five-year general surgery residency (2018–2023) before pursuing specialized training in plastic surgery. He completed his plastic surgery residency with New York Plastic Surgical Group/NUMC in June of 2026, where he received comprehensive training in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, microsurgery, and complex surgical cases.
Which procedures does Dr. Cai offer?
Dr. Cai’s surgical expertise includes facial aesthetics (facelift, eyelid surgery, neck lift, fat grafting), hand surgery, breast surgery, and microsurgical reconstruction.
Does Dr. Cai have experience in research and teaching?
Yes. Dr. Cai has authored or co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications in plastic surgery and surgical research, and has presented research findings at major medical conferences including the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions, Obesity Week, and the NIH Medical Research Scholars Program Research Conference. He also has teaching experience from medical school and served as Administrative Chief Resident during his general surgery training.
What is Dr. Cai’s philosophy regarding patient care?
Dr. Cai emphasizes individualized surgical planning, transparent communication about options and expectations, and achieving natural-looking results that enhance each patient’s appearance while maintaining proportion and balance. He believes in maintaining close communication with patients throughout their surgical journey.
How can I schedule a consultation with Dr. Cai?
To schedule a consultation, please contact New York Plastic Surgical Group. Dr. Cai serves patients throughout Long Island and Manhattan.
About New York Plastic Surgical Group
New York Plastic Surgical Group provides advanced cosmetic and reconstructive surgery services to patients throughout Long Island, New York City, Westchester and beyond. The practice is committed to innovation, ongoing education, and advancing the field of plastic surgery.
- Manhattan
- Long Island
- Brooklyn
- Queens
- Westchester
- Connecticut
- New Jersey
