William Magee, III, MD, DDS

Dr. William Magee III, MD, DDS, is a board-certified plastic and craniofacial surgeon based in Los Angeles, California, with a distinguished career in pediatric and reconstructive surgery. Practicing at both Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Shriners Children’s Southern California, Dr. Magee is widely recognized for his expertise in treating complex craniofacial anomalies and his commitment to global surgical outreach. As the Director of the Cleft Lip and Palate Program and Associate Professor of Clinical Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, he brings a unique blend of clinical excellence, academic leadership, and humanitarian service to his work.

Dr. Magee’s clinical focus lies in craniofacial surgery, where he treats congenital and acquired deformities of the skull and face. His work includes cleft lip and palate repair, facial reconstruction, and jaw reconstruction, often for children born with complex anomalies or those recovering from trauma. These procedures require a high level of precision and a deep understanding of facial growth and development, both of which Dr. Magee has honed through years of specialized training and practice.

His background is uniquely interdisciplinary—holding both a medical degree from George Washington University and a dental degree from the University of Maryland. This dual training allows him to approach facial reconstruction with a comprehensive understanding of both hard and soft tissue anatomy. After completing a rigorous six-year Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Program at the University of Southern California, he pursued further specialization in pediatric plastic surgery and craniofacial surgery at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Dr. Magee is also known for his work in ear reconstruction, hemangioma treatment, and secondary burn deformity correction. These procedures are often life-changing for young patients, restoring both function and appearance. His approach is deeply patient-centered, emphasizing long-term outcomes and quality of life. He collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure that each child receives holistic and coordinated care.

Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Magee is a passionate advocate for global health. As the son of the founders of Operation Smile, he has been involved in international medical missions since the age of 13. He now leads international programs that provide surgical care to underserved populations around the world, continuing the legacy of service and compassion that defines his family’s work. His efforts have helped expand access to cleft and craniofacial care in dozens of countries, training local surgeons and building sustainable healthcare infrastructure.

Dr. Magee’s academic contributions include research on midface growth in unoperated clefts, early cleft lip repair, and the development of prognostic tools like the Smile Index. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, and the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons. His work has been presented at national and international conferences, reflecting his role as a thought leader in the field.

Patients and colleagues alike describe Dr. Magee as compassionate, meticulous, and deeply committed to improving the lives of children with facial differences. His practice is grounded in empathy, innovation, and a global perspective, making him one of the most respected figures in pediatric plastic surgery today.

Whether performing delicate craniofacial reconstructions in Los Angeles or leading surgical missions abroad, Dr. William Magee III exemplifies the highest standards of medical care, education, and humanitarian service. His work continues to transform lives and inspire the next generation of surgeons dedicated to healing and hope.