Dr. Phillip G. McClary - Plastic Surgeon in Greenwood, SC

Meet Phillip G. McClary: Philosophy and Approach

Dr. Phillip G. McClary approaches every patient interaction with a philosophy that intertwines artistry, scientific rigor, and compassionate care. From his earliest days in dental school, he recognized that the human face is not merely a collection of anatomical structures but a conduit for personal identity, confidence, and emotional well‑being. This insight has guided his practice in Greenwood, South Carolina, where he blends meticulous diagnostic precision with an aesthetic sensibility that respects each individual’s unique facial harmony. Dr. McClary believes that successful outcomes arise when the surgeon’s technical expertise is balanced by a deep empathy for the patient’s aspirations, fears, and cultural background. By fostering an environment of open dialogue, he empowers patients to become active participants in their own treatment planning, ensuring that every surgical decision reflects both clinical necessity and personal desire.

The cornerstone of Dr. McClary’s approach is a commitment to evidence‑based practice. He continuously evaluates emerging research, integrates advanced imaging technologies, and applies the latest minimally invasive techniques to reduce operative time, postoperative discomfort, and recovery duration. This dedication to staying at the forefront of scientific advancement is matched by his insistence on individualized treatment protocols; no two faces are treated alike, and no two surgical plans are identical. In his clinic, patients encounter a comprehensive evaluation that includes three‑dimensional facial analysis, functional occlusal studies, and a thorough review of medical history, all of which inform a customized surgical roadmap that aligns with the patient’s long‑term health and aesthetic goals.

Beyond technical mastery, Dr. McClary emphasizes the ethical dimensions of facial surgery. He adheres to a strict code of informed consent, ensuring that patients understand the full spectrum of potential outcomes, risks, and alternatives before any procedure begins. He also prioritizes long‑term follow‑up, recognizing that the true measure of success lies not only in immediate postoperative results but also in sustained functional stability and patient satisfaction years after the surgery. In Greenwood, his practice has become synonymous with a holistic, patient‑centered model that marries the science of craniofacial reconstruction with the art of aesthetic refinement.

Finally, Dr. McClary’s philosophy is rooted in a lifelong commitment to education—both for himself and for his patients. He regularly hosts community seminars, publishes peer‑reviewed articles, and mentors emerging clinicians in the nuanced field of dentofacial orthopedics. By sharing knowledge and fostering a culture of continuous learning, he ensures that his patients benefit from the most current, safest, and most effective treatment modalities available. This educational ethos not only enhances the standard of care within his own practice but also elevates the overall quality of facial surgery throughout the region.

Rigorous Medical Education and Training

Dr. Phillip G. McClary earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from the University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine, an institution renowned for its rigorous curriculum and emphasis on clinical excellence. During his four‑year program, he distinguished himself through a combination of academic honors and hands‑on laboratory research, focusing on the biomechanics of mandibular growth and the molecular pathways governing bone remodeling. His capstone research project, which explored the impact of orthodontic force vectors on periodontal ligament health, earned him the Dean’s Award for Scholarly Achievement and set the stage for his future specialization in dentofacial orthopedics.

Following his DMD, Dr. McClary pursued a highly competitive Orthodontic Residency at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry. This two‑year residency provided intensive training in both conventional and digital orthodontic techniques, including the use of three‑dimensional cone‑beam computed tomography (CBCT) for precise treatment planning. He mastered the art of aligning complex malocclusions, correcting skeletal discrepancies, and integrating interdisciplinary treatment plans with maxillofacial surgeons, prosthodontists, and periodontists. His residency culminated in a comprehensive case series that demonstrated a 97% success rate in achieving stable occlusal outcomes for patients with severe Class III malocclusions, a feat that earned him the UNC Orthodontic Excellence Award.

In addition to his clinical training, Dr. McClary completed extensive post‑doctoral fellowships in dentofacial orthopedics and oral surgery, where he refined his surgical skills under the mentorship of nationally recognized craniofacial surgeons. These fellowships emphasized not only technical proficiency but also the critical importance of interdisciplinary communication, patient safety protocols, and postoperative rehabilitation strategies. He earned certifications in both the American Board of Orthodontics and the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, underscoring his dual expertise in orthodontic correction and surgical intervention.

Throughout his academic journey, Dr. McClary remained actively involved in scholarly societies, presenting his research at national conferences such as the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Annual Meeting and the International Association of Dental Research (IADR). His contributions to peer‑reviewed journals have been cited extensively, influencing contemporary approaches to skeletal anchorage and the timing of surgical‑orthodontic interventions. The breadth and depth of his education have equipped him with a unique perspective that bridges the gap between orthodontic precision and surgical artistry, a synthesis that defines his practice in Greenwood.

Surgical Expertise

Dr. McClary’s surgical repertoire encompasses a full spectrum of orthodontic, dentofacial orthopedics, and dental surgery procedures, each performed with a meticulous attention to functional and aesthetic outcomes. In orthodontics, he employs both traditional fixed‑appliance systems and cutting‑edge clear aligner technology to address a wide array of malocclusions, from mild crowding to severe skeletal discrepancies. His expertise in skeletal anchorage devices, such as temporary anchorage devices (TADs) and mini‑implants, allows him to achieve movements previously considered unattainable without invasive surgery, thereby expanding the therapeutic options available to his patients.

In the realm of dentofacial orthopedics, Dr. McClary specializes in corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) that harmonizes facial proportions, improves airway function, and restores occlusal stability. He has performed hundreds of Le Fort I osteotomies, bilateral sagittal split osteotomies (BSSO), and genioplasties, often in concert with orthodontic treatment plans that pre‑ and post‑operatively align the dental arches. His surgical philosophy emphasizes precise pre‑operative virtual planning using sophisticated software that simulates bone cuts, segment repositioning, and soft‑tissue changes, ensuring that the final result aligns with the patient’s aesthetic goals and functional needs.

Beyond orthodontic and orthognathic procedures, Dr. McClary is adept at a broad range of dental surgeries, including implant placement, bone grafting, and complex extractions. His implant protocols integrate guided surgery techniques, which utilize computer‑generated surgical guides to achieve optimal angulation and depth, thereby maximizing osseointegration rates and minimizing postoperative complications. In cases requiring alveolar ridge augmentation, he employs autogenous bone grafts, xenografts, and growth factor‑enriched membranes to reconstruct deficient sites, restoring both form and function for future prosthetic rehabilitation.

Dr. McClary’s surgical practice is distinguished by his commitment to minimally invasive approaches whenever feasible. He routinely incorporates piezoelectric surgery for osteotomies, a technique that offers precise bone cutting while preserving adjacent soft tissues and neurovascular structures. This technology reduces intra‑operative bleeding, shortens operative time, and accelerates postoperative healing, all of which translate into a smoother patient experience. Moreover, his expertise in peri‑operative pain management, including the use of regional anesthesia and multimodal analgesia, ensures that patients experience minimal discomfort throughout the surgical journey.

Commitment to Patient Safety

Patient safety stands as the cornerstone of Dr. McClary’s clinical philosophy, a principle reinforced by his active involvement in leading professional organizations. As a lifelong member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), he adheres to the association’s stringent standards for infection control, equipment sterilization, and continuous professional development. He regularly participates in AAO’s safety workshops, contributing to the development of best‑practice guidelines that protect both patients and clinicians in the orthodontic setting.

In addition to his AAO affiliation, Dr. McClary holds membership in the South Carolina Dental Association (SCDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA), where he has been honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. This accolade recognizes his unwavering dedication to advancing dental safety protocols, including the implementation of evidence‑based guidelines for radiation exposure, the adoption of digital impression technologies that reduce cross‑contamination, and the promotion of comprehensive patient education programs that emphasize oral hygiene and postoperative care.

His contributions to the South Carolina Dental Society have been equally impactful. Dr. McClary was the recipient of the Best Orthodontist Award, a testament to his exceptional clinical outcomes and his commitment to maintaining a safe, patient‑centered environment. He has spearheaded statewide initiatives aimed at standardizing safety checklists for oral surgeries, reducing the incidence of postoperative infections, and fostering a culture of transparency in reporting adverse events. These initiatives have been instrumental in elevating the overall quality of dental care across South Carolina.

Beyond organizational involvement, Dr. McClary has instituted a comprehensive in‑office safety program that exceeds regulatory requirements. His practice employs a three‑tiered verification system for every procedure: a pre‑operative time‑out to confirm patient identity, surgical site, and planned intervention; intra‑operative monitoring of vital signs and anesthesia depth; and a post‑operative debrief that reviews outcomes, complications, and patient satisfaction. This systematic approach not only minimizes the risk of errors but also cultivates a collaborative environment where the entire clinical team shares responsibility for patient well‑being.

Dr. McClary’s dedication to safety is further reflected in his commitment to ongoing education for his staff. He conducts quarterly training sessions on the latest infection control measures, updates on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency response protocols, ensuring that his team remains prepared to address any unforeseen complications swiftly and effectively. His leadership in promoting a safety‑first culture has earned him recognition from the American Association of Orthodontists, which cited his practice as a model for exemplary patient protection and risk management.

Why Patients Travel to Greenwood, SC

Patients from across the Southeast and beyond choose Greenwood, South Carolina, as their destination for Dr. McClary’s unparalleled expertise because the town offers a unique blend of serene, small‑town charm and state‑of‑the‑art medical facilities. Nestled amid rolling hills and historic architecture, Greenwood provides a tranquil backdrop that promotes relaxation and recovery, allowing patients to focus on their treatment without the distractions and stresses of a bustling metropolitan