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At NextGen OMS, we offer a number of head and neck surgical services, including microvascular reconstruction. Dr. Eftekhari has undergone special training for microvascular surgery, which requires rebuilding structures in the neck and face using bone, tissue and blood vessels as well as harvesting skin and muscle from elsewhere on your body. This advanced technique can correct defects due to surgery or injury.

The tissue is transferred to the impacted area to reconstruct or reshape structures in the head and neck. The surgeon uses a microscope to piece together blood vessels and harvested tissue to repair damage and improve your appearance.

For an experienced, board-certified head and neck surgeon with a great reputation, contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Eftekhari.

Conditions Treated by a Microvascular Head and Neck Surgeon

We use microvascular surgery to treat head and neck cancer in the pharynx, larynx, mouth, jaw, salivary glands, sinuses, cheek and other areas. If you have cancer, your treatment will likely include a combination of radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery as well as non-surgical techniques. Surgery on the head and neck can cause changes in the appearance of your face and other structures. It can also impact your sight, speech, taste, and ability to swallow. With microvascular surgery, you can regain some of the function and look of the area impacted.

Microvascular surgery is used to treat the following conditions:

• Osteoradionecrosis resulting from radiation therapy
• Oronasal fistula, which describes a whole between the nose and mouth
• Nasal obstruction
• Trismus or damage to the chewing muscles
• Velopharyngeal insufficiency which impacts the closing of the soft palate in your mouth and affects speech
• Contour irregularities
• Non-healing wounds
• Deformation following cancer surgery

Free Tissue Transfer

The head and neck surgeon removes tissue from other parts of the body to prepare for your microvascular procedure. We will direct you on what to do to prepare for this free tissue transfer. Your first surgery typically involves removing tumors and other cancerous structures. A second surgery handles the reconstruction of the area.

You will meet with your surgeon prior to both procedures to ensure that you understand the process. To prepare for microvascular surgery, you may need cardiac and pulmonary testing, a biopsy, imaging and other procedures. Dr. Eftkhari may consult with a cross-functional team of medical oncologists, surgical staff and other experts to provide comprehensive treatment for your specific issue.

Before Surgery

You won’t be able to eat or drink anything for about 12 hours before your procedure. The doctor will provide instructions on whether to take existing medications prior to the surgery. Although the hospital stay for each procedure varies, you can expect to stay in the hospital for up to 10 days. Bring any medication that you currently take so that it can be added to your post-operative care. We strongly advise that you leave valuables at home and bring a change of clothing for the ride home.

Prior to the procedure, you will receive IV with fluids and a sedative to help you prepare for surgery.

During the Procedure

You are in the hands of an accomplished surgeon when you choose Dr. Eftekhari for microvascular procedures. Here are a few examples of procedures performed by a head and neck surgeon during microvascular reconstruction surgery:

• Free muscle transfer: The surgeon harvests muscle from the abdomen or back to perform this surgery which involves reconstructing the base of the skull. Muscle can seal off the nervous system and help complex wounds heal faster.

• Free bone transfer: This procedure helps the surgeon correct bone defects by precisely aligning bone at the affected site. This procedure also requires replacing missing skin. The surgeon uses this procedure for mandibular reconstruction and may harvest bone from the fibula or other areas of the body. An abundant supply of bone may be needed for larger wounds and this also impacts the time it takes to complete the surgery.

• Free skin and free fat transfer: This technique often uses skin from the radial forearm. However, the head and neck surgeon may also take it from your thigh or other areas of the body. Tissue types needed for this procedure include skin, fat and fascia.

Your doctor may refer you to NextGen OMS for microvascular surgery or other procedures handled by our head and neck surgeon in Plano, TX. If you have any questions you can ask the doctor during your consultation. Dr. Eftekhari is a strong advocate of client education. He will make sure that you understand the procedure as well as the risks and benefits associated with your surgery.

Recovery

Following surgery, you will probably remain sedated for the first night and wake up the morning after. You may spend a few days in intensive care depending on the complexity of your operation. Our head and neck surgeon will track your progress and be available for care and to answer your questions.

Why You Should Choose NextGen OMS

Microvascular surgery offers innovative techniques that can improve the appearance of damage due to the removal of tumors and other structures in the head and neck region. Our head and neck surgeon is highly qualified to perform these procedures and has undergone special training in microvascular techniques. We pride ourselves on remaining at the forefront of technology and techniques in this field. We welcome new customers and treat you with the care and respect you deserve during and after the healing process.

We proudly serve new and existing patients in Plano, TX, and the surrounding areas. Contact our NextGen OMS office for information on our head and neck surgeon and the procedures that we offer. Find out why we are the preferred center for head and neck surgery in North Texas.