Dr. Grace Kim Austin has dedicated years of extensive training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. She completed a seven-year residency in otolaryngology/head and neck surgery at the University of North Carolina that included two years of National Institutes of Health sponsored research studying head and neck cancer and reconstruction of facial defects. Following that, she specialized in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at the world-renowned Quatela Center of Plastic Surgery in New York and obtained a second board certification. She has also traveled the globe including New York City, Beverly Hills, Seoul, Korea where she participated in “mini-fellowships” spending time to learn from pioneers in the field and specialize in Asian aesthetic plastic surgery. She has been initiated into the Fellowship of the American College of Surgeons. She has been recognized as a Rising Star by Southern California Super Doctors (featured in the Los Angeles Times) in 2020, 2021, 2022.

Dr. Austin has extensive research experience to include at least 17 peer refereed articles in competitive journals including JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, Annals of Plastic Surgery, and Cancer Immunology Immunotherapy. The value of her research has been recognized by the National Health Institutes, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute as she has been awarded several grants. She has given numerous presentations at various universities and national meetings, as well as directed clinical resident training courses on Facial Rejuvenation Technical Skills and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Soft Tissue skill course. She has won several honors including “Excellence in Teaching,” “Cool Under Pressure,” and Distinction in Research.

Dr. Austin facilitates healing on a volunteer basis. She has participated in medical missions in Ghana, Africa, as well as with HUGS (Help us Give Smiles) Foundation. Last year, she performed surgeries at the National ENT Hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam where the team reconstructed ears on children and adults born with deformities. “There is a stigma against people with deformities, particularly in their culture. Repairing these deformities gives people hope and acceptance in their society.”

During her free time, Dr. Austin enjoys spending time with her little girl at the beach or hiking local trails. Dr. Austin seeks adventures through travel and scuba diving.