Course Faculty

Dr. Roxana Cobo is a distinguished facial plastic surgeon based in Cali, Colombia, with over two decades of experience in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, otolaryngology, and head and neck surgery. She serves as Chief of the Otolaryngology Service at Centro Médico Imbanaco, a leading medical institution in Latin America. Dr. Cobo is internationally recognized for her expertise in rhinoplasty, particularly for her innovative techniques addressing the unique challenges of Hispanic and Latin nasal structures, such as thick skin and delicate cartilage frameworks.  A significant aspect of Dr. Cobo’s work involves the use of isotretinoin (commonly known as Accutane) to treat patients with thick nasal skin. Her research has demonstrated that low-dose isotretinoin therapy can effectively reduce sebaceous gland activity and thin the dermis, thereby enhancing rhinoplasty outcomes in patients with thick, oily skin. This approach has been particularly beneficial in achieving more defined nasal contours and improving overall surgical results.

In recognition of her contributions to facial plastic surgery, Dr. Roxana Cobo delivered the prestigious Gene Tardy Lecture for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) in Dallas in 2018, becoming, the first and only individual from Latin America to receive this honor. Similarly, Dr. Cobo was honored as the keynote speaker at the European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery’s 2019 annual meeting in Amsterdam, delivering the prestigious Joseph Lecture. She was the first Latin American and the only woman to receive this honor, underscoring her significant impact on the field. These honors reflects her significant contributions to the field, including her pivotal role, alongside Drs. Ted Cook and Gilbert Nolst Trenité, in developing the international certification process in Facial Plastic Surgery. Their efforts led to the establishment of the International Board for Certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (IBCFPRS) in 2012, which has since become a global benchmark for excellence in the specialty.

Dr. Cobo has held several esteemed leadership positions, including serving as President of the International Federation of Facial Plastic Surgery Societies (IFFPSS), the Colombian Society of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, and the Colombian Society of Facial Plastic Surgery. She is immediate Past- President of the International Board for Certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (IBCFPRS).

As a sought-after educator and speaker, Dr. Cobo regularly presents at international conferences and workshops, sharing her extensive expertise in rhinoplasty, facial rejuvenation, and minimally invasive techniques. Her academic contributions include numerous publications and book chapters, where she explores topics such as nonsurgical facial rejuvenation using polydioxanone threads and advanced grafting techniques in rhinoplasty.

Dr. Cobo’s commitment to excellence and innovation has made her a prominent figure in facial plastic surgery globally. Her dedication to advancing surgical techniques, coupled with her mentorship of young surgeons, has earned her widespread respect in the medical community. Her work continues to influence the future of facial plastic surgery, particularly in Latin America and beyond.

For more insights into Dr. Cobo’s approach and philosophy, you can watch her discuss her facial plastic surgery fellowship in this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKjWsXGmVj0&t=1s

Professor
Director- Facial Plastic Surgery
Vice-Chairman
Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery
Department of Biomedical Engineering
The Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic
University of California Irvine

Dr. Wong has been at UC Irvine since 1990 and has progressed through the academic ranks from intern, resident, fellow, clinical instructor, to presently his position as Professor, Vice-Chairman, and Fellowship Director in Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Wong’s clinical practice is focused on rhinoplasty surgery, and developed the UC Irvine Rhinoplasty Course. He has also chaired over a dozen general CME courses for UCI Otolaryngology in Palm Springs and Disneyland. He was the co-course director for the AAFPRS Rhinoplasty course in 2019 and 2024 in Orlando. He has lectured at the World Health Organization, Tsukuba University (Japan), Asan Medical Center (Korea), Royal College of Surgeons (London), along with invited presentations in Taipei, Vina Del Mar, Lisbon, Regensburg, Rio De Janeiro, Chongqing, Leipzig, Vancouver, Oaxaca, Bogota and Porto Alegre.

Since the time of joining at the faculty at UC Irvine in 1997, Dr. Wong’s been continuously funded by NIH (Principal Investigator on 7 grants) and Department of Defense for work focused on treating disorders of the head, neck, upper airway including facial reconstruction. His total funding to date exceeds $15M, and he has balanced this with a clinical practice focused on facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Technology developed in his lab has moved from basic concept to commercialization and his work has resulted in already the founding two companies. In addition to working with local companies, Dr. Wong has collaborated with a number of different companies throughout United States.

Nationally he has been recognized by organizations varying from otolaryngology, facial plastic surgery, biomedical engineering, and biophotonic societies. He recently was recognized as a fellow by the SPIE, the International Society for Optics and Photonics, an honor accorded to less than 1% of the membership, and very few physicians. Dr. Wong is editor in chief of Lasers in Surgery and Medicine (John Wiley Co.). He has served as a Senior Examiner for the American Board of Otolaryngology. He was a member of a standing NIH study section for over 14 years. He was Vice President of the Triological Society. He has mentored 21 postdoctoral fellows, 19 clinical fellows, 4 graduate students, 36 surgical residents in his lab, over 50 medical students, and over 80 undergraduates. He has had numerous international scholars and faculty members take sabbatical years with him. His pride is in the training of his residents and fellows.

Dr. Wong was born and raised in Los Angeles. He studied biomedical/electrical engineering at the University of Southern California and Oxford University. He completed his medical studies at Johns Hopkins. Dr. Wong completed his residency and fellowship training at the University of California Irvine.

Dr. Ali Sajjadian is a triple board-certified plastic surgeon based in Newport Beach, California, recognized for his expertise in rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, facelift, breast augmentation, and abdominoplasty. He earned his medical degree from Drexel University’s MCP-Hahnemann School of Medicine and completed residencies in General Surgery at Temple University and Plastic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Further specializing, he pursued a fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Emory University. Dr. Sajjadian has served as President of The Rhinoplasty Society and the Orange County Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is affiliated with Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach.

Dr. Andrew S. Frankel is a distinguished facial plastic surgeon based in Beverly Hills, California, with over 25 years of experience. He is double board-certified in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Frankel earned his medical degree with Alpha Omega Alpha honors from the University of Illinois College of Medicine. He completed a five-year residency in Otolaryngology at the University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, followed by a fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery under Dr. Frank Kamer. Dr. Frankel serves as an Assistant Professor on the Clinical Faculty at both UCLA and USC’s Keck School of Medicine. His practice at the renowned Lasky Clinic focuses exclusively on facial procedures, including rhinoplasty, facelift, and revision surgeries.

Dr. Bethany Powers, MD, is a board-certified surgeon specializing in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. A graduate of Washington State University Honors College, she earned her medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. Powers completed her residency in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Wisconsin, followed by a prestigious fellowship in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at the University of California, Irvine. Dedicated to excellence in patient care, Dr. Powers combines advanced surgical expertise with a compassionate approach, achieving optimal outcomes for her patients. She is an active member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. Starting summer 2025, she will join the University of Utah as an Assistant Professor, continuing her commitment to advancing the field and mentoring future surgeons.

Dr. Su-Velez is a pediatric otolaryngologist specializing in pediatric airway, voice, and swallowing issues, as well as thyroid surgery in conjunction with Dr. Huoh. She graduated from UC Berkeley and completed medical school at UC San Francisco. Dr. Su-Velez went on to complete her residency in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery at UCLA and further specialty training in pediatric otolaryngology at Stanford University. She also obtained a master’s degree from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Her research is focused on health equity and quality improvement, and she has been published in numerous peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Dr. Corliss Best, MD, FRCSC is an Assistant Professor practicing in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery within the Department of Otolaryngology– Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Ottawa, Canada. Dr. Best completed an Honors Specialization in Kinesiology at the University of Western Ontario, and medical training at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. She completed her residency in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Best then went on to complete a Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship at the University of California Irvine, through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Best now leads Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery training for surgical residents and medical students at the University of Ottawa. She also runs a cosmetic private practice in Ottawa, Ontario.

Dr. Deborah Watson is a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). She specializes in rhinoplasty, nasal reconstruction, external ear reconstruction, and cosmetic facial plastic surgery. Dr. Watson earned her medical degree from the University of Southern California School of Medicine in 1992. She completed residencies in General Surgery and Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at UCLA Medical Center. Following her residency, she pursued a fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago, training under renowned surgeons Drs. M. Eugene Tardy, Dean Toriumi, and Gary Burget. At UCSD, Dr. Watson serves as a Professor of Surgery, Co-Director of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Program Director for the Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Residency Program. Her research focuses on tissue-engineered cartilage for craniofacial reconstruction. An accomplished artist, Dr. Watson’s skills in drawing, painting, sculpting, and calligraphy enhance her surgical expertise.

Dr. Grace Lee Peng is a board-certified otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon, fellowship-trained in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. She specializes in facelifts, neck lifts, rhinoplasties, blepharoplasties, and revisional facial surgeries. Dr. Peng was admitted to the University of Southern California’s prestigious Baccalaureate/M.D. program during high school, earning her medical degree from the Keck School of Medicine. She completed her residency in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center, serving as Chief Resident in her final year. Her fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery was under renowned surgeons in Beverly Hills, including Drs. Paul Nassif, Babak Azizzadeh, and Guy Massry. Dr. Peng has published extensively in esteemed journals such as JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery and Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. She is fluent in English, Spanish, and Mandarin, and is dedicated to providing personalized, patient-centered care.

Dr. Halton Wolfgang Beumer earned his medical degree from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California and completed his residency in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Duke University. Currently, he serves as Chief of Surgery at San Antonio Military Medical Center and as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. A native Californian, Dr. Beumer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a dual degree in German from the University of California, Irvine. He completed dual fellowships in facial plastic surgery and microvascular reconstruction at UC Irvine. Dr. Beumer has served two tours of duty in Afghanistan, bringing a global perspective to his practice and academic roles.

Dr. Harry H. Ching is a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and an assistant professor in the Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV. He specializes in both cosmetic and reconstructive facial procedures, including rhinoplasty, facelift, blepharoplasty, brow lift, and Asian eyelid surgery. Dr. Ching also addresses conditions such as nasal obstruction, sinus disease, and facial trauma. He completed his residency in otolaryngology–head & neck surgery at UNLV and pursued a fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of California, Irvine. An active contributor to academic medicine, Dr. Ching serves as an expert reviewer for the Journal of Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine and has presented his research at national symposiums. His work has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the World Journal of Surgery and Head & Neck.

Dr. Irene A. Kim is a board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at UCLA Health, serving as an Assistant Professor-in-Residence in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine. She directs the UCLA Facial Nerve Center, specializing in facial reanimation for facial paralysis, rhinoplasty, and facial rejuvenation. Dr. Kim earned her medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 2011 and completed her otolaryngology residency at UCLA Medical Center. She further specialized with a fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at Johns Hopkins. In 2020, she obtained an MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management. Dr. Kim is affiliated with Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center.

Dr. James Newman is a board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and the Founder and Director of Premier Plastic Surgery, with offices in Palo Alto, San Mateo, and Half Moon Bay, California. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Baylor University and earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in 1991. Dr. Newman completed his internship and residency in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Stanford University, followed by a fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Stanford, where he also joined the faculty. With over 30 years of surgical experience, he specializes in minimally invasive techniques and offers procedures such as facelifts, rhinoplasty, and laser cosmetic surgery. Dr. Newman is affiliated with Mills-Peninsula Medical Center and Stanford Hospital.

Dr. Jennifer C. Fuller is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Loma Linda University School of Medicine. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Stanford University and earned her medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, where she was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. Dr. Fuller completed her residency in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Harvard Medical School and pursued fellowship training in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Minnesota. Her clinical expertise includes facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, with a focus on improving quality of life through the restoration of form and function. Dr. Fuller has been recognized with several awards, including the John J. Conley, MD Resident Research Award from the Eastern Section Triological Society.

Dr. John F. Ryan serves as fellow of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and clinical instructor in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the University of California, Irvine. He earned his undergraduate degree with honors and distinction in mathematics from Stanford University and completed his medical degree at Johns Hopkins University. He subsequently completed his residency in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery at Johns Hopkins University. His clinical interests span the breadth of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, and his research has been presented at national conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. He is an active member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Dr. John Vartanian is a board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in rhinoplasty, aging face surgery, and reconstructive procedures. Born in Chicago and raised in Southern California, he graduated with honors in Biology from the University of California, Irvine, where he received the Excellence in Undergraduate Research Award. Dr. Vartanian earned his medical degree and a Master of Science in Physiology from the Chicago Medical School, where he was recognized with multiple awards and research grants. He completed his residency in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago, training under renowned surgeons such as Drs. Eugene Tardy and Dean Toriumi. He further refined his expertise through a prestigious fellowship in facial plastic surgery with Dr. Frank Kamer at the Lasky Clinic in Beverly Hills. Dr. Vartanian is currently in private practice.

Dr. Jonathan M. Sykes is a renowned facial plastic surgeon and academic leader who served as the Director of Facial Plastic Surgery at the University of California, Davis Medical Center for over 30 years. A full professor, he has edited six textbooks and authored more than 200 scientific articles and book chapters. An internationally sought-after lecturer, Dr. Sykes has delivered over 1,000 lectures globally and reviewed for leading journals such as Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. With expertise in rhinoplasty, aging-related surgeries, and Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS), he has performed over 20,000 surgical procedures and trained 75 residents and 25 fellows in facial plastic surgery. A former president of the AAFPRS, Dr. Sykes is dedicated to advancing education, research, and global surgical training.

Dr. José E. Barrera is a triple board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in San Antonio, Texas. He holds certifications from the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and in the subspecialty of Sleep Medicine. Dr. Barrera earned his medical degree from the University of Colorado School of Medicine and completed his residency in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at the same institution. He pursued fellowship training in Sleep Medicine and Surgery, as well as Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, at Stanford University. A decorated 30-year Air Force veteran, Dr. Barrera has been recognized among San Antonio’s top doctors and serves as a fellowship director with the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Dr. Matthew K. Lee is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, specializing in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. He earned his medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine in 2009 and completed his residency in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at UCLA Medical Center in 2014. Following residency, Dr. Lee pursued a fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Stanford University, which he completed in 2015. His clinical interests include functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty, skin cancer reconstruction, facial paralysis reanimation, and maxillofacial trauma. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Lee serves as the Residency Program Director for Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Cedars-Sinai and is the Course Director for the Otolaryngology organ system course at Charles R. Drew University. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and is an active member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Dr. Myriam Loyo Li is a board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon. She serves as Co-Director of the Facial Nerve Center and the Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship Program. Dr. Loyo Li earned her medical degree from the Escuela de Medicina Ignacio A. Santos in 2007 and completed her otolaryngology residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital. She further specialized with a fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at OHSU. Her clinical expertise includes facial nerve disorders, craniofacial reconstruction, and aesthetic facial procedures. Dr. Loyo Li is also dedicated to academic medicine, contributing to research and education in her field.

Dr. P. Daniel Knott is a Professor and Director of Facial Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at UCSF. He earned his medical degree from UC San Diego and completed his residency at the Cleveland Clinic, followed by a fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at UCLA. Dr. Knott specializes in rhinoplasty, facial rejuvenation, reconstruction following skin cancer, and treatment of facial paralysis. An accomplished researcher, his work focuses on microvascular reconstruction, cartilage bioengineering, and innovative reconstructive techniques. He is widely published and recognized with numerous national awards in facial plastic surgery.

Dr. Rebecca “Becca” Brady is a Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery fellow at UC Irvine for 2024-2025. She earned her medical degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and completed her residency in Otolaryngology at Naval Medical Center San Diego. Currently serving as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, Dr. Brady also serves as a clinical instructor in the Department of Otolaryngology at UC Irvine. With expertise in facial reconstruction, cosmetic surgery, and head and neck conditions, she is committed to delivering exceptional patient care while advancing surgical education and clinical practice.

Dr. Sam P. Most is a distinguished facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Stanford University School of Medicine, where he serves as Chief of the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He earned his undergraduate degree with High Honors in Biology from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and completed his medical degree at Stanford University School of Medicine in 1995, where he received the Dean’s Award upon graduation. Following medical school, Dr. Most completed a General Surgery internship at Yale University School of Medicine/Yale-New Haven Hospital. He then pursued residency training in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Washington. Dr. Most further specialized through a fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Washington. He is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. In 2002, Dr. Most was appointed Chief of the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Washington. He joined Stanford University in 2006, where he continues to lead the division. His clinical expertise includes rhinoplasty, facelift surgery, blepharoplasty, and complex reconstructive procedures following head and neck cancer resection. Dr. Most has authored numerous articles and textbook chapters on facial plastic surgery. He has been recognized by his peers with multiple national awards, including the Ben Shuster Award in 2003 and the Mark Rafaty Memorial Award in 2014 from the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He served as President of The Rhinoplasty Society and is an expert in preservation rhinoplasty, pioneering advanced techniques in this field.

Dr. Travis T. Tollefson is a Professor and Director of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of California, Davis. He specializes in cleft and craniofacial disorders, offering comprehensive care for both pediatric and adult patients. Dr. Tollefson earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine and completed his residency in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at UC Davis. He furthered his expertise with a fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Washington. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Tollefson is actively involved in research and education, serving as Co-Director of the UC Davis Cleft and Craniofacial Program. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of the journal Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine.

Dr. Vishad Nabili is a board-certified otolaryngologist and facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at UCLA Health. He serves as a Professor of Clinical Head and Neck Surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.  Dr. Nabili earned his medical degree from the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine in 2001 and completed his residency in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at UCLA Medical Center in 2007.  His clinical expertise includes microvascular reconstructive surgery, rhinoplasty, and the management of head and neck cancers. Dr. Nabili is actively involved in research focusing on improving functional outcomes for head and neck cancer patients through advanced free tissue transfer techniques. He has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Parker J. Palmer Courage to Teach Award from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.  Dr. Nabili is fluent in English, Spanish, and Persian (Farsi), allowing him to effectively communicate with a diverse patient population.