Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon | Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgeon

Dr. Janet R. Chao is a board-eligible facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeon with advanced fellowship training and an extensive record of academic contributions in facial aesthetics, reconstructive surgery, and head and neck oncology. She is currently in private practice in San Diego, California, where she performs a full spectrum of cosmetic and reconstructive facial procedures using an evidence-based, patient-centered, and anatomically precise approach.

She has been practicing general otolaryngology and head and neck Mohs reconstructive surgery since 2023, initially serving as a Pool Physician with The Permanente Medical Group in the Bay Area before transitioning to her current role as a Per Diem Mohs Reconstruction and Otolaryngology Physician with the Southern California Permanente Medical Group in San Diego.

Dr. Chao completed her Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship (AAFPRS) at Hessler Plastic Surgery (Palo Alto) and the practice of Dr. David W. Kim (San Francisco). She previously completed a rigorous five-year Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery residency at Yale University School of Medicine (2018–2023), gaining extensive experience in oncologic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery of the head and neck. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biophysics with a Minor in Mathematics from the University of San Diego.

An accomplished academic contributor, Dr. Chao has authored or co-authored more than twenty peer-reviewed publications and textbook chapters, including contributions to Essential Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Essential Head and Neck Oncology and Surgery. Her research focuses on facial anatomy, energy-based treatments, minimally invasive reconstruction, and oncologic outcomes.

Dr. Chao holds an active California medical license and is board-eligible through the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Her clinical philosophy centers on surgical precision, aesthetic harmony, and compassionate, individualized care.