Larry H. Lickstein, MD, FACS
Award-Winning Plastic Surgeon – Precision, Experience, Natural Results
Founder, Elle Aesthetic Arts & Plastic Surgery – Northern Virginia’s Premier Destination for Surgical & Non-Surgical Aesthetic Excellence.
Elite Education. Innovative Approach. Exceptional Aesthetic Outcomes.
Why Choose Dr. Lickstein?
Dr. Lickstein is a Leader in Aesthetic Excellence
- Founder and Medical Director of Elle Aesthetic Arts & Plastic Surgery in Ashburn, VA (est. 2020)
- Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery; re-certified through 2031
- Named one of America’s Best Plastic Surgeons by Newsweek (Top 150 for Breast Augmentation, 2022)
- Selected by Galderma as a GAIN (Galderma Aesthetic Injector Network) Trainer, with over 90 peer training sessions to date on safe, effective use of Dysport®, Restylane®, and Sculptra® (2019-)
- Recognized as a Top Plastic Surgeon by Northern Virginia Magazine (2018–2024), Washingtonian Magazine (2022–2023), and Arlington Magazine (2019)
- Multiple awards from DC Magazine, including Best Medspa in Virginia (2025), Best Breast Augmentation Surgeon (2023–2024), and Leading Health & Beauty Expert (2022–2024)
- Extensive leadership experience at top aesthetic institutions, including six years on the Cleveland Clinic Florida faculty
- Known for his precision, warm bedside manner, and natural-looking results tailored to each patient’s unique goals
Dr. Lickstein is a world-renowned top plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience
Education & Experience
Dr. Larry Lickstein earned his medical degree from the New York University School of Medicine, where he graduated with top honors and was awarded the Alpha Omega Alpha distinction—reserved for the three students with the highest academic performance across four years. He completed his undergraduate studies at Princeton University, earning an AB in Molecular Biology cum laude, and was valedictorian of his high school class of 750 students.
Following medical school, Dr. Lickstein trained extensively at Harvard Medical School–affiliated institutions. He completed his general surgery internship and residency at Beth Israel Hospital, followed by a chief residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Dr. Lickstein then pursued advanced fellowship training in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Pittsburgh—home to one of the most rigorous programs in the country and consistently ranked as the top plastic surgery residency program in the U.S. (Doximity Rankings).
This traditional foundation, paired with elite fellowship experience, has shaped Dr. Lickstein’s reputation for surgical precision, aesthetic excellence, and a results-driven approach that puts patients first.
Certification, Affiliations, & Licensure
Dr. Lickstein is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has been re-certified through 2031. He was also certified by the American Board of Surgery from 1999 to 2009 and is a diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examiners.
He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), where he currently serves on the Patient Safety Committee. Dr. Lickstein is also a member of the National Capital Society of Plastic Surgeons and previously belonged to the Medical Society of Northern Virginia and the John Staige Davis Society.
Dr. Lickstein is licensed to practice medicine in Virginia and Maryland. Earlier in his career, he also held licenses in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts while completing his training at top academic institutions.
Honored Among America’s Top Doctors
For over two decades, Dr. Larry Lickstein has been recognized by Castle Connolly as a “Top Doctor” in plastic surgery, earning this prestigious honor every year from 2004 through 2025.
Castle Connolly Top Doctor, 2004–2025
This long-standing recognition reflects Dr. Lickstein’s reputation as a leader in both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Known for his surgical precision, individualized approach, and commitment to patient safety, Dr. Lickstein continues to be trusted by peers and patients alike.
Castle Connolly’s selection process is based on physician-led research, peer nominations, and a rigorous vetting process—making it one of the most respected physician honors in the country. Dr. Lickstein’s consistent inclusion underscores his dedication to delivering natural results with exceptional care. His recognition as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for more than 20 years speaks to his unmatched experience and his continued influence in the field of plastic surgery.
2025 DC Modern Luxury Magazine,
Best Medspa of Virginia
2022 Newsweek Magazine, America’s Best Plastic Surgeons
Included on list of our Nation’s Top 150 Breast Augmentation Surgeons
2022 DC Magazine, The List
Recognized as a business leader in the May “Wellness” publication
2004-2023 America’s Top Doctors, Castle-Connolly Publisher
Top Doc, US News & World Reports
2022 Virginia Living Magazine,
Top Doctors
2018-2023 Northern Virginia Magazine,
Top Plastic Surgeon
2022 Washingtonian Magazine,
Top Doctor
Research, Teaching & Thought Leadership
Dr. Lickstein has authored multiple peer-reviewed journal articles and contributed to UpToDate and medical textbooks. He frequently lectures at national plastic surgery meetings and academic institutions, with recent talks at Georgetown University and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. A former faculty member at Cleveland Clinic Florida, Dr. Lickstein remains active with Galderma as an invited speaker. In the past, he served on the speaker’s bureau for Zeltiq (later Allergan) for CoolSculpting and for LifeCell (later Acelity), where he lectured and led cadaver labs focused on breast and abdominal wall surgery. His ongoing work continues to shape the future of both surgical and injectable aesthetic medicine.
Honors & Distinctions
View All Honors & Distinctions
- 2025 DC Magazine, Best of the City
Best Medspa in Virginia - 2004-2025 America’s Top Doctors, Castle-Connolly Publisher
Top Doc, US News & World Reports
Recognizing the top 7% of doctors nationwide, highlighting not only their expertise but also the trust and admiration of the peers who submitted the nomination - 2024 DC Magazine, Top Healthcare Professionals
- 2024 DC Magazine, Leading Health and Beauty Expert
- 2023-2024 DC Magazine, Best of the City, Best Breast Augmentation Surgeon
- 2023 DC Magazine, Modern Man
- 2018-2024 Northern Virginia Magazine, Top Plastic Surgeon
- 2022-2023 Washingtonian Magazine, Top Doctors
- 2023 Ashburn Magazine, Best of Ashburn, Plastic Surgery
- 2022 Newsweek Magazine, America’s Best Plastic Surgeons
Included on list of our Nation’s Top 150 Breast Augmentation Surgeons - 2022 DC Magazine, The List, Recognized as a business leader in the May “Wellness” publication
- 2022 DC Magazine, Leading Health & Beauty Expert
- 2022 Virginia Living Magazine, Top Doctors
- 2019 Arlington Magazine, Top Plastic Surgeon
- 2018 RealSelf 100 & 500 Hall of Fame, RealSelf.com
- 2018 Most Loved Injector nominee, RealSelf.com
- 2016 2016 RealSelf 500 list. RealSelf.com
- 2013 Baltimore Magazine Top Doc, Plastic Surgery (Body Contouring)
- 2013 Baltimore Magazine Top Doc, Plastic Surgery (Facial Surgery)
- 2007-2009 America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumers’ Research Council of America
- 2004-2005 The Gulfshore’s Top Doctors, Gulfshore Life Magazine
- 2002 America’s Top Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council of America
- 2000 Second Place Presentation, 43rd Annual Scientific Meeting, The Ivy Society.
Cleveland, OH.
The SIEA flap in breast reconstruction (delivered by Dr. Sandeep Kathju) - 1993 Alpha Omega Alpha Award recognizing the three students with the highest scholastic rating for the four years of the study of medicine
- 1993 Alpha Omega Alpha, Vice President, Delta Chapter of New York
- 1991 American Cancer Society Institution Grant, New York University School of Medicine
- 1990 Gideon Goldstein Academic Achievement Award in Immunology, New York University School of Medicine
- 1987 Forbes College Service Award, Princeton University
Scientific Research & Publications
View All Scientific Research & Publications
- Research
- 2002-2006 McGhan Medical Corporation Silicone-Filled Breast Implant, Adjunct Clinical Study.
- 2001-2006 Mentor H/S Silicone Gel-Filled Mammary Prosthesis Clinical, Research Study (Principal Investigator, CCF Naples, 2001-06).
- 1990-1991 Research Fellow. Advisor: Alan Frey, PhD, Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine
- 1990 Clinical Research Assistant. Advisor: William Ganz, MD, Department of Radiology (Division of Nuclear Medicine), University of Miami School of Medicine
- 1988-1989 Undergraduate Research Fellow. Advisor: Arnold J. Levine, PhD, Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University
- Peer reviewed Publications
- Lickstein LH, Bentz MB. Reconstruction of pediatric foot and ankle trauma. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery 14(4):1-7, 2003.
- Lickstein LH, Shestak KC. The conceptual evolution of modern reduction mammoplasty. Operative Techniques in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 6(2):88-96, 1999.
Lickstein LH, Matthews JB. “Role of surgery in the management of peptic ulcer disease.” In: Rose BD, ed. Up-to-Date in Gastroenterology and Hepatology (a CD-ROM based textbook) UpToDate, Inc. 1997.
Lickstein LH, Matthews JB. “Elective surgical management of peptic ulcer disease.” In: Ashley SW, ed. Problems in General Surgery. Philadelphia: JB Lippincott, Inc. 1996.
Ganz W, Serafini A, Lerner D, Lisko J, Lickstein L, Kaplan H, Gonzalez R, Sahu S, Serafini GN. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging goes beyond anatomy. Critical Reviews in Diagnostic Imaging 36(6):479-503, 1995.
Lickstein LH. A structural characterization of wildtype and mutant p53 using monoclonal antibodies as molecular probes. Undergraduate Thesis. Submitted to Princeton University, 1989.
- Publications:
Plastic surgery for buttock aesthetics after massive weight loss. ObestiyHelp.com, July, 2020.
The belly button after tummy tuck plastic surgery. ObestiyHelp.com September, 2019.
Sculptra buttlift. Your Health Magazine. July, 2018.
Five tummy tuck myths. Your Health Magazine. June, 2018.
Do I need a lift? Your Health Magazine. May, 2018.
Coolsculpting versus traditional lipo: which one is right for you. Your Health Magazine. April, 2018.
Setting expectations for weight loss body contouring. ObestiyHelp.com, April, 2018.
Get ready to show off your skin (Contributor). Northern Virginia Magazine. April, 2018.
Instalift and the 5 R’s of in-office facial rejuvenation. Your Health Magazine. March, 2018.
Do people congratulate you on being pregnant two years later? Your Health Magazine. February, 2018.
Body contouring for bariatric patients. Your Health Magazine. December, 2017.
Understanding the headlines about breast implants and cancer. Your Health Magazine. September, 2017.
What are some new ways in which cosmetic surgeons are using botox or other neurotoxins? (Contributor). Cosmetic Surgery Times. July, 2017.
Has Beyonce had lip injections? Your Health Magazine. June, 2017.
Cosmetic surgery: tips to reduce stress before surgery. Your Health Magazine. December, 2016.
6 tips to prepare for surgery after massive weight loss. ObesityHelp.com. November, 2016.
The luminous lift: a holistic approach to facial rejuvenation. Your Health Magazine. June, 2016.
Presentations
View All Presentations
- The Aesthetic Meeting 2019. ElKhoury J, Shaloub R, Lickstein L, Bitar G. “A New Classification and Algorithm for Abdominal Etching.” (presented by Dr. ElKhoury) New Orleans, LA. May, 2019.
- Plastic Surgery Grand Rounds. “The (Private) Practice of Plastic Surgery.” Department of Plastic Surgery, Georgetown University School of Medicine. Washington, DC. December, 2019.
- Plastic Surgery Grand Rounds. “Optimizing Management & Outcomes of the Post-Bariatric Body Contouring Patient.” Department of Plastic Surgery, Georgetown University School of Medicine. Washington, DC. January, 2019.
- “The (private) practice of plastic surgery.” Plastic surgery interest group, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Baltimore, MD. May, 2015.
- Medical Grand Rounds. “Autologous tissue and the reconstructive elevator: the new paradigm in plastic surgery.” Department of Medicine, St. Josephs Medical Center. Baltimore, MD. February, 2009.’
- Surgical Grand Rounds. “The reconstructive elevator: the new paradigm in plastic surgery.” Department of Surgery, St. Josephs Medical Center. Baltimore, MD. September, 2007.’
- Medical Grand Rounds. “Beyond nips and tucks: an introduction to reconstructive plastic surgery.” Department of Medicine, Greater Baltimore Medical Center. Baltimore, MD. May, 2007.
- Surgical Grand Rounds. “Autologous tissue and the reconstructive elevator: the new paradigm in plastic surgery.” Department of Surgery, Greater Baltimore Medical Center. Baltimore, MD. November, 2006.
- Cleveland Clinic Florida Continuing Medical Education lecture series for Physicians. Lickstein, LH. “Periorbital rejuvenation.” March, 2005.
- Innovations in Aesthetic Surgery. CME meeting jointly sponsored by the Departments of Plastic Surgery of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and Cleveland Clinic Florida. Lickstein, LH (host faculty). “Optimizing breast augmentation.” Ft. Lauderdale, FL. March, 2004.
- Cleveland Clinic Florida Continuing Medical Education lecture series for physicians. Lickstein, LH. “Parts is parts: autologous tissue in reconstruction.” Naples, FL. November, 2003.
- Cleveland Clinic Florida Continuing Medical Education lecture series for physicians. Lickstein, LH. “An update on breast reconstruction.” Naples, FL. October, 2002.
- Ohio Valley Society for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Annual Meeting Lickstein LH, Bentz ML. “Reconstruction of the foot and ankle in the pediatric population” Cleveland, OH. June, 2000.
- Plastic Surgery Senior Residents Meeting. Lickstein LH, Bentz ML. “Pediatric foot and ankle trauma” Gainesville, FL. May, 2000.
- The Ivy Society, Annual Scientific Meeting. Kathju S, Lickstein LH, Newton ED. “The superficial inferior epigastric artery flap in breast reconstruction” (presented by Dr. Kathju). Philadelphia, PA. March, 2000.
- Ohio Valley Society for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Annual Meeting. Lickstein LH, Newton ED. “The pre-expanded free flap: long term follow-up” Cincinnati, OH. June, 1999.
- Surgical Grand Rounds. Lickstein LH. “The pre-expanded free flap and the new paradigm in plastic surgery.” Department of Surgery. University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. March, 1999.
- New England Medical Center 4th Annual Research Presentation Day. Lickstein LH, Thurer RL. “Fast-track thoracotomy.” Tufts University School of Medicine. May, 1998.
- Surgical Grand Rounds: Lickstein LH. “Peptic ulcer surgery in 1997.”
- Mount Auburn Hospital, Harvard Medical School. September, 1997.
Community Leadership
View All Community Leadership
- Community Leadership
- 2020- Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, Member
- 2015- Princeton Club of Washington
- 2006-2015 Princeton Alumni Association of Maryland
- 2008-2012 Founder & Co-Director of Executive Board
- The Larry and Lori Lickstein Foundation, Baltimore, Maryland
Co-created a non-profit (501c3) foundation and developed a nationally recognized breast cancer event, Steps to the Cure with attendence of 500 supporters. Proceeds were donated to local and national charities. The events raised awareness and spotlighted over 120 survivors. It was our mission to harness the compassion of a community, raising funds and awareness for breast cancer patients in Maryland
Dr. L and his staff are absolutely amazing! I initially went to Dr. L to correct an arm lift and breast lift and walked out with my forever doctor – he is THAT good! I’ve had additional work, including fillers, done with Dr. L, and I would highly recommend him to anyone looking to get work done.
–Anonymous
Schedule Your Consultation with Dr. Lickstein
Dr. Lickstein welcomes patients from across Loudoun County, Northern Virginia, and beyond. Whether you’re exploring surgical enhancement or personalized injectable treatments, Elle Aesthetic Arts offers the highest standard of care. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and begin your journey toward refined, natural beauty.
