Norman Waterhouse: London Plastic Surgeon Specializing in Facial Rejuvenation and Reconstructive Surgery

The field of plastic surgery has experienced remarkable growth over the past two decades, with facial rejuvenation procedures becoming increasingly sophisticated. Norman Waterhouse stands as one of London’s most experienced consultant plastic surgeons, recognized internationally for his expertise in facial aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.

With over 65 published papers in medical literature and more than three decades of surgical practice, Waterhouse has established himself as an authority in advanced facial rejuvenation techniques, particularly the deep plane facelift and revision surgery. His career spans teaching at international conferences, humanitarian work across multiple continents, and leadership roles in professional organizations.

This article examines Waterhouse’s educational background, hospital affiliations, surgical specializations, contributions to medical research, charitable endeavors, and professional achievements.

Education and Professional Training

Norman Waterhouse graduated from Birmingham University with his medical degree in 1978. His early surgical training took place in Cambridge and Bristol, where he developed foundational skills in general surgery before specializing in plastic and reconstructive procedures.

In 1982, Waterhouse became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and the Royal College of Surgeons of Glasgow, demonstrating his commitment to surgical excellence early in his career.

His higher surgical training in plastic surgery was carried out in Bristol and London, with additional specialized training periods at international centers in Bordeaux, France; Tokyo, Japan; and Adelaide, Australia. This international exposure allowed him to study various surgical techniques and approaches to facial reconstruction and aesthetic surgery.

In 1988, Waterhouse gained the Specialist Fellowship in Plastic Surgery FRCS (Plast), marking his qualification as a fully trained consultant plastic surgeon.

Hospital Appointments and Career Progression

Waterhouse was appointed as a Consultant in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery to St Bartholomew’s Hospital and the Royal London Hospital in 1989. These positions at two of London’s most prestigious teaching hospitals established his reputation in the field.

He was subsequently appointed at Charing Cross Hospital and St Mary’s Hospital before becoming Lead Clinician and Director of the Craniofacial Unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. In this role, he treated patients with all forms of facial conditions, with facial surgery constituting the majority of his NHS practice.

Waterhouse’s work at the Craniofacial Unit involved treating complex congenital and acquired facial conditions, including cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, and facial trauma. This experience provided him with comprehensive knowledge of facial anatomy and reconstructive techniques that would later inform his aesthetic surgery practice.

Current Practice and Affiliations

Waterhouse now works in private practice and is a partner at WaterhouseJanssen, a specialist facial plastic surgery clinic with locations in London, Dubai, and Stuttgart. The practice was established in partnership with Dr. Tim J. Janssen and focuses exclusively on facial rejuvenation procedures.

He is also affiliated with The London Clinic on Harley Street and is a co-founder of WY Skin Clinic, where he provides both surgical and non-surgical aesthetic treatments.

Initial consultations with Waterhouse begin at £300, with appointments available at his London practice. The clinic can be reached at +44 20 7636 4073.

Facial Rejuvenation Specialization

Waterhouse is internationally recognized for his expertise in facial rejuvenation surgery, with particular emphasis on advanced facelift techniques. His specializations include:

1. Deep Plane Facelift

Waterhouse has developed significant expertise in the deep plane facelift technique, which addresses facial aging by working beneath the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) to release facial retaining ligaments. This approach allows for repositioning of underlying facial structures rather than simply tightening skin, producing more natural and longer-lasting results.

The deep plane technique addresses the midface, jawline, and neck, effectively treating jowls and advanced signs of facial aging. Waterhouse’s reputation for complex and revision facelift surgery has attracted patients internationally.

2. Endoscopic (Scarless) Facelift

For patients with early to moderate signs of facial aging, Waterhouse offers endoscopic facelift techniques that minimize visible scarring. Incisions are hidden within the hairline, and the procedure can be combined with neck lift procedures for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

3. Gliding Brow Lift

Waterhouse has developed a signature technique he refers to as the “gliding brow lift.” This approach involves releasing the skin from the underlying muscle, allowing the brow to glide into an elevated position before being secured with sutures. The technique smooths wrinkles and addresses brow ptosis with minimal scarring and shorter recovery times.

4. Combined Procedures

Waterhouse frequently performs combined facial rejuvenation procedures, including brow lifts, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), fat grafting, and lip lifts. This comprehensive approach addresses multiple aspects of facial aging in a single surgical session.

He has also pioneered the use of quilting sutures, which minimize bleeding and accelerate recovery following facelift surgery.

5. Additional Procedures

Beyond facial rejuvenation, Waterhouse performs a range of aesthetic and reconstructive procedures:

• Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping)
• Neck lift and platysmaplasty
• Fat transfer and facial volumization
• Breast augmentation and breast reduction
• Skin malignancy treatment
• Genioplasty (chin augmentation)
• Thread lifts
• Injectable treatments

Reconstructive Surgery Expertise

Waterhouse maintains a strong foundation in reconstructive plastic surgery, particularly in treating congenital facial conditions. His work in the Craniofacial Unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital involved treating patients with:

• Cleft lip and palate
• Craniosynostosis
• Hemifacial microsomia
• Treacher Collins syndrome
• Facial trauma reconstruction

This reconstructive background informs his aesthetic work, as he applies the same principles of facial symmetry, proportion, and functional restoration to cosmetic procedures.

Research and Publications

Waterhouse has published over 65 papers in peer-reviewed medical journals, contributing to the evidence base for aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. His research interests include facial rejuvenation techniques, outcomes assessment, and the development of new surgical approaches.

He has served as a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of the British Journal of Plastic Surgery, helping to shape research priorities and publication standards in the field.

Waterhouse is frequently invited to speak at international conferences on facial aesthetic surgery, where he shares his surgical techniques and clinical outcomes. He has performed live surgical demonstrations, including facelift surgery, at the annual meeting of the German Society of Plastic Surgeons in Berlin.

His teaching extends to supervising undergraduate medical degrees and training junior surgeons in plastic surgery techniques.

Professional Memberships and Leadership

Waterhouse holds membership in several professional organizations:

• British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) – Former President
• British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons
• International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
• European Craniofacial Society
• International Society of Craniofacial Surgery
• Royal Society of Medicine – Former President of the Plastic Surgery Section
• General Medical Council Specialist Register (included since 1995)

His presidency of BAAPS and the Royal Society of Medicine’s Plastic Surgery Section reflects recognition from his peers for his contributions to the specialty.

Humanitarian Work and Charitable Contributions

In 2002, Waterhouse co-founded the charity Facing the World alongside fellow surgeon Martin Hirigoyen Kelly. The organization provides surgical treatment for children with craniofacial conditions in developing countries who cannot access or afford medical care.

Initially, Facing the World brought children from developing nations to the United Kingdom for surgery. The charity later shifted focus to Vietnam, establishing partnerships with hospitals in Hanoi and Da Nang. The organization trains Vietnamese surgeons in craniofacial procedures and provides surgical equipment to local hospitals.

Waterhouse also volunteers with Operation Smile, an international medical charity that provides free cleft lip and palate surgery to children in developing countries. He has traveled to multiple countries to perform these life-changing procedures, including:

• Sri Lanka
• Ghana
• Saudi Arabia
• Qatar
• Ethiopia
• Nicaragua
• Peru

These humanitarian missions have allowed Waterhouse to apply his surgical skills to help children who would otherwise have no access to treatment for congenital facial conditions. The work addresses both functional issues (difficulty eating, speaking, and breathing) and the social stigma often associated with visible facial differences.

Achievements and Recognition

Waterhouse’s career achievements include:

• Former President of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
• Former President of the Plastic Surgery Section of the Royal Society of Medicine
• Over 65 peer-reviewed publications in medical literature
• International teaching and training profile
• Co-founder of the Facing the World charity
• Development of the gliding brow lift technique
• International reputation for revision facelift surgery
• Live surgical demonstrations at international conferences

His work has been featured in medical journals and aesthetic surgery publications, and he is recognized by colleagues as an expert in facial rejuvenation and reconstructive surgery.

Clinical Approach

Waterhouse advocates for a comprehensive and individualized approach to facial aging. Rather than applying a single technique to all patients, he assesses each person’s facial anatomy, aging patterns, and aesthetic goals before recommending treatment.

His philosophy emphasizes natural results that restore youthful facial proportions without creating an “operated” appearance. He believes in combining surgical and non-surgical treatments when appropriate and encourages preventative measures and age-appropriate interventions.

Waterhouse offers independent, professional advice and ensures patients understand all aspects of proposed procedures, including expected outcomes, recovery timelines, and potential risks. His extensive experience allows him to manage complex cases and revision procedures where previous surgeries have produced unsatisfactory results.

Conclusion

Norman Waterhouse represents a generation of plastic surgeons who have witnessed and contributed to the evolution of facial aesthetic surgery over three decades. His training at leading British hospitals and international centers, combined with extensive experience in both reconstructive and aesthetic procedures, has positioned him as an authority in facial rejuvenation.

His international reputation rests on surgical excellence, particularly in deep plane facelift techniques and complex revision surgery. The publication of over 65 research papers and his teaching activities demonstrate a commitment to advancing the specialty through evidence-based practice and training the next generation of surgeons.

Beyond clinical practice, Waterhouse’s co-founding of Facing the World and ongoing work with Operation Smile reflect a dedication to using surgical skills for humanitarian purposes. These efforts have improved the lives of children with craniofacial conditions in multiple countries.

As a former president of both BAAPS and the Plastic Surgery Section of the Royal Society of Medicine, Waterhouse has helped shape professional standards and ethical guidelines in aesthetic surgery. His practice at WaterhouseJanssen continues to serve patients seeking expert facial rejuvenation in London, Dubai, and Stuttgart.