Dr. Ryan Austin

Dr. Ryan Austin Dr. Austin joined the team of Plastic Surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Clinic in 2017. He also serves as a Next-Gen Editor for the Aesthetic Surgery Journal

Dr. Ryan Austin joined the team of surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Clinic in 2017, having already worked alongside Drs. Lista and Ahmad at the clinic during the course of his Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery training. Thanks to his extensive knowledge and experience, Dr. Austin is recognized for the natural looking results he delivers across his various areas of specialty, including breast surge

ry, abdominoplasty, body contouring after weight loss, liposuction and fat transfer, and hand rejuvenation. Dr. Austin was born and raised in Toronto, and received a full-scholarship to Queen’s University in Kingston, ON where he completed his BSc with a subspecialization in Life Sciences. During his time at Queen’s University, Dr. Austin remained on the Dean’s Honour List with Distinction, an award for placement in the top 3% of all undergraduate Arts and Science students. He also found time to play on the varsity golf team and volunteer with the Queen’s Medical Outreach program, a group that he travelled to Kenya with to provide health education to at-risk grade-school and high-school students. Dr. Austin subsequently attained his MD degree from the University of Toronto, where he was the recipient of numerous awards including the Dr. J.S. Thompson Memorial Award (for the student with the greatest ability in anatomy and embryology), the Dr. C.S. Wainwright Memorial Scholarship (for high academic standing), and the Mary L. Cassidy Award (for outstanding contributions to extra-curricular activities). He then went on to complete his residency training at the Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Toronto, one of the largest Plastic Surgery training programs in the world. Dr. Austin recently completed a year of clinical fellowship training in Philadelphia, PA at The Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center / Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, one of the oldest and most prestigious Orthopaedic Hand Surgery practices in the United States. As an active contributor to plastic and aesthetic surgery research, Dr. Austin has published textbook chapters as well as numerous scientific articles in some of the most highly regarded peer reviewed plastic surgery journals, including: Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (PRS), the Aesthetic Surgery Journal (ASJ) and Clinics in Plastic Surgery. He has also presented scientific lectures at both national and international meetings across North America, including: the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons Annual Meeting (CSPS), the Canadian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Annual Meeting (CSAPS), and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). To date, Dr. Austin’s aesthetic surgery research has focused breast reduction, revision breast reduction, abdominoplasty and massive weight loss, and plastic surgery education. However, he continues to work alongside Drs. Lista and Ahmad to advance the practice of aesthetic plastic surgery through research. In fact, in 2015 Dr. Austin was selected to join the Editorial Board of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal as one of five Next Generation Editors, an eminent role that he continues to hold today. Throughout his career, Dr. Austin has been the recipient of dozens of awards, honours, and accolades. During his specialty training, he received the Dr. Hugh G. Thompson Humanitarian Award—awarded to the trainee who best emulates the philosophies of humanitarianism—in addition to the Best Clinical Paper Award for his research in 2016. He is the recipient of numerous scholarships, including the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Annual Meeting Scholarship and the American Society for Surgery of the Hand Annual Meeting Scholarship. Dr. Austin is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada and holds memberships in numerous medical and scientific organizations, including Candidate Memberships in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, and the American Association of Hand Surgery.

One of the most common questions I get is why I choose a particular implant pocket for breast augmentation.While there a...
06/04/2026

One of the most common questions I get is why I choose a particular implant pocket for breast augmentation.

While there are several effective approaches, one option I commonly use in appropriately selected patients is subfascial breast augmentation, where the implant is placed beneath the pectoral muscle fascia but above the pectoralis muscle.

Why does this matter?

One advantage is greater control over medial cleavage definition. The subfascial plane can allow for more precise implant positioning, helping create natural breast contours while maintaining appropriate separation between the breasts.

It can also help preserve a natural appearance during movement. Because the implant is not positioned beneath an active muscle, patients avoid animation deformity—the movement or distortion that can occur when the chest muscles contract.

Another benefit many patients notice is when they’re lying down. Compared with some submuscular augmentations, there is often less lateral displacement of the implants, helping maintain a more natural breast position and shape in different body positions.

As with any breast augmentation, there is no single “best” pocket for every patient. Anatomy, tissue characteristics, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals all play an important role in determining the right surgical plan.

This is where individualized assessment and surgical judgment are essential. Come in to talk about what approach might be best for you!

A full day at The Aesthetic MEET for ASJ!Today included filming a video roundtable discussion on GLP-1 receptor agonists...
05/15/2026

A full day at The Aesthetic MEET for ASJ!

Today included filming a video roundtable discussion on GLP-1 receptor agonists with Drs. Renee Burke, Kye Higdon, and Daniel Gould—an important conversation on a rapidly evolving topic that continues to intersect with aesthetic surgery in meaningful ways.

We also held our ASJ editorial board meeting, made especially meaningful by celebrating 30 years of Aesthetic Surgery Journal. A milestone that reflects decades of scholarship, innovation, and the collective efforts of so many who have helped shape the field!

Grateful to contribute alongside such thoughtful colleagues and to be part of conversations that help move aesthetic surgery forward.

One of the best parts of meetings like The Aesthetic MEET is the chance to connect outside the lecture hall.A great nigh...
05/14/2026

One of the best parts of meetings like The Aesthetic MEET is the chance to connect outside the lecture hall.

A great night at the ballpark in Boston catching up with friends and colleagues from the Aesthetic Surgery Journal. These in-person conversations and connections are such an important part of our specialty—sharing ideas, strengthening relationships, and enjoying time together beyond the podium.

and yes… the pretzel was delicious 😋

One of the most overlooked details in aesthetic surgery? The result is often defined by the nuances—not just the procedu...
05/13/2026

One of the most overlooked details in aesthetic surgery? The result is often defined by the nuances—not just the procedures themselves.

This patient underwent a combined abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and breast augmentation as part of a comprehensive body contouring plan.

Two important priorities in cases like this:

1. Addressing natural breast asymmetry
Very few patients start with perfectly symmetric breasts. Differences in volume, breast fold position, chest wall shape, and ni**le position are common.

The goal is not artificial “perfect symmetry”—human anatomy doesn’t work that way. The goal is thoughtful surgical planning that improves balance while preserving a natural appearance.

That may require subtle adjustments in technique depending on the individual patient’s anatomy.

2. Creating a natural-appearing umbilicus
A well-executed abdominoplasty is not just about removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal wall.

One of the most revealing details is the belly button. An umbilicus that looks overly round, overly tight, misplaced, or obviously “surgical” can make an otherwise excellent result look unnatural.

Creating a natural result requires careful planning of shape, depth, position, and scar concealment.

In aesthetic surgery, it’s often the details people don’t immediately notice that matter most.

Posted with patient consent. Individual results vary.

Gynecomastia (male breast tissue) is a common issue many men deal with, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it! ...
05/08/2026

Gynecomastia (male breast tissue) is a common issue many men deal with, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it!

Many cases of gynecomastia can often be treated with a minimally invasive approach.

In this patient, the concern was isolated to one side, with a combination of firm glandular tissue and a small amount of excess fat. The goal was not just removal—but restoring symmetry in a natural, proportional way.

Through a small, carefully placed incision, the gland was excised and the contour refined.

The result?
A noticeable improvement in chest balance—with a scar that is intentionally discreet and, in most cases, barely visible over time.

If you’re considering treatment for gynecomastia, understanding your options—and whether you’re a candidate for this type of technique—is an important first step.

Posted with patient consent. Individual results may vary.

Thats a WRAP!

Honoured to have served as Co-Chair of the 2026 Toronto Breast and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Symposium. W...
04/27/2026

Thats a WRAP!

Honoured to have served as Co-Chair of the 2026 Toronto Breast and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Symposium. We had a fantastic turnout and the symposium was filled with amazing lectures on breast surgery, breast reconstruction body contouring, facial aesthetics, injectables, lasers, practice management (and much, much more)… we even ran our first live ultrasound educational course in facial anatomy!

A strong meeting isn’t just about the program—it’s about the conversations it sparks. I am grateful to our visiting lecturers ( .mentz ) and all the presenters for sharing their expertise, and also to the attendees who took time away to engage in the thoughtful discussion throughout!

And as a bonus, it’s always wonderful to catch up with colleagues and to make new friends!

Awesome recognition for the Top Reviewers of 2025 at Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum.High-quality peer review requi...
03/19/2026

Awesome recognition for the Top Reviewers of 2025 at Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum.

High-quality peer review requires critical appraisal, intellectual honesty, and a genuine commitment to advancing aesthetic surgery! This group exemplifies those qualities and plays a vital role in maintaining the standards of excellence and progress in our specialty.

Honoured, in my role as Associate Editor at the Journal, to collaborate with such an exceptional group!

The real success of surgery isn’t just the result in the office — it’s seeing patients out in the world feeling confiden...
03/16/2026

The real success of surgery isn’t just the result in the office — it’s seeing patients out in the world feeling confident, comfortable, and living their lives! 🏖️ ☀️

Moments like this are always the most rewarding. Grateful to be part of the journey.

If you’re considering surgery, the goal is always natural results that help you feel like the best version of yourself.



*Shared with patient consent*

Plastic surgeons shouldn’t have to wait for imaging.Point-of-care ultrasound is transforming many specialties, yet its r...
03/15/2026

Plastic surgeons shouldn’t have to wait for imaging.

Point-of-care ultrasound is transforming many specialties, yet its role in plastic surgery is still evolving.

In our newly published paper in Plastic Surgery, we explore how surgeon-performed ultrasound (PoCUS) can be integrated into everyday plastic surgery practice.

Portable ultrasound now allows real-time imaging at the bedside — with potential applications ranging from diagnostic evaluation to procedural guidance.

As the technology becomes more accessible, the question may not be whether plastic surgeons will adopt ultrasound, but how we incorporate it effectively into our workflow and training.

Excited to contribute to the conversation.

🔗 Read the article (link in comments)

plasticsurgeryresearch

📣 Registration is open!Join us April 23–24, 2026 for the Toronto Breast & Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Symposium.I’m honour...
03/12/2026

📣 Registration is open!

Join us April 23–24, 2026 for the Toronto Breast & Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Symposium.

I’m honoured to be co-chairing this year’s meeting as we bring together an outstanding faculty to discuss the latest advances, techniques, and innovations in breast and aesthetic plastic surgery. The program will feature expert panels, surgical insights, and practical discussions designed to elevate clinical practice.

If you’re interested in breast and aesthetic surgery, this is a meeting you won’t want to miss.

👉 Secure your spot and register now:
breast-and-aesthetic.ca

📍 Toronto, ON
📅 April 23–24, 2026

Address

1421 Hurontario Street
Mississauga, ON
L5G3H5

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+19052787077

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