‘The Face Fixer’ – Dr Anil Joshi

London based Dr Anil Joshi is a leading consultant ENT and facial plastic surgeon of international repute, Dr Joshi blends surgical precision with artistic intuition to restore not just faces but also confidence. He recently made headlines with a warning about the growing damage he’s seeing in patients who use cocaine. “Over the years, I’ve seen a growing number of patients suffering from severe nasal damage due to cocaine use,” he explains. “These cases are often complex, many involve collapsed structures, large septal perforations, and major functional loss. My role is to help restore both the appearance and function of the nose through meticulous, multi-layered reconstruction.” He recalls one such case that required months of preparation. “We had to make sure he was drug-free for over 18 months,” Dr Joshi says. “Then we ran CT scans, biopsies, even did an internal photo examination. The eventual surgery lasted six hours, opening the whole nose and sculpting a new septum from a piece of rib cartilage.” However for Dr Joshi, these procedures are about much more than anatomy. “It’s incredibly rewarding to give patients a second chance, to help them breathe better, feel better, and move forward with dignity. I remain committed to advancing care for this challenging and often overlooked group of patients.” “As a consultant ENT and facial plastic surgeon, I’ve had the privilege of working both within the NHS and in private hospitals across London,” he says. “My practice spans the full breadth of facial plastic surgery from aesthetic procedures like rhinoplasty and facelifts to complex reconstructive cases. For me, it’s not just about surgical skill, but about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I remain deeply committed to clinical excellence, research, and contributing to the global surgical community through education and collaboration.” Joshi’s journey to becoming one of the UK’s most respected facial plastic surgeons wasn’t without obstacles. “Breaking into surgery as a non-UK doctor was tough. Many of my peers gave up or left the country. I decided to stay. I told myself: nothing worth doing is easy. So I worked ten times harder and now I’m seeing the results.” Born and raised in Bangalore, South India, Dr Joshi’s dual passions for science and art were clear from a young age. His father came from a long line of doctors and surgeons; his mother, a classical singer and published writer. His maternal grandfather was a renowned Sanskrit scholar, and his great-grandfather, a celebrated Kannada author. “I learned classical violin early on, and my brothers and I performed as the Joshi Brothers,” he says. “We recorded albums, played concerts, and even composed for films. Music taught me discipline, dexterity, and an eye for detail skills that later shaped my approach to surgery.” Despite a flourishing music career, medicine always held a place in his heart. “I was academically strong, ranked in the top one percent nationally and I got into one of India’s top medical schools. But over time, I realised I couldn’t pursue both music and medicine at the highest level. I had to choose.” Surgery became the natural extension of his artistic background. “Using your hands with precision, understanding form and structure, it made sense. But something still felt incomplete. That’s when I discovered facial plastic surgery.” “Facial plastic surgery is far more than a career, it’s a calling,” he says. “I bring not only years of training and surgical experience to the table, but also genuine empathy and a strong sense of responsibility to every patient I treat. I work hard to understand each person’s unique story, goals, and concerns, and I strive to deliver results that go beyond physical restoration to rebuild confidence and quality of life. The trust my patients and colleagues place in me means everything, and it drives me to constantly evolve and refine my work.” His relentless pursuit of excellence has taken him across the globe from a fellowship in Amsterdam to advanced rhinoplasty training in South Korea, and further studies in Miami. Along the way, he’s earned dual qualifications in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, a rare achievement even among top surgeons. Beyond the operating theatre, Dr Joshi is passionate about inspiring the next generation. He runs a work experience programme at his NHS hospital to give aspiring doctors a real view of the profession. “There’s so much negativity, long hours, NHS pressures and if that’s all young people hear, we risk discouraging them,” he says. “I choose to inspire. The challenges will become clear later. But right now, they need to see the impact and purpose that medicine can offer.” He continues to push the boundaries of his field, with plans to work on documentaries, contribute to new technologies, and expand the reach of his educational efforts. On the topic of his legacy, Dr Joshi reflects with thought: “Legacy is a big word. But if I’ve helped someone live better, breathe easier, or smile again, if I’ve made a lasting difference in even a few lives, that’s more than enough for me.”