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Meet Dr. Lawrence Tong
Dr. Lawrence Tong is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and clinical experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. A Toronto native who trained at one of North America’s premier plastic surgery programs, Dr. Tong returned to his home city to establish Yorkville Institute of Plastic Surgery, where he combines rigorous surgical expertise with a patient-centered approach to aesthetic care.
With nearly two decades of surgical practice spanning the United States and Canada, Dr. Tong has developed deep proficiency in facial rejuvenation, breast enhancement, and body contouring procedures. He is recognized for his commitment to surgical excellence, ongoing education, and the comprehensive patient experience—from initial consultation through post-operative care and beyond.
Education and Professional Training
Medical Education
Dr. Tong earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Toronto, one of Canada’s leading medical schools. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Western Ontario, where he pursued an Honors program in Physiology and Psychology, establishing a strong foundation in the biological sciences.
Postdoctoral Surgical Training
Following medical school, Dr. Tong completed an integrated seven-year Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery residency at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor—consistently ranked among the top plastic surgery training programs in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. His training encompassed:
- Comprehensive plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Michigan Medical Center
- Advanced surgical techniques at Veterans Administration Hospital, Ann Arbor
- Clinical experience at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ypsilanti
- Craniofacial research fellowship at Mott Children’s Hospital and the University of Michigan Craniofacial Research Lab
- Orthopedic research training through the University of Michigan School of Engineering
- Basic Science research principles through the University of Michigan School of Dentistry
This rigorous, multi-institutional training provided Dr. Tong with comprehensive expertise in both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, as well as exposure to advanced research methodologies and academic medicine.
Board Certification and Credentials
Dr. Tong holds dual board certification in plastic surgery, a distinction held by a select group of physicians:
- Diplomate of The American Board of Plastic SurgeryDemonstrating certification by the premier American credentialing body for plastic surgeons
- Fellow of The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Plastic SurgeryCertifying his status as a specialist in plastic surgery under Canadian standards
- Fellow of The American College of Surgeons (F.A.C.S.)Reflecting his commitment to surgical excellence and ethical practice
Dr. Tong maintains active licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and holds membership in leading professional organizations:
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
- American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS)
- Reed O. Dingman Plastic Surgery Society
- Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Clinical Experience and Areas of Expertise
Extensive Surgical Practice
Dr. Tong has spent nearly two decades in active plastic surgery practice, with approximately nine years in the United States followed by his return to Toronto. His clinical experience includes thousands of successful procedures across all major areas of aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.
Facial Rejuvenation
- Facelift and neck lift surgery
- Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), with particular expertise in Asian blepharoplasty
- Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping)
- Injectable treatments including BOTOX® Cosmetic, JUVÉDERM®, Restylane®, and Restylane® Lyft
Breast Surgery
- Breast augmentation with implants
- Breast lift (mastopexy)
- Breast reduction
Body Contouring
- Liposuction and advanced body sculpting
- Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
- Post-weight loss body contouring
Personal Surgical Involvement
Dr. Tong personally performs all procedures, including surgical interventions and injectable treatments. He does not delegate surgical care to physician assistants or nurse practitioners, ensuring direct continuity of care and surgical accountability.
Research, Education, and Academic Leadership
Research Background
During his training at the University of Michigan, Dr. Tong conducted original research in craniofacial surgery and bone biology, with a focus on distraction osteogenesis and signal transduction pathways in bone formation. His research has been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences.
Teaching and Mentorship
While in practice in Michigan, Dr. Tong served on the plastic surgery teaching staff at Providence Hospital/Wayne State University, where he mentored, taught, and lectured plastic surgery fellows-in-training. He received the University of Michigan Medical School Bronze Beeper Award for excellence in medical student teaching.
Academic Presentations and Leadership
Dr. Tong has been an active presenter and thought leader in plastic surgery education:
- Invited presenter for the 2026 University of Toronto Breast and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Symposium : Asian Blepharoplasty: Pearls and Pitfalls. April 23, 2026
- Invited presenter for the “YPS Fresh Faces Panel” at the 2010 American Society of Plastic Surgeons Annual National Meeting in Toronto
- Co-moderator for the Aesthetic Surgery Research Papers Presentations panel at the same 2010 ASPS meeting
- Regular presenter at plastic surgery conferences and symposia, including the Canadian Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Symposium and the Reed O. Dingman Plastic Surgery Symposium
- Lecturer on topics including Asian blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty techniques, and facelift methodology
Continuing Education
Dr. Tong maintains a commitment to ongoing professional development, regularly attending plastic surgery conferences and symposia to stay current with the latest scientific findings, technologies, and surgical techniques.
Publications and Scholarly Contributions
Dr. Tong has contributed to the peer-reviewed medical literature and academic texts in plastic surgery, with publications spanning aesthetic surgery, craniofacial surgery, and reconstructive techniques:
Tong L, Ishii CH (2026). Asian Blepharoplasty. In Jeffords K, Manders EK, Austen, WG Jr., (Eds.), Aesthetic Surgery for Men: A Comprehensive Clinical Guide. Springer.
Boyd, JB, Caton AM, Mulholland RS, Tong L, Granzow JW. (2013). The Sensate Fibula Osteocutaneous Flap: Neurosomal Anatomy. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, 66(12):1688-94.
Oppenheimer, AJ, Tong, L, Buchman, SR. (2008). Craniofacial Bone Grafting: Wolff’s Law Revisited. Craniomaxillofacial Trauma Reconstruction, 1:49-62.
Tong L, Buchman SR, Ignelzi MA, Rhee S, Goldstein, SA. (2003). Focal Adhesion Kinase Expression During Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis: Evidence for Mechanotransduction. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, 111: 211-222.
Buchman, SR, Ignelzi, MA, Goldstein, SA, Rhee S, Tong L. (2002). Development of a Unique Rodent Model of Distraction Osteogenesis. Annals of Plastic Surgery, 49(5): 511-519.
Chung, KC, Tong, L. (2001). Use of Three Free Flaps Based on a Single Vascular Pedicle for Complex Reconstruction in an Electrical Burn Injury: A Case Report. Journal of Hand Surgery, 26(5):956-961.
Tong, L, Bauer RJ, Buchman SR. (2001). A Current 10-Year Retrospective Survey of 199 Surgically Treated Orbital Floor Fractures in a Nonurban Tertiary Care Center. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, 108: 612-621.
Tong, L, Buchman SR. (2000). Facial Bone Grafts: Contemporary Science and Thought. Journal of Craniomaxillofacial Trauma, 6(1): 31-41.
Tong, L, Buchman SR, Ignelzi, MA, Goldstein, SA. (1999). Focal Adhesion Kinase Immunolocalization During Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis. Surgical Forum, Vol. XLIX, pp. 615-618.
Kasten, SJ, Chung, KC, Tong, L. (1999). Simultaneous Revascularization and Soft Tissue Coverage in the Traumatized Upper Extremity with a Flow-Through Radial Forearm Flap. Journal of Trauma, 47(2):416-419.
Tong L, Buchman SR, Goldstein S, Ignelzi M. (1999). Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) Expression During Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis. Plastic Surgical Forum, Vol. XXII, pp. 91-93.
Tong, L, Bannister, J, Freiberg, A. (1995). Plastic Surgery Review Section in Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination: Review Notes and Lecture Series, 1995 Edition.
Practice Philosophy and Patient Care Approach
Dr. Tong’s approach to plastic surgery is grounded in the belief that exceptional surgical outcomes begin with thorough patient understanding, transparent communication, and meticulous surgical planning.
Comprehensive Patient Experience
At Yorkville Institute of Plastic Surgery, the focus extends beyond the operating room. Dr. Tong has designed his practice to optimize every aspect of the patient journey—from the initial consultation through post-operative follow-up and beyond. This philosophy is reflected in practice policies and procedures that prioritize:
Patient Education and Informed Consent
Dr. Tong believes that informed patients make better decisions about their care. Consultations are designed to educate patients about their options, realistic outcome expectations, and potential risks and benefits—allowing each patient to make decisions aligned with their personal goals and values.
Facility Standards
Yorkville Institute of Plastic Surgery operates in a CPSO-accredited surgical facility, meeting rigorous standards for patient safety, sterility, and surgical quality.
Why Choose Dr. Tong
Patients selecting a plastic surgeon should consider several key factors: training pedigree, board certification, clinical experience, and surgical outcomes. Dr. Tong offers a distinctive combination of these elements:
As many of Dr. Tong’s patients attest, his surgical results and commitment to the complete patient experience distinguish his practice. For patients seeking a skilled, compassionate, and thoroughly trained plastic surgeon in Toronto, Dr. Tong offers the expertise and dedication that lead to exceptional outcomes.
About Yorkville Institute of Plastic Surgery
Yorkville Institute of Plastic Surgery is a comprehensive cosmetic plastic surgery clinic dedicated to providing surgical services and facilities of the highest quality. Founded on the principle that patients deserve an exceptionally superior cosmetic surgery experience from beginning to end—and beyond—the practice combines Dr. Tong’s surgical expertise with a patient-centered operational philosophy.
The clinic features an elegant yet comfortable office environment with patient amenities and aesthetic skin services, designed to support a positive and professional patient experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Tong is board-certified by both The American Board of Plastic Surgery and The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He is a Fellow of The American College of Surgeons and holds active membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. He completed his plastic surgery training at the University of Michigan Medical Center, one of the premier plastic surgery programs in North America.
Dr. Tong has more than two decades of active plastic surgery practice, with approximately nine years in the United States and subsequent years in Toronto. He has performed thousands of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures and maintains a commitment to ongoing education through regular attendance at professional conferences and symposia.
Dr. Tong specializes in facial rejuvenation (facelift, neck lift, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty), breast surgery (augmentation, lift, reduction), and body contouring (liposuction, abdominoplasty, post-weight loss body contouring). He also personally performs non-surgical injectable treatments including BOTOX® Cosmetic, JUVÉDERM®, Restylane®, and Restylane® Lyft.
Yes. Dr. Tong personally performs all surgical procedures and injectable treatments. He does not delegate surgical care to other providers, ensuring direct continuity of care and surgical accountability.
Dr. Tong believes in comprehensive, patient-centered care that prioritizes education, transparent communication, and meticulous surgical planning. He takes time to understand each patient’s goals and concerns, provides realistic outcome expectations, and personally attends to all details of surgical planning, performance, and follow-up care.
Dr. Lawrence Tong has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.