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Dr. David L. Cangello, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
in New York City
Dr. David L. Cangello is a world-class, board-certified plastic surgeon based in Manhattan, New York, specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. An accomplished artist as well as a surgeon, Dr. Cangello has long believed that plastic surgery exists at the intersection of science and art—an identity that shapes his approach to every procedure and guides his pursuit of natural-looking, balanced results. With over 15 years of private practice experience and extensive training in both surgical artistry and advanced research methodologies, Dr. Cangello has established himself as a leading figure in plastic surgery across New York City and beyond. His practice, located at 30 E. 60th Street in Manhattan, combines clinical excellence with a deep commitment to natural-looking results and personalized patient care.
Contact plastic surgeon Dr. David Cangello today at (212) 644-4416 to schedule a consultation at his NYC office.
Board-Certified Credentials and Professional Standing
Dr. David L. Cangello holds the distinction of being a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the gold standard certification in the field. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), a credential earned through rigorous peer review and demonstrating exceptional surgical skill and ethical practice. These certifications represent years of specialized training, board examination success, and ongoing commitment to the highest standards of surgical care.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York, Dr. Cangello maintains active, unrestricted medical licensure in New York State and holds memberships in prestigious professional organizations, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the New York Regional Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is also a distinguished member of The Rhinoplasty Society, reflecting his particular expertise in nasal surgery and facial aesthetics.
Extensive Surgical Training and Education
Dr. Cangello’s educational foundation is built on training from some of the nation’s most respected medical institutions. He earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from SUNY Upstate College of Medicine at Syracuse (1998-2002), where he also served as a Gross Anatomy Teaching Assistant, demonstrating early commitment to surgical education and mentorship.
Following medical school, Dr. Cangello completed a comprehensive General Surgery Residency at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York (2002-2007), where he served as Chief Resident during his final year. This rigorous training provided him with foundational surgical skills and experience in acute care, trauma, and complex surgical decision-making.
He then pursued specialized training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia (2007-2009), completing both his PGY-6 and PGY-7 years and serving as Chief Resident in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery during his final year. This prestigious program is known for producing surgeons with exceptional technical skill and comprehensive knowledge of both aesthetic and reconstructive procedures.
Dr. Cangello was one of only two surgeons in the world trained directly by Dr. Sydney Coleman, the plastic surgeon credited with pioneering modern fat grafting techniques. This specialized training occurred during Dr. Cangello’s time in private practice, when he and Dr. Coleman worked together as associates for two years. During this period, Dr. Coleman personally trained Dr. Cangello in his methods, an experience that has strongly influenced Dr. Cangello’s approach to fat transfer in both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.
Advanced Research Background and Scientific Contributions
Dr. Cangello’s reputation for excellence and his contributions to the medical field have earned him recognition. His recent achievements include:
- Named a “Top Doctor” by Castle Connolly
- Listed as a “Super Doctor” in the New York Times Magazine
- Named “Top Doctor” by Realself
- Awarded the Patient’s Choice Award by OpenCare
- Sought by numerous media outlets for his expert opinion as a plastic surgeon and has appeared multiple times as a medical contributor on CBS.
- Featured as a Rhinoplasty expert in Harper’s Bazaar, Seventeen Magazine and Refinery 29 Online.
- Author of numerous articles in prestigious Scientific Journals.
In addition to his private practice as a plastic surgeon, Dr. Cangello also maintains additional professional affiliations, including:
What distinguishes Dr. Cangello among his peers is his unique combination of clinical expertise and rigorous scientific training. He holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Biochemistry from Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health (1995-1997), where he completed graduate-level research in the Division of Reproductive Biology. His master’s thesis, titled “Age-related effects on the ultrastructure of the Leydig Cell in the Brown Norway rat,” was completed at Johns Hopkins and published in peer-reviewed literature.
Dr. Cangello’s research background extends across multiple disciplines, including:
- Microvascular surgery and tissue engineering – Advanced surgical techniques for complex reconstructive cases
- Electron microscopy and cellular analysis – Understanding tissue structure at the microscopic level
- Biochemical and molecular research – Including cell culture, flow cytometry, ELISA, PCR, and RT-PCR techniques
- FDA clinical investigations – Serving as an investigator for Merz Aesthetics in FDA studies for Radiesse® hand rejuvenation approval
- Novel laser research – Investigating 1064 nm laser technology as a treatment approach for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
This research experience informs his surgical practice, allowing him to understand the biological basis of surgical outcomes and stay at the forefront of innovation in plastic surgery.
Research Training and Experience
Dr. Cangello’s research career includes:
- Research Fellow – New York University Hospital Department of Plastic Surgery, under Dr. Geoffrey Gurtner (renowned tissue engineer and microsurgeon)
- Senior Research Assistant – Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Baltimore, MD (1997-1998)
- Graduate Research Fellow – Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Department of Biochemistry, Division of Reproductive Biology, Baltimore, MD (1996-1998)
- Gross Anatomy Teaching Assistant – SUNY Upstate College of Medicine, Syracuse, NY
Technical Skills and Expertise
Dr. Cangello’s technical proficiency includes:
- Microvascular Surgery
- Electron Microscopy
- Cell Culture
- Flow Cytometry
- ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay)
- PCR and RT-PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
- Column Chromatography
- DNA/RNA Isolation Techniques
Prestigious Hospital Affiliations in New York
Dr. Cangello maintains active surgical privileges and attending positions at multiple leading medical institutions across New York City:
- NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center – Clinical Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery (2013-present)
- Northwell Health / Lenox Hill Hospital – Attending Plastic Surgeon (2009-present)
- Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital – Attending Plastic Surgeon (2009-present)
- NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital – Attending Plastic Surgeon (2009-present)
His appointments within the Department of Plastic Surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital and Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital, where he lectures and helps train fellows in cosmetic surgery through one of the nation’s most prestigious and long-standing cosmetic surgery training fellowships, as well as his academic appointment at NewYork-Presbyterian, reflect his contributions to surgical education and his standing within leading academic medical centers. Through these roles, Dr. Cangello is actively involved in mentoring and teaching surgeons while maintaining a strong commitment to clinical excellence.
Awards, Recognition, and Professional Honors
Dr. Cangello’s work has been recognized by leading medical organizations and publications:
- Newsweek Best Plastic Surgeon (2025) – Honored as one of the nation’s best rhinoplasty surgeons
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor – Recognized for six consecutive years for excellence in plastic surgery
- RealSelf Top Doctor – Consistently rated highly by patients on the leading cosmetic surgery review platform
- Super Doctors® Recognition – Named a Super Doctors® Rising Star early in his career and subsequently recognized as a Super Doctor® for multiple years, as featured in New York Times Magazine
- Top Doctor for Open Care – Recognition for accessibility and patient-centered care
These accolades reflect both his technical skill and his commitment to patient satisfaction and ethical practice.
Leadership Roles and Advisory Positions
Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Cangello serves in leadership capacities that demonstrate his influence and expertise:
- Medical Director, SISU Clinic, New York – Overseeing clinical standards and patient care protocols
- Advisory Board Member, Regenyx Corporation – Contributing to the development of regenerative medicine solutions for plastic and reconstructive surgery
- Advisory Board Member, Whiteley Medical Instruments – Advising on surgical instrumentation and clinical application
These positions reflect his recognition as a thought leader in the field and his commitment to advancing surgical innovation.
Media Appearances and Expert Commentary
Dr. Cangello has been featured in numerous media outlets as an expert commentator on plastic surgery topics, including:
- CBS News – Segment on hair restoration and male aesthetics (“Study says men are more attractive with hair”)
- CBS Morning Rounds – Discussion of supplements, medical tourism, and cosmetic surgery safety
- Inside Edition – Featured in investigative segments (“What happened to Renee?”)
- About.com Web Series – Expert commentary on breast augmentation timing and family planning (“Should you wait until after having kids to get breast implants?”)
- Fox News – Expert video commentary on plastic surgery topics
- Refinery29 – Video features and expert commentary
- Seventeen Magazine – Online video appearances
- Harper’s Bazaar – Online video features
His media presence reflects his ability to communicate complex surgical concepts to the general public and his commitment to patient education and informed decision-making.
Dr Cangello Featured
in 
Magazine
Scholarly Publications and Research Contributions
Dr. Cangello’s contributions to the medical literature include peer-reviewed publications, a book chapter, and presentations at major medical conferences.
Coleman, S.R. and Cangello, D.L. “Correction of Liposuction Deformities.” In: Fat Injection From Filling to Regeneration, Second Edition. October 2016. 900pp. ISBN: 9781482241358.
- Wasowska, B.A., Qian Z., Behrens, E., Cangello, D., Sanfilippo, F., Baldwin, W.M.: “Elimination of Antibody Responses Inhibits Acute And Chronic Cardiac Allograft Rejection In Mice.” Transplantation, suppl., 1998; 65, 166.
- Qian, Z., Wasowska, B.A, Behrens, E., Cangello, D.L., Brody, J.R., Kadkol, S.S., Horwitz, L., Liu, J., Lowenstain, C., Hess, A.D., Sanfilippo, F., Baldwin, W.M., III.: “C6 produced by macrophages contributes to cardiac allograft rejection.” Journal of the American Pathological Association, 1999; 155: 1293.
- Wasowska, B. A., Qian Z., Cangello, D., Behrens, van Tran, K., Layton, J., Sanfilippo, F., Baldwin, W.M.: “Passive transfer of alloantibodies restores acute cardiac rejection in IgKO mice.” Transplantation, 2001; 71: 727.
- Wasowska, B., Qian, Z., Behrens, E., Cangello, D., Sanfilippo, F., Baldwin, W.M. III: “Inhibition of acute cardiac allograft rejection in immunoglobulin deficient mice.” Transplantation Proceedings, 1999; 31, 136.
- Wasowska, B.A., Qian, Z., Cangello, van Tran, T., Layton, J., Sanfilippo, F., Baldwin, W.M., III,: “Alloantibodies restore cardiac allograft rejection to IgKO mice.” Transplantation Proceedings, 2001; 33: 317.
- Chen, H., Cangello, D., Benson, S., Folmer, J., Zhu H., Trush, M., Zirkin, B.R.: “Age-related increase in mitochondrial superoxide generation in the testosterone-producing cells of Brown Norway rat testes: relationship to reduced steroidogenic function?” Experimental Gerontology. Vol: 36, Issue: 8, August 2001 pp. 1361-1373.
- Wasowska, B., Qian Z., Behrens, E., Cangello, D., Sanfilippo, F., Baldwin, W.M.: “Elimination of Antibody Responses Inhibits Acute And Chronic Cardiac Allograft Rejection In Mice.” 17th Annual Meeting of American Society of Transplant Physicians, Chicago, IL, U.S.A., Transplantation, suppl., 1998; 65, 352, and XVII International Congress of the Transplantation Society, Montreal, Canada.
- Wasowska, B.A., Qian, Z., Behrens, E., Cangello, D., Sanfilippo, F., Baldwin, W.M., III,: “Abrogation of acute cardiac rejection in antibody deficient models in mice.” Experimental Biology ’99, Washington, DC, April, 1999. Abstracts, 414.5, p. 152.
- Wasowska, B.A., Qian, Z., Cangello, D., Elshimi, T., van Tran, T., Hu, W., Sanfilippo, F., Baldwin, W.M., III,: “Passive transfer of antibodies restores acute cardiac rejection in Ig knock out mice.” 18th Annual Meeting of American Society of Transplant Physicians, Chicago, IL, U.S.A., Transplantation, suppl., 1999, 67, s76.
- Wasowska, B.A., Qian, Z., Cangello, D., van Tran, T., Layton, J., Sanfilippo, F., Baldwin, W.M., III,: “Complement-activating alloantibodies restore acute cardiac allograft rejection to IgKO mice.” Transplant 2000 Joint Meeting of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons and American Society of Transplantation, Chicago, IL, Supplement to Transplantation, 2000, 69, s375.
- Wasowska, B.A., Qian, Z., Cangello, van Tran, T., Layton, J., Sanfilippo, F., Baldwin, W.M., III,: “Alloantibodies restore cardiac allograft rejection to IgKO mice.” XVIII International Congress of the Transplantation Society, Rome, Italy, 2000, Abstracts, p.187 (#0486).
- Bonillas, R.G., Ceradini, D.J., Cetrulo, C.L., Seiser, N., Michaels, J., Cangello, D.L., Bhatt, K.A., Levine, J.P., Gurtner, G.C. “Inside-out” tissue engineering: using microcirculatory beds as vascularized scaffolds.” Joint Meeting of the Tissue Engineering Society International and the European Tissue Engineering Society, October 10-13, 2004. Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Bonillas, R.G., Ceradini, D.J., Cetrulo, C.L., Cangello, D.L., Michaels, J., Seiser, N., Bhatt, K.A., Levine, J.P., Gurtner, G.C. “Inside-Out” Tissue Engineering: Generating Vascularized Neo-Organs Using Explanted Microcirculatory Beds.” 50th Annual Plastic Surgery Research Council Meeting, May 18-21, 2005. Toronto, Ontario Canada. In Submission.
Clinical Philosophy and Approach to Patient Care
Dr. Cangello’s approach to plastic surgery is grounded in the principle that “surgical artistry must be balanced with scientific precision to achieve results that enhance natural beauty rather than alter it.” As a formally trained artist, Dr. Cangello applies the same principles of proportion, symmetry, and structural harmony to surgery that he uses in drawing and sculpting—allowing him to visualize anatomy three-dimensionally and execute results that never appear overdone or artificial. His philosophy emphasizes:
- Natural-looking results – Avoiding over-correction and maintaining facial harmony and proportion
- Individualized treatment planning – Customizing procedures to each patient’s unique anatomy and aesthetic goals
- Comprehensive surgical skill – Drawing on training in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery to address complex cases
- Patient education – Ensuring informed consent through detailed discussions of procedure options, risks, and expected outcomes
- Ongoing refinement – Staying current with advances in surgical technique and technology through continuing education and research
As Dr. Cangello notes, “The best surgical result is one that makes patients feel more like themselves—enhanced, not transformed.” This patient-centered philosophy has earned him recognition from both peers and patients alike.
Comprehensive Surgical Expertise
Dr. Cangello’s surgical expertise spans the full spectrum of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, with particular distinction in:
- Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) – Including primary and revision cases
- Facelift and mini-facelift procedures
- Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
- Brow lift and forehead rejuvenation
- Chin augmentation and reduction
- Autologous fat grafting for facial rejuvenation, contour refinement, and correction of volume loss
- Breast augmentation with silicone and saline implants
- Breast lift (mastopexy)
- Breast reduction
- Revision breast surgery
- Correction of liposuction deformities
- Fat grafting to the breasts for contour refinement, volume enhancement, and correction of asymmetry
- Liposuction and body sculpting
- Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
- Mommy makeover procedures
- Body lift and skin tightening
- Injectable fillers (Radiesse®, hyaluronic acid products)
- Neurotoxin treatments
- Laser skin resurfacing
Why Choose Dr. Cangello for Plastic Surgery in New York?
Dr. Cangello’s board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and fellowship in the American College of Surgeons represent the highest standards of surgical training and ethical practice. These credentials are earned through rigorous examination and peer review, not purchased or self-designated.
His unique background combining clinical surgery with advanced research training allows him to understand the biological basis of surgical outcomes and apply evidence-based techniques to his practice.
His position as Clinical Assistant Professor at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical College reflects his standing within the academic medical community and his commitment to advancing surgical education.
Privileges at multiple prestigious institutions across New York City demonstrate his acceptance by peer surgeons and his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of surgical care.
Multiple awards from Newsweek, Castle Connolly, and RealSelf reflect both technical excellence and patient satisfaction over many years.
Dr. Cangello’s philosophy emphasizes understanding each patient’s unique goals and anatomy, resulting in natural-looking outcomes that enhance rather than alter appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Cangello’s practice is conveniently located at 30 E. 60th Street, Suite 2501, New York, NY 10022, in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper East Side. His office is easily accessible by public transportation and offers ample parking nearby. As a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 15 years of experience and multiple prestigious hospital affiliations, Dr. Cangello provides comprehensive cosmetic and reconstructive surgery services with a commitment to natural-looking results and personalized patient care. To schedule a consultation, call (212) 644-4416 or visit the practice website.
Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery requires:
- Completion of an accredited medical school (4 years)
- General surgery residency (5 years minimum)
- Plastic surgery residency (2-3 years)
- Passing rigorous written and oral board examinations
- Ongoing continuing medical education and peer review
Non-board-certified surgeons may have completed medical school and some surgical training but have not passed the comprehensive board examination or may not have completed accredited residency training. Board certification is a voluntary credential but represents the gold standard in the field and is recognized by major medical organizations including the American Medical Association and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Dr. Cangello has maintained a private practice in plastic and reconstructive surgery since July 2009, providing over 15 years of clinical experience. His training, however, began in 2002 with his general surgery residency, giving him more than 20 years of total surgical experience. During this time, he has performed thousands of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures and has maintained active surgical privileges at multiple prestigious hospitals across New York City.
Dr. Cangello’s practice works with patients to make cosmetic surgery accessible while maintaining the highest standards of care. Learn more about financing options.