Michael Fritz, MD

Appointed
2004

Education & Fellowships

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

Residency - Cleveland Clinic
Otolaryngology
Cleveland, OH
2003

Internship - Cleveland Clinic
General Surgery
Cleveland, OH
1998

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

Undergraduate - Duke University School of Medicine
Durham, NC
1992

Certifications

• Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Otolaryngology - Head and Neck 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.

See publications for Michael Fritz, MD.

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As of 6/26/2024, Dr. Fritz has reported the financial relationships with the companies listed below. 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.

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