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Title Section Head, Facial Plastic and Microvascular Surgery
Department Head and Neck Institute
Primary Location Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Type of Doctor Both Adults and Children & Adolescents
Languages English
Surgeon Yes
Locations Specialties & Treatments

Treatment & Services

  • Adult Facial Plastic Surgery
  • Cancer Center
  • Facial Reconstruction
  • Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery
  • Jaw Reconstruction
  • Microvascular Reconstruction
  • Microvascular Surgery
  • Mohs Surgery
  • Nasal Reconstruction
  • Nasal Valve Surgery
  • Parotidectomy
  • Pediatric Facial Plastic Surgery
  • Rhinoplasty
  • Septoplasty
  • Skin Cancer Reconstruction
View all 15 Treatment & Services +

Specialty in Diseases & Conditions

  • Benign Bone Tumors
  • Broken Bones
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Wegener’s)
  • Hemifacial Spasm
  • Melanoma
  • Moebius Syndrome
View all 6 Specialties +
Insurance

Insurance

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Biography

About Michael Fritz, MD

Michael Fritz, MD, FACS, is an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology, Staff Memeber of the Cleveland Clinic Head and Neck Institute and Director of the Section of Facial Plastic and Microvascular Surgery. He earned his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health in Columbus, OH. He completed an Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery residency at the Cleveland Clinic and a fellowship in Facial Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN.

His specialty interests include complex facial reconstruction in children and adults, treatment of facial paralysis and cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty (surgery the external nose).  

Dr. Fritz is board-certified by the State of Ohio Medical Board, the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Fritz is a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and American Head and Neck Society and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

He has published a number of journal articles on topics such as management of advanced facial cancers, complex maxillary and orbit reconstruction and new techniques for treatment of facial paralysis.

He has also published book chapters on concepts and techniques in facial trauma reconstruction, lip reconstruction and facial reconstruction using microvascular free tissue transfer. In addition, he given a many presentations on the topics of facial reconstruction and management of facial paralysis.

Education & Professional Highlights

Education & Professional Highlights

Appointed
2003

Education & Fellowships

Fellowship - University of Minnesota
Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Minneapolis, MN USA
2004

Residency - Cleveland Clinic
Otolaryngology
Cleveland, OH USA
2003

Internship - Cleveland Clinic
General Surgery
Cleveland, OH USA
1998

Medical Education - The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health
Columbus, OH USA
1997

Undergraduate - Duke University
Durham, NC USA
1992

Certifications

  • Otolaryngology
  • Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Specialty Interests

adult and pediatric facial plastic surgery including complex facial reconstruction following cancer treatment or trauma, facial paralysis, advanced facial skin cancers including melanoma, cosmetic and functional surgery of the nose and eyelids

Awards & Honors

  • Multiple media appearances for complex facial reconstructions:
    Cleveland Plain Dealer (www.cleveland.com/johanna)
    ABC 20/20 (November 11, 2009)
    Univision (January 23, 2010)
    WCPN
  • Resident teacher of the year 2008-2009 and 2010-2011

Innovations & Patents

    1.  Free fascia lata flaps for nasal lining in total and subtotal nasal defects - allows for faster and more effective reconstruction of large nasal defects from cancer or trauma.
    2.  Orthodromic temporalis tendon transfer following radical parotidectomy (facial nerve sacrifice to clear parotid cancers) - for immediate correction of facial paralysis at the time of cancer treatment.
    3.  Free fascia lata flaps for oral and tongue reconstruction - allows us to use the thigh preferentially for reconstructions thus minimizing donor site morbidity.
    4.  Midface and orbit reconstruction with layered fibula osteocutaneous flaps (rebuilding faces with transferred and revascularized leg bone and skin) -This unique technique allows for total reconstruction of the floor of the eye, facial bones and palate at the time of cancer resection.
    5. Correction of Moebius syndrome (bilateral facial paralysis) with double orthodromic temporalis tendon transfer and fascia lata sling - this is a unique very effective outpatient technique to restore oral competence, facial motion and smile in patients with this condition.
    6. Combined multidisciplinary approach (derm surgery and facial plastic surgery) to optimize management of advanced facial skin cancers - unique collaboration between Dermatologic Surgery and Facial Plastic Surgery allows us to treat advanced facial skin cancers using the best tumor clearance and reconstructive techniques in the same surgical setting.
    7.  Buried free flaps to improve contour and function after radical parotid and neck surgery - Avoids contour deformities after tumor management with a lasting transfer of vascularized tissue which tolerates the effects of postoperative radiation if required.
    8. Free vascularized fascia flaps following staged neck dissection after chemoradiation therapy Allow for rapid coverage of critical vessels, nerves and muscle following neck dissection.
Research & Publications

Research & Publications

See publications for Michael Fritz, MD.

(Disclaimer: This search is powered by PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. PubMed is a third-party website with no affiliation with Cleveland Clinic.)

Industry Relationships

Industry Relationships

Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists may collaborate with the pharmaceutical or medical device industries to help develop medical breakthroughs or provide medical expertise or education. Cleveland Clinic strives to make scientific advances that will benefit patient care and support outside relationships that promise public benefit. In order for the discoveries of Cleveland Clinic physicians' and scientists' laboratories and investigations to benefit the public, these discoveries must be commercialized in partnership with industry. As experts in their fields, Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists are often sought after by industry to consult, provide expertise and education.

To assure professional and commercial integrity in such matters, Cleveland Clinic maintains a program that reviews these collaborations and, when appropriate, puts measures in place to minimize bias that may result from ties to industry. Cleveland Clinic publicly discloses the names of companies when (i) its physicians/scientists receive $5,000 or more per year (or, in rare cases, equity or stock options) for speaking and consulting, (ii) its physicians/scientists serve as a fiduciary, (iii) its physicians/scientists receive or have the right to receive royalties or (iv) its physicians/ scientists hold any equity interest for the physician's/scientist's role as inventor, discoverer, developer, founder or consultant.* In publicly disclosing this information, Cleveland Clinic tries to provide information as accurately as possible about its physicians' and scientists' connections with industry.

As of 4/2/2023, Dr. Fritz has reported no financial relationship with industry that is applicable to this listing. In general, patients should feel free to contact their doctor about any of the relationships and how the relationships are overseen by Cleveland Clinic. To learn more about Cleveland Clinic's policies on collaborations with industry and innovation management, go to our Integrity in Innovation page.

Public Health Service-Reportable Financial Conflicts of Interest. Cleveland Clinic scientists and physicians engage in basic, translational and clinical research activities, working to solve health problems, enhance patient care and improve quality of life for patients. Interactions with industry are essential to bringing the researchers' discoveries to the public, but can present the potential for conflicts of interest related to their research activities. Click here to view a listing of instances where Cleveland Clinic has identified a Public Health Service (PHS)-Reportable Financial Conflict of Interest and has put measures in place to ensure that, to the extent possible, the design, conduct and reporting of the research is free from bias.

* Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists subscribe to the guidance presented in the PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals and the AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals. As such, gifts of substantial value are generally prohibited.

Patient Satisfaction Reviews

142 Patient Satisfaction Reviews

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their views and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cleveland Clinic.

Overall Star Ratings
4.8 out of 5
Explains 4.8
Listens 4.9
Courtesy, Respect & Concern 4.8
Patient Rating of Doctor 4.9

28 Patient Comments

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2023

Dr Fritz is a phenomenal doctor and one's not rush through the appointment. His full attention is given to the patient

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2023

Dr, Fritz is a great doctor and very caring. I traveled 400 miles to get his services and it was the best decision of my life.

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2023

*Dr. Michael Fritz and his team are amazing. I am so grateful to them.

Reviewed on May 31, 2023

Dr. Fritz is the best!

Reviewed on May 15, 2023

Dr. Fritz answered all of our questions and was very kind and encouraging.

Reviewed on May 10, 2023

Dr Fritz is a wonderful Dr. I travel from Texas to see him. He is takes the time to explain things and makes sure I understand everything I need to know.

Reviewed on May 8, 2023

Good: Dr Fritz had answers, not theories.

Reviewed on May 1, 2023

Dr Fritz is an amazing and caring and the most knowledgeable and considerate doctor ever. Because he listens and cares the trauma of loosing my lip is gone. I feel pretty again and he really cares I can feel it and he shows it. I'm very Grateful God gave Dr Fritz to me. He save my self esteem and made me not shy away from photos or the mirror

Reviewed on May 1, 2023

Dr. Fritz is always so good to us. He's friendly and such a caring person. I'm happy with the improvements he has made on my face.

Reviewed on Apr 3, 2023

I am pleased with Dr. Fritz's and Dr. Ciolek's work!

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2023

*Dr. Michael Fritz is an asset to the Cleveland Clinic.

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2023

I feel that Dr. Fritz is truly genuine in his care for me as his patient.

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2023

Always great seeing and having my treatment procedure done by Dr. Fritz!

Reviewed on Mar 13, 2023

Dr fritz is amazing!!

Reviewed on Mar 13, 2023

Dr fritz and his staff are so nice and very helpful

Reviewed on Feb 20, 2023

Dr. Fritz is the BEST!!

Reviewed on Feb 20, 2023

Dr Fritz is very efficient and thorough he explains how he is treating me and answers any questions that I have. Dr Fritz is an excellent physician.

Reviewed on Feb 20, 2023

Dr. Fritz and his residents/fellows were very good. They listened to all of my concerns, and were willing to look again and again at my situation and provided options for how to proceed. I hate how big of a mountain I had to climb to get a reasonable appointment to see them, but I'm glad they wanted to squeeze me in as quickly as they could, and were able to fix my issues quickly and seamlessly.

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2023

All staff is wonderful. I think Dr Fritz is the best and most personal Dr that I have ever had. I am amazed and extremely happy with my new nose. I am still in awe that he was able to reconstruct it.

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2023

Dr Fritz is an amazing Dr

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2023

My care provider is fantastic.

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2023

Dr. Fritz is a brilliant doctor who made us feel like my dad was the only case he was working on. He was patient and kind and extremely informative. We are incredibly grateful to him for the surgery he performed on my Dad. He is truly a hero.

Reviewed on Dec 5, 2022

Dr. Fritz has been a very good doctor!

Reviewed on Nov 24, 2022

I had *Dr. Fritz and his entire team caring for me, and it really did feel like a team of skilled, caring doctors.

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2022

I have been getting Botox treatments for my facial paralysis from Dr. Fritz for many years now. Always kind and considerate and gets the job done as I need.

Reviewed on Oct 7, 2022

Dr Fritz is of the utmost respect concern and interest of his patients health. His bedside manner is impeccable with an extreme ease to the patient.

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2022

Excellent Physician. Dr. Fritz is very professional and personable!

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2022

Dr. Fritz is the best!

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