Brian Cripe, M.D.

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Brian A. Cripe, MD is an award-winning, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona, where he provides comprehensive cosmetic, reconstructive, and microsurgical care. He also serves as Division Chief of Plastic Surgery, Otolaryngology (ENT), and Ophthalmology at Northern Arizona Healthcare / Flagstaff Medical Center, reflecting his leadership within the regional medical community.

Dr. Cripe’s clinical practice encompasses a broad and sophisticated range of procedures, including advanced cosmetic surgery such as deep plane facial rejuvenation and breast and body contouring, as well as limb salvage, peripheral nerve microsurgery, hand surgery, and oncologic reconstruction. He also offers innovative regenerative treatments, including adipose-derived stem cell grafting for joint pain, integrating emerging technologies with established surgical principles to address both functional and quality-of-life concerns.

Dr. Cripe received his medical education through the University of Queensland School of Medicine, completing his clinical training at the Ochsner Clinical School in New Orleans, and graduated with honors in 2014. He subsequently completed a highly competitive six-year integrated Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery residency at Virginia Tech Carilion, where he gained extensive experience across cosmetic, reconstructive, trauma, and microsurgical disciplines.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Cripe is an active contributor to the field of plastic surgery. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications and textbook chapters and has presented original research at national plastic surgery conferences. His academic interests include peripheral nerve surgery, reconstructive techniques, and surgical innovation, underscoring his commitment to advancing both patient care and the specialty as a whole.

Originally from Michigan, Dr. Cripe attended Michigan State University as a National Merit Scholar, earning dual bachelor’s degrees in zoology and journalism, followed by a master’s degree. His diverse academic background informs a practice style that values both scientific rigor and clear communication, ensuring patients are fully informed and engaged throughout their care.

Dr. Cripe is also the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Ateleva, a medical device startup focused on advancing surgical technology and patient outcomes. This role reflects his ongoing interest in innovation at the intersection of medicine, engineering, and technology.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Cripe is a multi-sport endurance athlete and accomplished photographer, with prior experience working on National Geographic projects and leading international expeditions. Drawn by the diversity of practice and collaborative environment at Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona, he and his family relocated to Flagstaff, where they are enjoying raising their family and taking advantage of the region’s outdoor lifestyle.

Dr. Cripe sees patients in Flagstaff and Sedona, providing individualized care guided by surgical precision, anatomical expertise, and a patient-centered philosophy.