Best Facial Plastic Surgeon in Austin, TX | Dr. Malena Amato
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Dr. Amato

Dr. Malena Amato, Board-Certified Eyelid & Facial Plastic Surgeon

Austin, TX oculoplastic facial surgeon, Dr. Malena Amato, in a green blouse

Dr. Malena Amato’s commitment to surgical artistry is surpassed only by her compassionate, patient-first philosophy. Throughout her 20-year medical career, she has built on her family’s proud medical legacy by innovating and striving for excellence in the field of oculoplastic and facial surgery. As a board-certified surgeon with training from Stanford and Georgetown Universities and completion of an ASOPRS (American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery) fellowship, she has perfected the use of minimally invasive endoscopic surgical techniques. This approach allows her to provide patients with a safe, comfortable experience and excellent outcomes.

I am committed to providing the highest level of skill, compassion, ethics, and safety, but nothing is more important than being a good listener and addressing each patient’s concerns. My focus is to empower patients by educating them, helping them understand expectations and collaborating with them and their team of providers to make the right choice. My goal is to provide patient-focused care in an inviting atmosphere and an excellent outcome, restoring beauty with function.

Education and Training in Oculoplastic Facial Surgery

Knowing that she wanted to carry on her grandfather’s legacy while finding her unique niche, Dr. Amato pursued her undergraduate and medical education at Boston College, Stanford and Georgetown Universities. After earning her medical degree, she decided to pursue General Surgery at Stanford University in Palo Alto, where she discovered her passion for facial surgery. This led her to return to Georgetown for Ophthalmology Residency, where she obtained board certification. Intent on further honing her skills, she completed a two-year accredited ASOPRS fellowship in Oculoplastic and Facial Surgery, in Austin, TX and at MD Anderson.

After becoming a successful surgeon, Dr. Amato began giving back to the medical community; she served as adjunct faculty at Georgetown in Washington, DC, before teaching as adjunct faculty at Stanford University during her time at Kaiser Permanente in the Bay Area.

Dr. Malena Amato's framed diplomas at her oculoplastic facial surgery clinic

While working with these prestigious institutions, Dr. Amato contributed to numerous research projects, authored several book chapters and peer-reviewed papers. In 2013, she moved to Austin to practice and raise their two boys. She served as the president of the Austin Ophthalmology Society. Today, she balances running Eyelid & Facial Plastic Surgery Associates in Austin with her role as Adjunct Clinical Professor at Dell Medical School.

Education

Undergraduate:

  • Boston College
  • Oxford University

Post Graduate:

  • Georgetown University School of Medicine: Doctor of Medicine
  • Stanford Health Sciences Center: Surgery Internship
  • Georgetown University Center for Sight: Ophthalmology Residency
  • Texas Ocuplastic Consultants: Oculofacial Plastic Surgery ASOPRS Fellowship
  • University of Texas, San Antonio Health Sciences Center: Oculofacial Plastic Surgery ASOPRS Fellowship

Professional Societies

  • Assistant Clinical Faculty, Dell Medical School
  • American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • Academy of Ophthalmology
  • Women in Ophthalmology
  • SEE International
  • International Medical Relief Foundation
  • Journal of Ophthalmology-Reviewer
  • EyeNet Magazine-Editorial board
  • ASOPRS Education Committee
  • Expert Review of Medical Devices

Awards

  • Super Doctors, Texas Monthly 2015-2023
  • Best Doctors, Austin Monthly 2014-2022
  • Distinguished Woman Physicians, Texas-2017
  • ASOPRS Research Award 2008
  • Castle Connelly’s Top Ophthalmologists
  • Metropolitan Who’s Who Among Executives and Professionals
  • Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Awards-2006, 2014
  • MRSA Community Benefit Grant-2010
  • Pathology Award-2006
  •  

Undergraduate Awards:

  • Magnum Cum Laude
  • Alpha Epsilon Delta Premedical Honors Society
  • Order of the Cross and Crown Jesuit Honors Society

What do Patients say about Dr. Amato?

Dr. Amato listened well and was very thoughtful in her approach to my problem. My problem had been an annoyance for me for over a year and it seemed that I was not going to be able to resolve the problem through other treatment and even a surgery that I had. Dr. Amato's diagnosis and treatment was able to resolve my problem, for which I am very grateful. I would highly recommend her for her care, thoughtfulness and excellence.

Committed to Excellence in Patient Care and Community

Outside her clinic, Dr. Amato works to pass down her philanthropic spirit to her two children, who accompany her on regular medical mission trips. Together with her husband, who is also a Plastic Surgeon, they have helped to provide medical care to underserved populations in Latin America, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and most recently, Guatemala and Belize. At home, they are dedicated to charities such as Austin Smiles, the Breast Cancer Resource Center, Austin Pets Alive, and the ASOPRS Foundation, Hospice by the Sea, and International Medical Relief Foundation.

Dr. Amato’s wealth of international experience has given her a broad perspective on both oculoplastic surgery and the role of compassionate care in building communities. Her Austin clinic is founded on the knowledge that a supportive, collaborative environment—for both patients and staff—is essential to the provision of outstanding care.

Personalized Surgical Treatment for Every Patient

Dr. Amato takes the time to listen to each of her patients, getting to know their cosmetic, medical, and personal goals. She understands the demands placed on parents and professionals and does her best to ensure that every procedure she performs is as gentle and noninvasive as possible. She also prides herself on making time for her patients, personally calling her patients after surgery, and going so far as to provide them with her phone number. Her two decades of medical experience and her commitment to warm, attentive care have earned her the honor of being selected as a Top Doctor and Super Doctor for four consecutive years.

If you’re looking for peerless oculoplastic expertise with a personal touch, Dr. Amato will be happy to welcome you to her family of patients. Contact her today to learn more about the procedures she offers.

Ready to book your procedure?

If you are ready to take the next step, or simply want more information about a procedure, please contact our team! Dr. Amato and Dr. Somogyi look forward to speaking with you soon!