Richard T. Vagley, MD, FACS is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over four decades of experience in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.  Dr. Vagley earned his medical degree from Philadelphia’s Jefferson Medical College which, in collaboration with Penn State University, sponsored an accelerated pre-medical/medical education program which allowed Dr. Vagley to graduate from medical school at the age of 22.  After serving in the United States Navy Medical Corps, he then went on to complete general surgery training at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, DC, followed by plastic surgery training at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).  Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery since 1977 and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons since 1980, Dr. Vagley has built his career on a foundation of surgical excellence, innovation, and patient-centered care.
Before relocating to South Florida, for more than 40 years Dr. Vagley served as Medical Director of The Pittsburgh Institute of Plastic Surgery, where he established and led plastic surgery programs at multiple hospitals, including the two flagship hospitals of UPMC, Shadyside Hospital, now UPMC Shadyside, and Mercy Hospital, now UPMC Mercy.  His leadership extended beyond the operating room as he contributed to hospital committees, spearheaded advancements in ambulatory surgery centers and even founded one of the nation’s earliest multidisciplinary Gender Reassignment Teams.  Over the years, he has educated countless medical students, residents and fellows, while also participating in FDA-approved breast implant research studies.

In addition to his distinguished clinical career, Dr. Vagley has been recognized for his community contributions, including the establishment of PIPSqueaks, a nonprofit providing free plastic surgical care to disadvantaged and needy children.  He was honored with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Community Champions Award and holds a U.S. patent for a surgical instrument support tray  Today, Dr. Vagley continues to bring his expertise to South Florida patients, combining his extensive experience with a passion for helping individuals achieve safe, natural and transformative results.  Dr. Vagley is delighted to be a member of the Smart Plastic Surgery family.