Ashley Howarth, MD, FACS
Ashley Howarth, MD, FACS, is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, Arizona, whose practice focuses on aesthetic facial surgery, breast surgery, body contouring, and labiaplasty. She is an Instructor in Plastic Surgery at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.
Meet your surgeon
Ashley Lynn Howarth, MD, FACS
Dr. Ashley Howarth is a board-certified plastic surgeon who completed nine years of formal surgical training spanning general surgery and plastic and reconstructive surgery. After training in general surgery at Texas A&M Baylor Scott & White, she completed the Mayo Clinic Plastic Surgery Integrated Residency in Arizona. She earned her medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine.
Dr. Howarth’s practice focuses on aesthetic facial surgery, breast surgery, body contouring, and labiaplasty. Her consultations are centered on fit rather than a predetermined procedure: anatomy, alternatives, limitations, incision placement, recovery, and the option of no treatment are discussed candidly. Availability varies by procedure and may, at times, extend several months. Patients considering surgery may wish to begin planning early; the practice can provide current scheduling.
For selected patients with deeper facial skin-quality concerns, Dr. Howarth personally performs full-field, fractional, and combined erbium laser skin resurfacing. Her planning distinguishes skin-surface change from laxity, eyelid anatomy, and facial volume before a procedure or setting is recommended.
Dr. Howarth holds the rank of Instructor in Plastic Surgery at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science and works with residents in the Mayo Clinic Plastic Surgery Integrated Residency (Arizona). She welcomes residents into her Scottsdale practice to broaden their exposure to aesthetic surgery, private-practice patient care, and individualized surgical planning. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has also featured her expert commentary on eyelid support, breast surgery, consultation planning, preparation, and recovery.
As a working mother of three, Dr. Howarth understands that timing and recovery must fit work, caregiving, travel, and daily life. Her care emphasizes honest guidance, individualized planning, and clear expectations from consultation through recovery.
Outside the operating room, Dr. Howarth and her husband support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale. She also offers shadowing and career guidance to young women interested in medicine and surgery.
Mayo Clinic Arizona · Resident-Selected Teaching Recognition
2026 Dr. William D. Leighton and Dr. Edward F. Joganic Award
In 2026, the plastic surgery residents in the Mayo Clinic Plastic Surgery Integrated Residency (Arizona) selected Ashley L. Howarth, MD, to receive the 2026 Dr. William D. Leighton and Dr. Edward F. Joganic Award. The award recognizes her dedication and commitment to excellence in plastic surgery graduate medical education.
Dr. Howarth completed her plastic and reconstructive surgery training through the Mayo Clinic Plastic Surgery Integrated Residency (Arizona) and now holds the rank of Instructor in Plastic Surgery at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. She welcomes residents into her Scottsdale practice to broaden their exposure to aesthetic surgery, private-practice patient care, and the decisions that shape a thoughtful surgical plan.
Research & Scholarship
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Dr. Howarth’s work includes peer-reviewed research in women’s health, breast reconstruction, microsurgery, craniofacial surgery, device identification, and surgical ergonomics.
Publication note: the Journal of Women’s Health citation lists “Howarth AA.” Dr. Howarth’s correct name is Ashley L. Howarth.
- Dr. Howarth publicationPflibsen LR, Howarth AA, Layon SA, Noland SS. Labiaplasty. Journal of Women’s Health. 2023;32(3):271-273.
- Dr. Howarth publicationHammond JB, Teven CM, Flug JA, et al. The Chimeric Gracilis and Profunda Artery Perforator Flap. Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery. 2021.
- Dr. Howarth publicationHammond JB, Howarth AL, Haverland RA, et al. Robotic Harvest of a Rectus Abdominis Muscle Flap After Abdominoperineal Resection. Diseases of the Colon & Rectum. 2020.
- Dr. Howarth publicationPflibsen LR, Howarth AL, Meza Rochin A, et al. A Navajo Patient with Morbihan’s Disease. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2020.
- Dr. Howarth publicationHowarth AL, Hallbeck MS, Lemaine V, Singh DJ, Noland SS. Work-Related Musculoskeletal Discomfort and Injury in Craniofacial and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. 2019.
- Dr. Howarth publicationHowarth AL, Hallbeck S, Mahabir RC, et al. Work-Related Musculoskeletal Discomfort and Injury in Microsurgeons. Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery. 2019.
- Dr. Howarth publicationAston JW, Howarth AL, Wilson NA, Mahabir RC. The Value of Unique Device Identifiers in Plastic Surgery. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2018.
- Dr. Howarth publicationHowarth AL, Niska JR, Brooks K, et al. Tissue Expanders and Proton Beam Radiotherapy. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2017.
Verified Credentials
Board Certification, Fellowships & Memberships
Dr. Howarth is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and an Instructor in Plastic Surgery at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. Her professional affiliations and hospital appointments support continuity, peer standards, and accountable surgical care.
- CredentialAmerican Board of Plastic Surgery
- FACSAmerican College of Surgeons
- MembershipThe Aesthetic Society
- MembershipAmerican Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Academic appointmentMayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
- Teaching recognition2026 Dr. William D. Leighton and Dr. Edward F. Joganic Award
- Device safetyNational Breast Implant Registry
Expert Commentary
Featured by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
ASPS has invited Dr. Howarth to provide expert perspective on eyelid support, breast surgery options, consultation, preparation, and recovery.