Dr. Reza Jarrahy: 7 Unseen Facts About The World-Renowned Craniofacial Surgeon And His Latest 2024 Research

Dr. Reza Jarrahy is a name synonymous with innovation in the highly specialized field of craniofacial and reconstructive plastic surgery, and as of late 2025, his professional influence continues to grow with fresh publications and ongoing humanitarian work. A distinguished Iranian-American surgeon, Dr. Jarrahy has cemented his reputation over more than 25 years of practice as a Clinical Professor at UCLA and a leader in complex surgical procedures for both pediatric and adult patients. His career trajectory is defined not just by technical skill but by a profound dedication to advancing surgical science and providing care globally.

The public spotlight has often focused on his previous high-profile marriage to actress Geena Davis, but his most significant and current impact lies in the operating room and the research lab. This article delves into the seven most compelling, and often unseen, aspects of his career, including his involvement in cutting-edge 2024 research on bone regeneration and his tireless commitment to global health initiatives like Operation Smile, providing a unique and updated view of the man behind the scalpel.

Dr. Reza Jarrahy: Full Biography and Professional Profile

Reza Jarrahy, MD, is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in craniofacial surgery, pediatric plastic surgery, and aesthetic surgery of the face. His extensive educational and professional background forms the foundation of his expertise:

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• Full Name: Reza Jarrahy, MD, FACS
• Nationality: Iranian-American
• Born: March 15, 1971
• Education:
  • Medical School: State University of New York at Stony Brook School of Medicine.
  • General Surgery Residency: New York Presbyterian Hospital.
  • Plastic Surgery Residency: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
  • Fellowship: Prestigious UCLA Craniofacial Surgery Fellowship.
• Current Affiliations:
  • Clinical Professor of Surgery, Neurosurgery, and Pediatrics at UCLA.
  • Assistant Chief of Plastic Surgery at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center.
  • Co-Director of the UCLA Craniofacial Clinic.
  • Affiliated with Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
• Specialties: Craniofacial Surgery, Pediatric Plastic Surgery, Cleft Lip and Palate Repair, Aesthetic Surgery.
• Awards & Recognition: Castle Connolly Top Doctor (multiple years).

The 2024 Research That’s Redefining Bone Regeneration

One of the most compelling aspects of Dr. Jarrahy's current professional activity is his commitment to academic plastic surgery and pioneering research. His work goes beyond the operating room, focusing on developing new techniques and materials to improve patient outcomes, especially in complex reconstructive cases.

Pioneering Work with GelMA Scaffolds

Dr. Jarrahy has been a co-author on highly technical publications in 2024 that are setting new standards for craniomaxillofacial bone regeneration. A key area of this research involves "Leveraging the Recent Advancements in GelMA Scaffolds for Bone..." in a 2024 issue of a major journal.

• What is GelMA? Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA) is a type of hydrogel biomaterial.
• The Innovation: The research focuses on using GelMA scaffolds—which are essentially bio-engineered frameworks—to facilitate the regrowth of bone tissue in areas where it is missing or damaged, a critical need in craniofacial reconstruction.
• The Impact: This work is vital for children and adults with congenital craniofacial differences, such as cleft lip and palate, or those who have suffered severe trauma, promising less invasive and more effective bone reconstruction techniques.

Furthermore, his commitment to comprehensive patient care is highlighted by his co-authorship on a 2024 article in the European Respiratory Journal focused on the "Assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life using the SF-36 in..." This demonstrates his holistic approach to surgery, ensuring that physical reconstruction is matched by an improvement in the patient's overall quality of life.

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Global Impact: His Unwavering Commitment to Operation Smile

Beyond his demanding schedule as a Clinical Professor and practicing surgeon in Los Angeles, Dr. Jarrahy dedicates a significant portion of his time to global health initiatives. His involvement with Operation Smile and the Foundation for Craniofacial Surgery underscores his humanitarian ethos.

Transforming Lives Through Volunteer Surgery

Dr. Jarrahy is a long-standing volunteer and academic leader within the Operation Smile community, an organization that provides free surgeries for children and young adults with cleft lip and cleft palate.

• The Mission Field: He has led numerous volunteer trips to underserved communities around the world, including a recent volunteer trip to perform surgery in Guatemala.
• The Role: As a leading craniofacial surgeon, his role is not just to perform operations but also to train local surgeons, establishing sustainable surgical practices in developing nations.
• Topical Authority Entities: His work in this area involves treating complex conditions like craniosynostosis, cleft lip and palate, and other congenital anomalies, often in high-pressure, resource-limited environments.

His dedication to treating these conditions, which affect about 2-3% of newborns globally, highlights his expertise in pediatric plastic surgery and his commitment to tackling some of the most challenging reconstructive cases.

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More Unseen Facts About Dr. Jarrahy's Career

Dr. Jarrahy's influence extends into several other key areas of the medical and academic world, solidifying his status as a multi-faceted leader:

1. A Leader in Education: In his role as a Clinical Professor at UCLA, he is responsible for mentoring the next generation of plastic and craniofacial surgeons. His leadership in the UCLA Craniofacial Surgery Fellowship—one of the most highly regarded in the country—is a testament to his teaching excellence.
2. Aesthetic Surgery Expertise: While renowned for reconstructive work, Dr. Jarrahy is also a highly sought-after expert in aesthetic surgery of the face, specializing in procedures that require a deep understanding of facial anatomy and balance.
3. Multidisciplinary Collaboration: His appointments in Surgery, Neurosurgery, and Pediatrics at UCLA highlight the multidisciplinary nature of his work. Complex craniofacial cases often require seamless collaboration between plastic surgeons and neurosurgeons, a specialty where Dr. Jarrahy excels.
4. A Prolific Author: His professional work has resulted in the publication and presentation of hundreds of papers and abstracts, showcasing his commitment to evidence-based medicine and sharing his innovative techniques with the global surgical community.

In summary, while the public may recall his personal life, Dr. Reza Jarrahy’s current focus and lasting legacy are firmly rooted in his professional achievements: his groundbreaking 2024 research in bone regeneration, his leadership at UCLA, and his life-changing humanitarian missions with Operation Smile. His career is a powerful example of how a leading surgeon can drive scientific innovation while maintaining a deep commitment to global patient care.