G. Nina Lu, MD

Our face is fundamental to our identity and how we connect with the world. Disruptions to one's facial function and appearance can have devastating consequences both physically and psychologically. I am devoted to understanding my patients' goals and partnering with them to achieve the optimal outcome. It is a true privilege to have the opportunity to help patients put their best face forward.

Dr. Lu is a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon within the Department of Otolaryngology. She completed her fellowship training in facial plastic surgery at Johns Hopkins with expertise in the treatment of facial paralysis and leads the facial nerve center at the University of Washington. Originally from Houston, TX, she completed her otolaryngology residency at the University of Kansas after graduating from Northwestern University’s honors program in medical education. Dr. Lu specializes in complex reconstructive and aesthetic surgery of the face, head and neck, including microsurgical reconstruction, facial reanimation, skin cancer reconstruction, microtia, functional and aesthetic septorhinoplasty, and craniofacial trauma. She has a clinical and research focus in the comprehensive treatment of patients with facial nerve disorders causing facial palsy (or facial paralysis). She is the only surgeon at the University of Washington who routinely performs selective neurolysis and myectomy for incomplete facial paralysis and gracilis free muscle transfer for facial reanimation. She also performs functional and aesthetic surgeries of the face including rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, face lift, blepharoplasty, brow lift and utilizes this expertise synergistically to improve outcomes for those patients requiring facial reconstruction.

Undergraduate Education: Northwestern University, B.Sc. 2009

Medical School: Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, M.D. 2013

Residency: University of Kansas Medical Center, 2013-2018

Fellowship: Johns Hopkins Hospital, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2018-2019

Board Certification: American Board of Otolaryngology, 2019; American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2021

Memberships: American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgeons; Sir Charles Bell Society

2023: University of Washington Otolaryngology Department Faculty Driftwood Award 

2022: Rosalind Franklin Society- Mary Ann Liebert Women Award in Science, Facial Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine Journal

2021: John Orlando Roe Award for Clinical Research Paper, ABFPRS

2019: Jack R. Anderson Prize for Scholastic Excellence, ABFPRS

2018: Resident Teacher of the Year Award: University of Kansas Otolaryngology Department

2017: Deborah Park Resident Award- Excellence in Clinical Medicine

2016: Basic Science Research Award: University of Kansas Otolaryngology Department

2009: Summa Cum Laude with Departmental Distinction: Northwestern University

Facial Paralysis, Bells Palsy, Synkinesis, Mobius Syndrome, Nasal Obstruction, Nasal Cancers, Nasal Septal Deviation and Perforation, Rhinoplasty, Mohs defect facial reconstruction, Skin cancer facial reconstruction, Parotidectomy, Facial trauma, head and neck cancer surgery, Skin resurfacing, Scar revision, Botox and facial filler injection, Otoplasty, Microtia, Brow lift, Face lift, Blepharoplasty