About

Dr. Jeffrey Watson, M.D., is a Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and Otolaryngologist at Tahoe Forest Health System MultiSpecialty Clinics. His expertise is in facial aesthetics, reconstructive surgery, and otolaryngology (ears, nose, and throat) procedures. He joined the team at Tahoe Forest in 2018.

Drawn to the outdoor lifestyle of the Sierra Nevada, Dr. Watson left a private aesthetic surgery practice in Vista, CA. to make the move to Truckee. He was particularly impressed with the high standards at Tahoe Forest Health System. “If I was going to be in a small town, it was very important to me to be part of an organization that has outstanding doctors providing outstanding medicine, and that they are responsive to the needs of the community,” he said.

Originally from Seattle, WA, Dr. Watson pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology—the study of how the brain and biological processes interact to influence behavior and mental processes. “I was always interested in the psychology component of medicine and how it impacts how the patient feels,” he said.

He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree at Harvard Medical School, where he was honored with the Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship and the Paul Dudley White Traveling Fellowship. Following medical school, he completed his internship and residency at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), Division of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery.

Seeking additional training to become a facial plastic surgeon, he engaged in a fellowship at the UT Houston Medical Center with an esteemed facial plastic surgeon and rhinoplasty specialist. He credits the mentorship with providing invaluable experience in advanced facial rejuvenation procedures, rhinoplasty, and facial reconstruction.

Dr. Watson is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and he has authored peer-reviewed publications and textbook chapters on topics ranging from cartilage tissue engineering to psychological influences on surgical outcomes.

Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Watson is committed to giving back and making a positive impact. He’s been involved in improving healthcare in developing countries since medical school. “I participate in annual missions to Guatemala for pediatric reconstructive surgery, including cleft lip and palate repair and repairing facial deformities and congenital disabilities,” he said.

Through philanthropy, he supports local organizations that work to protect our environment, including Mountain Area Preservation and the Truckee Donner Land Trust. He enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the Sierra, traveling abroad, hiking, skiing, and playing tennis.

Currently, he is focused on helping Tahoe Forest Health System expand the facial plastic and reconstructive surgery service line. “I’m excited to support the growth of this service to the community, whether it be reconstructive to address trauma or skin cancer or purely aesthetic,” he said. “I think there is an enormous need in the Tahoe Basin for highly skilled, specially-trained aesthetic practitioners.”

He adds, “Facial plastic surgery is unique in that you can harness your artistic capabilities within the practice of medicine and ultimately give patients the most natural results, but a refreshed look that allows them to feel better and improve their self-confidence.”

“Facial plastic surgery is unique in that you can harness your artistic capabilities within the practice of medicine and ultimately give patients the most natural results, but a refreshed look that allows them to feel better and improve their self-confidence.”