Amit Kochhar, MD

About Dr. Amit Kochhar

Dr. Amit Kochhar, MD, is double board-certified in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He is the director of the Facial Nerve Disorders Program at Pacific Eye, Ear & Skull Base Center, Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica.

Career Highlights

Dr. Kochhar is one of a few select surgeons who perform complex (microvascular) head and neck reconstruction following cancer resections and facial trauma, as well as for the rehabilitation of facial paralysis, an area in which he has specific clinical expertise and research interest.

In addition to his expertise in head and neck reconstruction, Dr. Kochhar provides consultation for management of the aging face and nasal airway, and minimally invasive procedures for facial rejuvenation using laser, pulsed light, ultrasound, and radiofrequency energy. Dr. Kochhar has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on the management of facial nerve disorders, head and neck reconstruction, facial trauma and rhinoplasty.

Dr. Kochhar completed a 7-year Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery residency at Johns Hopkins Medical Institute. He then completed a fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at UCLA Medical Center with world-renowned surgeon, Dr. Keith Blackwell. He began his professional career at Keck Medicine of USC where he taught residents and medical students the “art” of head and neck reconstruction.

In addition to his clinical duties caring for patients, and teaching, he continues to perform research and present at national meetings. His training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery has provided him with a diverse skill set that he can provide to each patient.

His patients appreciate his compassion, expertise and rare combination of aesthetic and reconstructive surgical skills. Dr. Kochhar believes that each patient has unique experiences and perspectives that shape their goals of treatment. Thus, he strives to learn about his patients in-depth and create a plan of care that meets each of their individual needs.

Specialties

A Smile Returns After Facial Paralysis

• Neuro Conditions – Nerves
• Facial Nerve

Dr. Amit Kochhar performs advanced facial nerve surgery that restores movement and function in patients with facial paralysis. Learn more.

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, Explained by Dr. Amit Kochhar

• Neuro Conditions – Nerves
• Facial Nerve, Ramsey Hunt Syndrome

Dr. Amit Kochhar explains how Ramsay Hunt Syndrome recently led to the 28-year-old pop star Justin Bieber’s facial paralysis.

Shining a Light on Facial Paralysis

• Neuro Conditions – Nerves
• Facial Nerve

Learn more about the new Facial Nerve Disorders program at PNI and the work Dr. Kochhar is doing at to help patients struggling with facial …

Rebuilding Confidence After Facial Paralysis

• Neuro Conditions – Nerves

Expert facial paralysis treatment with Dr. Amit Kochhar at at Pacific Neuroscience Institute restores facial movement and quality of life.

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Resources