Overview

Overview

Head and neck cancer can be a life-altering diagnosis. It can cause significant changes in functions of daily living that we commonly take for granted, such as speech and swallowing. Surgery is integral to treating these cancers, but it can profoundly impact these functions.

Our experts specialize in reconstructing areas of the head and neck that are afflicted with cancer in order to provide both normal appearance and optimal function. We work closely with cancer surgeons before and during surgery to best design the ideal reconstructive option for each individual patient. Whether it’s recreating the tongue with skin from the forearm, rebuilding the jaw with leg bone or reconstructing the throat with tissue from the thigh, we tailor the surgical approach to the needs of each individual patient.

After treatment is completed, we work to refine the reconstructions to optimize the patient’s function and achieve the best external appearance possible. This is done in collaboration with a team of experts, including:

  • Radiation and medical oncologists to optimize cancer management and thus maximize the chance or cure.
  • Speech and language pathologists who specialize in functional restoration following head and neck cancer treatment.
  • Physical therapists specializing in neck and shoulder function and facial movement restoration.
  • Prosthodontists who are experts in dental and facial prosthetic rehabilitation.
  • Psychologists who help patients navigate these life-altering functional changes.

Through this team-based approach, we approach each patient individually. This allows us to achieve the best results possible so that impacts to speech and swallowing are minimal.

After treatment is completed and cancer is controlled, unfortunate late effects such as osteoradionecrosis (ORN) — jaw bone destruction due to long term effects of radiation — may occur. Surgeons in our center are particularly expert at managing all degrees of ORN, whether it be bone replacement with free flap surgery or employing novel techniques to arrest progression of moderate disease.

Our Doctors

Our Doctors

Reconstructive Surgeons

Patrick Byrne, MD, MBA
Patrick Byrne, MD, MBA
Chair, Head & Neck Institute
Peter Ciolek, MD
Peter Ciolek, MD
Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
Michael Fritz, MD
Michael Fritz, MD
Section Head, Facial Plastic and Microvascular Surgery
Dane Genther, MD
Dane Genther, MD
Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
Raffi Gurunian, MD, PhD
Raffi Gurunian, MD, PhD
Staff
Jamie Ku, MD
Jamie Ku, MD
Staff
Eric Lamarre, MD
Eric Lamarre, MD
Associate Staff
Sara Liu, MD
Sara Liu, MD
Associate Staff
Brandon Prendes, MD
Brandon Prendes, MD
Staff

Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeons

Jamie Ku, MD
Jamie Ku, MD
Staff
Eric Lamarre, MD
Eric Lamarre, MD
Associate Staff
Robert Lorenz, MD
Robert Lorenz, MD
Staff
Brandon Prendes, MD
Brandon Prendes, MD
Staff
Joseph Scharpf, MD
Joseph Scharpf, MD
Staff

Radiation Oncologists

Shlomo Koyfman, MD
Shlomo Koyfman, MD
Staff
Neil Woody, MD
Neil Woody, MD
Staff

Medical Oncologists

Jessica Geiger, MD
Jessica Geiger, MD
Staff
Conditions and Treatments

Conditions and Treatments

Reconstruction following parotid gland surgery

The management of parotid tumors is primarily surgical. This involves removal of part or all of the affected parotid gland (one of the major salivary glands). Some parotid tumors may also involve the facial nerve, the nerve responsible for movement of the face.

Without reconstruction following removal of the tumor, patients may, in some instances, be left with disfiguring facial asymmetry. Furthermore, if the tumor involves the facial nerve, patients may suffer from a postoperative facial paralysis.

Our surgeons offer comprehensive management of parotid tumors. This often entails a two-team approach between our cancer and reconstructive surgeons. Through a variety of techniques, our methods minimize potential scarring, facial contour deformities, and facial nerve paralysis.

Our reconstructive approach is tailored to the needs of each individual patient and our team of specialists will collaborate to optimize the outcome and results.

Appointments

Appointments

Make an Appointment

Cleveland Clinic Center for Facial Reconstruction and Facial Nerve Disorders offers consultations at Cleveland Clinic's main campus.

Phone: 216.445.9259
Email: FacialReconCenter@ccf.org

After you call to arrange an initial appointment with our team, one of our providers will reach out to you to perform a pre-visit intake. Please make arrangements to have copies of prior imaging, imaging reports, operative notes, laboratory studies, pathology reports, and consult notes available that you would like us to review prior to your appointment.

Virtual Visits

You can now stay connected to your healthcare team through virtual visits, using your smartphone, tablet or computer.

Why go virtual? It's an easy, convenient and secure way to see your provider face-to-face without having to leave home. This saves you travel time, parking fees and time spent in the waiting room — and you can also have a loved one or caregiver join you. If appropriate, you can also get a prescription sent to the pharmacy of your choice.

Many insurance companies cover the cost of virtual visits, so check with your insurance company ahead of time. Interested in getting started? Call your provider to find out what virtual visit options are available.

MyChart

A secure online tool connecting patients to their own health information from the privacy of their home.

The MyChart • Caregiver service, an optional feature in MyChart, allows you to view family members' records. When clicking on a particular name, you will access that family member's MyChart account.

Whether you have caregiver access over one family member or several, you can view this list in MyChart under “My Family’s Record.”

Before & After Photos

Before & After Photos