Jessyka Lighthall

Jessyka Lighthall, MD, serves as Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery and Department of Surgery at Penn State College of Medicine. She holds leadership roles as Chief of the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Medical Director of Penn State Health Cosmetic Associates, and Founder/Director of the multidisciplinary Facial Nerve Clinic. Her clinical work spans cancer reconstruction, facial trauma, cleft surgery, and aesthetic procedures including rhinoplasty and minimally invasive techniques.

Dr. Lighthall's research centers on clinical outcomes in facial plastic surgery, with emphases on rhinoplasty optimization, facial paralysis management, pediatric/adult trauma, and narcotic-sparing pain protocols to combat the opioid epidemic. She pioneers surgical education innovation through simulation and leverages population databases for evidence-based practice. Her work directly supports UN Sustainable Development Goals through international surgical missions addressing cleft lip/palate in underserved communities.

Recent publications demonstrate robust scholarly activity across facial aesthetics, craniofacial outcomes, and trauma management. Key trends include integration of tobacco biomarkers in surgical outcomes research, mental health comorbidities in cleft patients, and age-specific fracture management protocols. Her work consistently bridges clinical practice with population health initiatives.

Major accolades include:

• Castle Connolly Top Doctors (2020-2025)
• Health Care Hero Award (2023)
• Dean's Award for Excellence in Teaching (2020)
• International Surgical Mission Recognition (2012-2023)
• Top 10 Oral Presentation Award for Otolaryngology Malpractice Research (2021)

Dr. Lighthall mentors surgical trainees as Fellowship Director and secures significant research funding. She currently leads two active clinical trials: NCT05964868 (Liposomal Bupivacaine for Septorhinoplasty Pain) and NCT05945615 (Oxymetazoline for Blepharoptosis). Her editorial service spans multiple otolaryngology journals where she serves on boards and as guest editor.

The Facial Nerve Clinic she founded provides comprehensive care for facial movement disorders, while her leadership in the Pennsylvania Academy of Otolaryngology and American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery shapes national surgical standards. Her volunteer surgical missions deliver critical cleft care globally, reflecting deep commitment to surgical access equity.