Erinn N. Kim, MD

Erinn N. Kim, MD Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon | Facial Plastic Surgery, Craniofacial Surgery, and Reconstructive Surgery

Erinn N. Kim, MD, is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with specialized expertise in facial plastic surgery, craniofacial surgery, and reconstructive surgery. She provides comprehensive care for both children and adults, with expertise in facial reconstruction, cleft and craniofacial conditions, congenital ear anomalies, gender-affirming surgery, facial trauma, and cosmetic facial procedures. Her practice combines advanced reconstructive techniques with aesthetic principles to optimize both function and appearance.

Dr. Kim is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Utah and cares for patients at University of Utah Health, Primary Children's Hospital, and Shriners Children's. She also serves as Director of the Craniofacial Fellowship, helping train the next generation of craniofacial and reconstructive surgeons.

Clinical Expertise

Dr. Kim's clinical practice includes:

Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

• Facial reconstruction surgery
• Facial trauma reconstruction
• Head and neck reconstruction
• Functional eyelid and brow surgery
• Functional nasal surgery and nasal valve repair
• Septoplasty
• Skin cancer reconstruction
• Mohs reconstruction
• Facial scar revision

Cosmetic and Aesthetic Surgery

• Rhinoplasty
• Facelift, mid-facelift, and neck lift
• Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
• Brow lift
• Chin reshaping (genioplasty)
• Facial implants
• Facial injectables and fillers
• Botox
• Ear pinning (otoplasty)
• Ear gauge repair
• Abdominoplasty

Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery

• Craniofacial surgery
• Cleft lip and palate
• Craniosynostosis
• Pediatric plastic surgery
• Microtia and congenital ear reconstruction
• Vascular anomalies
• Congenital craniofacial differences

Gender-Affirming Surgery

• Facial gender-affirming procedures
• Facial feminization surgery
• Chest wall Masculinization

Education and Training

Dr. Kim earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a minor in English, from the University of California, Irvine, graduating cum laude. She received her medical degree from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.

She completed her general surgery residency at the University of California, San Francisco Fresno and is board certified in General Surgery. Dr. Kim then completed her plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at the University of Utah, followed by fellowship training in craniofacial surgery at the University of California, San Diego.

She is board certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Professional Experience and Leadership

Since 2022, Dr. Kim has served as Assistant Professor in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Utah. She also holds faculty appointments at Primary Children's Hospital and Shriners Children's.

In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Kim serves as Director of the Craniofacial Fellowship and Co-Director of the University of Utah Facial Plastics Program. She is actively involved in surgical education, mentorship, and curriculum development and serves as a facilitator and core educator for the American Council of Educators in Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Kim is also a Surgeon-Educator with Operation Smile, where she supports cleft and craniofacial surgical education internationally.

Research and Academic Interests

Dr. Kim's research focuses on improving outcomes for patients undergoing craniofacial, reconstructive, and facial plastic surgery, including:

• Cleft lip and palate surgery
• Craniofacial reconstruction
• Craniosynostosis
• Congenital ear anomalies and microtia
• Facial feminization surgery
• Orthognathic surgery
• Surgical outcomes and quality improvement
• Multidisciplinary care models for craniofacial patients
• Patient and family education in reconstructive surgery

She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and regularly presents her work at regional, national, and international meetings. Her recent scholarship includes research in cleft care, craniofacial reconstruction, facial feminization surgery, and pediatric plastic surgery. She has also presented nationally on implant-based ear reconstruction and advances in craniofacial surgery.

Teaching and Professional Involvement

Dr. Kim is deeply committed to surgical education and mentorship. She teaches residents, fellows, medical students, and advanced practice providers and leads educational programs in craniofacial surgery. Through her clinical, educational, and research efforts, she works to advance the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery while improving care for patients with complex reconstructive needs.

Patient Care Philosophy

Dr. Kim believes in partnering with patients and families to develop individualized treatment plans that support both functional and aesthetic outcomes. She emphasizes clear communication, shared decision-making, and compassionate care, helping patients and families feel informed and supported throughout their surgical journey.

Personal Interests

Outside of medicine, Dr. Kim enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, and staying active. Her background as a collegiate cross-country and track athlete reflects a lifelong commitment to discipline, teamwork, and personal growth.