Dr. Ruya Zhao

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

English Biography
中文简介

An Innovating American Board of Plastic Surgery

Dr. Ruya Zhao

Dr. Ruya Zhao is a fellowship-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon educated at Emory and Duke Universities. She is the recipient of the Duke University Eugene A. Stead Research Grant and the author of 14 peer-reviewed publications on breast cancer reconstruction and other areas of plastic surgery.

Dr. Zhao has been an invited speaker at plastic surgery conferences throughout the United States and Canada, and has completed advanced fellowship training in cutting-edge facial aesthetic surgery techniques in Seoul and Jeju, South Korea, as well as breast and body surgery in New York City. She is affiliated with the Women’s Microsurgery Group and is a member of the Association of Women Surgeons.

After completing her plastic and reconstructive surgery residency, Dr. Zhao completed a specialty fellowship in South Korea with Dr. Myung Ju Lee, Dr. Kyoungseok Tak and Dr. Young Kyu Park, gaining advanced expertise in facelift, rhinoplasty, and eyelid surgery. Since that time, she has been trained by Dr. Marc Everett in New York City to perform breast reduction surgery in the way his unique take on the operation is stylized.

She offers a personalized, detail-driven approach grounded in surgical precision, artistic vision, and a deep commitment to natural, elegant results. Dr. Zhao is fluent in English and Chinese (Mandarin).

What Her Patients Say

Dr. Zhao is an absolute perfectionist

★★★★★

I never thought a Facebook ad could genuinely change my life, but here we are. After a long divorce and years of putting my two kids first, I’d completely ignored the toll time had taken on my face and body. I assumed sagging breasts and deep under-eye bags were just my reality, and I never dreamed I’d be a candidate for a breast reduction. But now that my kids are older (14 and 18) and I’m finally in a season of choosing me, I decided to explore my options. Algorithms did their thing, and an ad for M E Plastic Surgery caught my eye. Seeing a talented woman-of-color surgeon with incredible results made me think, “Why not just book a consult? The worst they can say is no.”

From start to finish, the process was seamless. Meeting Dr. Zhao felt like chatting with an old friend who just happens to be a brilliant surgeon. She completely got my vision, even laughing along when I told her I wanted my breast reduction to lift them all the way to my throat! (Legally she couldn’t go that high, but you get the point… goodbye sagging!) Just two weeks after my consult, I was heading into surgery. I was terrified, but I trusted her 100%. The entire OR team was phenomenal the nurses literally held my hand, and they even blasted my favorite playlist to turn pre-op into a mini concert.

Waking up, my under-eye bags were gone, my breasts were small and lifted, and years of chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain vanished instantly. I expected a brutal recovery, but it was virtually pain-free. I had surgery on a Wednesday and was comfortably back at work by Saturday! Now at four weeks post-op, my scars are already disappearing. Dr. Zhao is an absolute perfectionist. Deciding to invest in myself after all these years was the best choice I could have made, and I’m so grateful that a random ad led me to Dr. Zhao and her amazing team. If you want a surgeon who truly listens and delivers flawless results, look no further.

-Nundiah

Board Eligible

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: The American Board of Plastic Surgery

Residency Training

Integrated Plastic Surgery Resident – Montefiore Medical Center (July 2019 – June 2025)

  • Specialized Focus: Cosmetic surgery, breast reconstruction, and Mohs reconstruction.
  • Dedicated Rotations: completed 6 months of apprenticeships with leading facelift and Mohs surgeons across 2 top NYC private practices.
  • Academic Output: Authored 14 peer-reviewed journal publications and delivered 21 presentations at national conferences.
  • Research Interests: Advanced reconstructive techniques, post-operative outcomes, and breast reconstruction in BRCA patients.

Education Chief Resident (July 2024 – June 2025)

  • Organized and led weekly educational conferences, monthly morbidity & mortality sessions, and cadaver labs for the residency program.

Cosmetic Surgery Visiting Fellowship (July 2025)

  • SAERO Plastic Surgery – Seoul, South Korea
    • Focus – Asian blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, facial fat grafting
  • VIP Plastic Surgery – Jeju, South Korea
    • Focus – Asian facelift, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty

Breast Surgery Fellowship – ME Plastic Surgery – Dr. Marc Everett – New York, NY (Aug 2025 – Dec 2025)

  • Comprehensive fellowship dedicated to aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgeries. Focus areas included breast reduction, mastopexy, augmentation, gender affirming chest procedures, and revisions

Education

  • Doctor of Medicine (MD) — Duke University School of Medicine (August 2014 – May 2019)
    • Recipient of the Eugene A. Stead Research Scholarship, awarded $35,000 annually for conducting basic science research.
  • Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology, Minor in Physics — Emory University (August 2010 – May 2013)
    • Inducted into the Nu Rho Psi Honors Society for academic excellence in neuroscience.
    • Consistently on the Dean’s List for academic distinction.

Honors And Awards

  • Eugene A. Stead Research Scholarship – Duke School of Medicine (2016, 2017)
    • Awarded $70,000 for research in cancer progression and adipose tissue studies.
  • Highest Scoring Abstracts – International Federation of Adipose Therapeutics and Science ( 2017)
    • Recognized for research on BRCA mutations and breast cancer.
  • Service Champion Award – Duke University Medical Center (2016)
    • Honored for delivering exceptional patient care.
  • Poster of Distinction – Duke University Medical Center (2018)
    • Top 10% poster selection for research on breast reconstruction outcomes.

Leadership And Work Experience

  • President, Plastic Surgery Interest Group, Duke School of Medicine (2016-2019)
  • Tutor, USMLE Step 1, Med School Tutors Inc. (2017-2019)
  • Editor-in-Chief, Duke Med Yearbook (2015-2017)
  • Volunteer Health Advocate, Refugee Health Initiative (2014-2015)
  • Instructor, MCAT Courses, Kaplan Inc. (2013-2014)
  • EMT, Emory EMS (2011-2013)

Professional Affiliations

  • American Society of Plastic Surgeons (2019 – present)
  • Women’s Microsurgery Group – American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery(2017 – present)
  • Association of Women Surgeons (2017 – present)

Publications

  • R Zhao, R Kaakati, X Liu, F Li, A Lee, R Bachelder, CY Li, ST Hollenbeck. “CRISPR/Cas9-mediated BRCA1 Knockdown Adipose Stem Cells Promote Breast Cancer Progression”. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2019, March; 143(3): 747-756.
  • R Zhao, E Rothchild, F Wang, D Nash, N Greige, B Lala, JA Ricci. “Prevalence, Prevention, and Treatment of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Microsurgeons”. Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery. 2022, Oct.
  • R Zhao, RL Shammas, G Broadwater, E Le, C Hansen-Estruch, R Kaakati, RW Cason, M Lyes, JP Orr, ST Hollenbeck. “Assessing the Influence of Attending Surgeon Continuity on Free Flap Outcomes Following Unplanned Returns to the Operating Room”. Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery. 2020, Oct; 36(8): 583-591.
  • R Zhao, BN Tran, AF Doval, G Broadwater, KJ Buretta, JP Orr, BT Lee, ST Hollenbeck. “A Multi-Center Analysis Examining Patients Undergoing Conversion of Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction to Abdominally-Based Free Tissue Transfer”. Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery. 2018, Sep; 34(9): 685-691.
  • R Zhao, R Kaakati, A Lee, CY Li. “Novel Roles of Apoptotic Caspases in Tumor Repopulation, Epigenetic Reprogramming, Carcinogenesis, and Beyond”. Cancer and Metastasis Reviews. 2018, Jun; 37(2-3): 227-236.
  • J Shah, R Zhao, J Yi, D Otterburn, A Patel, C Szpalski, N Tanna, P Taub, K Weichman, J Ricci. “Frontline Reporting from the Epicenter of a Global Pandemic – a Survey of the Impact of COVID-19 on Plastic Surgery Training in New York and New Jersey”. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2022, Jan; 149(1): 130-138.
  • KJ Buretta, R Zhao, ST Hollenbeck. “Evolution and Revolution of Perforator Flaps”. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2018, Jun; 141(6): 1606-1607.
  • JP Orr, AR Sergesketter, RL Shammas, AB Thomas, R Zhao, RW Cason, G Broadwater, ST
  • Hollenbeck. “Assessing the Relationship Between Anxiety and Revision Surgery Following Autologous Breast Reconstruction”. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2019, Jan; 144(1): 24-33.
  • L Xu, X Chen, Y Tao, Y Li, R Zhao, H Hu, J Huang. “ATM Deficiency Promotes Progression of CRPC by Enhancing Warburg Effect”. Endocrine-Related Cancer. 26(2018): 59-71.
  • AR Sergesketter, B Pyfer, B Phillips, R Zhao, ST Hollenbeck. “Check the Record: Remote CT Scans for Perforator Mapping before Autologous Reconstruction”. Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery. 2018, Apr; 34(7): 485-491.
  • R Zhao, L Xu, AK Lee, IJ Pien, X Liu, VL Seewaldt, CY Li, ST Hollenbeck. “DNA Damage Signaling and Cell Senescence in BRCA1 Mutated Adipose Stem Cells Leads to Breast Cancer Progression”. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2018, Apr; 6(4): 10-11.
  • R Zhao, IJ Pien, X Liu, VL Seewaldt, CY Li, ST Hollenbeck. “Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells with BRCA Mutation Promote Breast Tumor Cell Migration”. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2017, May; 5(2017): 33.
  • B Sharif-Askary, R Zhao, ST Hollenbeck. “Does Early Urinary Catheter Removal Decrease Post-Op Urinary Tract Infections in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Free Flap Breast Reconstruction?” Plastic Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2018, Apr; 6(4s): 55.
  • E Cho, R Zhao, R Greenup, ST Hollenbeck. “Breast Cancer in Previously Augmented Breast: Do Implants Delay Detection?” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open 2016, Apr; 4(4s): 15.

Conference Presentations

  • R Zhao, Y Lu, D Chernovolenko, A Pothula. “Quality Improvement Initiative: Utilization of Video Postoperative Instructions in Breast Reduction Enhances Patient Experience”. Aesthetic Meeting. May 2024, Vancouver, Canada. Podium presentation.
  • R Zhao, Y Lu, Y Yan, A Pothula. “Quality Improvement Initiative: Nursing in-Service on Postoperative Flap Monitoring Using Video-Based Learning Improves Knowledge and Identification of Complications”. Aesthetic Meeting. April 2023, Miami, FL. Podium presentation.
  • R Zhao, Y Lu, P Shamamian, K Leibl, K Weichman. “Patient Reported Outcome in Breast Reconstruction Patients With and Without Prior Aesthetic Experience”. Aesthetic Meeting.
    April 2022, San Diego, CA. Podium presentation.
  • R Zhao, Y Lu, P Shamamian, K Leibl, K Weichman. “Patient Reported Outcome in Breast Reconstruction Patients With and Without Prior Aesthetic Experience”. Plastic Surgery Research Council. June 2022, Toronto, Canada. Podium presentation.
  • R Zhao, L Xu, A Lee, IJ Pien, X Liu, VL Seewaldt, CY Li, ST Hollenbeck. “DNA Damage Signaling and Cell Senescence in BRCA1 Mutated Adipose Stem Cells Leads to Breast Cancer Progression”. Plastic Surgery Research Council. May 2018, Birmingham, AL. Podium presentation.
  • R Zhao, R Kaakati, X Liu, AK Lee, ST Hollenbeck, CY Li. “Loss of Efficacy of EGFR Inhibitor in Caspase 3-Deficient Triple Negative Breast Cancer”. Plastic Surgery Research Council.
    May 2018, Birmingham, AL. Poster presentation.
  • R Zhao, IJ Pien, X Liu, VL Seewaldt, CY Li, ST Hollenbeck. “Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells with BRCA Mutation Promote Breast Tumor Cell Migration”. Plastic Surgery Research
    Council. May 2017, Durham, NC. Podium presentation.
  • R Zhao, L Xu, A Lee, IJ Pien, X Liu, VL Seewaldt, CY Li, ST Hollenbeck. “The BRCA1 Mutation Leads to Increased Secretion of Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-8 from Adipose Derived Stem Cells: Identifying a Potential Target in the Tumor Microenvironment”. International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science, Nov 2017, Miami, FL. Best Paper presentation.
  • R Zhao, M Lyes, ST Hollenbeck. “Autologous Tissue Transfer Return to the Operating Room Outcome”. American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress, October 2018, Boston, MA. Podium presentation.
  • R Zhao, R Kaakati, ST Hollenbeck, CY Li. “Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Target in Breast Cancer Treatment”. American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress, October 2018, Boston, MA. Poster presentation.
  • R Zhao, RL Shammas, G Broadwater, C Hansen-Estruch, RC Cason, JP Orr, M Lyes, E Le, ST Hollenbeck. “Assessing the Influence of Primary Vs. Covering Attending Surgeons on Free Flap Outcomes Following a Take-Back Procedure”. American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Feb 2019. Palm Desert, CA. Podium Presentation.
  • R Zhao, L Xu, A Lee, IJ Pien, X Liu, VL Seewaldt, CY Li, ST Hollenbeck. “BRCA Mutation in Adipose-Derived Stem Cells: Role of Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype in Breast Cancer Progression”. Association of Women Surgeons, Oct 2017, San Diego, CA. Podium Presentation.
  • R Zhao, BN Tran, AF Doval, G Broadwater, KJ Buretta, JP Orr, BT Lee, ST Hollenbeck. “A Multi-Center Analysis of Implant Failure/Flap Salvage Breast Reconstruction Patients”. American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Jan 2018, Phoenix, AZ. Poster Presentation.
  • R Zhao, M Lyes, ST Hollenbeck. “Return to Operating Room Outcomes after Free Flap Reconstruction”. Duke Surgery Research Symposium, April 2018, Durham, NC. Podium presentation.
  • R Zhao, R Kaakati, A Lee, IJ Pien, X Liu, V Seewaldt, ST Hollenbeck, CY Li. “Adipose Stem Cells and Breast Cancer Development”. Pinnell Center Symposium, Feb 2018, Durham, NC. Podium presentation.
  • R Zhao, R Kaakati, X Liu, F Li, A Lee, R Bachelder, CY Li, ST Hollenbeck. “Tumor Microenvironment in CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated BRCA1 Knockdown Adipose Stem Cell Model”. Duke Surgery Research Symposium, April 2018, Durham, NC. Podium presentation.
  • B Sharif-Askary, R Zhao, ST Hollenbeck. “Does Early Urinary Catheter Removal Decrease Post-Op Urinary Tract Infections in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Free Flap Breast Reconstruction?” Plastic Surgery Research Council. May 2018, Birmingham, AL. Podium presentation.
  • R Kaakati, R Zhao, CC Chang, F Li, X Liu, F Yuan, CY Li. “Exosome-Mediated RNAi Delivery for Melanoma Therapy”. International Investigative Dermatology. May 2018, Orlando, FL. Podium presentation.
  • E Cho, R Zhao, R Greenup, ST Hollenbeck. “Breast Cancer in Previously Augmented Breast: Do Implants Delay Detection?” American Association of Plastic Surgeons, May 2016, New York City, NY. Podium presentation.
  • KJ Buretta, A Atia, R Zhao, RL Shammas, JA Blau, ST Hollenbeck. “Post-Operative Tissue Oxygenation in DIEP versus msTRAM Flaps”. American Society of Plastic Surgery. Sep 2016; Los Angeles, CA. Podium presentation.
  • R Zhao, L Wang, Y Li, J Huang, H Mao. “Analysis and Quantification of Onco-metabolite 2-Hydroxyglutarate (2HG) and other Metabolites in Tumors using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy”. Emory University Research Symposium, Sep 2011, Atlanta, GA. Poster presentation.

I look forward to meeting you!

Please contact to set up a one-on-one consultation.