Meet Dr. Watson

Dr. Deborah Watson is a Facial Plastic Surgeon who is double board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology (Head and Neck Surgery). She has expertise in rhinoplasty and nasal reconstruction, and also specializes in cosmetic facial plastic surgery.

Dr. Watson received her medical degree from the University of Southern California School of Medicine in 1992. She did her General Surgery and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery residencies at the UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.

Following the completion of her residency training, Dr. Watson did a Fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago and had the privilege of training with internationally-renowned facial plastic surgeons.

Dr. Watson is a Professor for the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the University of California. She serves as the Program Director for the Otolaryngology Surgical Residency Training Program and is one of the co-Directors of the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

As the Residency Program Director for the surgical residents in the Department, Dr. Watson supervises and participates in their 6-7 years of surgical training. In addition to her regular teaching responsibilities with the UC San Diego surgical residents and medical students, Dr. Watson has an extensive research background and is currently pursuing research in tissue-engineered cartilage for its use in craniofacial reconstruction. The future application of this tissue technology will benefit individuals who have birth defects involving the cartilage framework of their nose or ears, or have acquired deformities of these facial areas from trauma, cancer resection, or aggressive alterations from previous surgery.

Dr. Watson is also a recognized artist and sculptor, having had her work displayed at art exhibitions and published in journals and magazines. Her artistic skills include drawing, painting, sculpting and calligraphy, and this artistic talent enhances her surgical and reconstructive expertise.

To make an appointment for a complimentary consultation, contact us at (858) 657-8590. For your convenience, we will gather your insurance information at this time so that you do not need to fill out additional paperwork at your appointment time. Some surgical procedures, or portions of it, may be covered by your insurance. In addition, if your age or health status requires any pre-operative laboratory testing, your insurance may cover these costs. You should contact your health insurance carrier to be certain.

When you arrive at the Perlman Clinic, please stop by the Registration Desk as you enter the lobby to collect and then proceed to the elevators that will take you to the Lower Level for your appointment.

At your initial visit, we will discuss your wishes or concerns, examine the condition you would like to have corrected or improved, and give you an idea of your options to accomplish the desired result. Your general health will be evaluated, and we will need to know about any drug allergy and what medicines you are taking on a regular or occasional basis. It is always helpful to think about questions you may have so that they can be discussed during your consultation.

Medical photographs will be taken to assist in the analysis of your conditions and the precise planning of surgery. Photographs are invaluable in preparing for the technical details of your surgery.

Our best efforts will always be put forth to achieve a pleasing and satisfactory operative result for you. With a proper understanding of your surgery, you should approach your procedure with confidence and enthusiasm.