Microvascular-Free Tissue Transfer Specialist

What is a microvascular free tissue transfer?

Tissue transfer is a procedure you might need after you undergo surgery for cancer or if trauma causes a severe injury to the tissues in your head, neck, or face. In some cases, tissue transfer is necessary to address congenital damage that interferes with your quality of life.

In cases of cancer surgery, complete excision of the cancerous process takes precedence. After this is safely achieved, balancing form and function becomes the guiding principle in the reconstructive process. 

During the reconstruction of the face, head and neck, the function of an ear, nose, lip, mouth, are very important factors to keep in mind. The abilities of speech, breathing, speaking, swallowing are just as important as changes in appearance. 

There are many methods of reconstructing defects in the head and neck. The ideal method of reconstruction is tailored to the needs of the patient. Harvesting of skin, bone, muscle from other parts of the body to reconstruct defects of the head and neck takes meticulous attention to detail and a balanced approach to care.

Dr. Sokoya can perform a tissue transfer to repair damage that affects your:

• Oral cavity
• Facial Skin
• Scalp
• Head and Neck

He can determine if you’re a candidate for tissue transfer by reviewing your medical history, your existing health, and your expectations for the procedure’s results.

What happens during a tissue transfer?

There are many methods Dr. Sokoya can use to reconstruct defects in your head or neck. He focuses on keeping a balance between both functionality and aesthetic appearance when creating your treatment plan.

Dr. Sokoya also considers your abilities for breathing, speaking, and swallowing when planning your reconstructive surgery and tailors your surgical plan to meet your specific needs.

Generally, Dr. Sokoya harvests skin, muscle, and bone from other areas of your body to repair damaged areas and reconstruct the treatment area. He pays meticulous attention to detail to create balance in your features.

Dr. Sokoya also sews together blood vessels under a microscope using a very fine suture to maintain good blood supply to the flap. With its own blood supply, this flap will soon become living tissue.

What can I expect after a tissue transfer?

Following your tissue transfer procedure, Dr. Sokoya monitors the blood supply to the flap using multiple devices. He also assesses how well the new tissue is healing during post-operative appointments.

Dr. Sokoya provides you with detailed care instructions to take care of the surgical site. You can expect to be discharged from the hospital within 2 weeks after your procedure. 

As you heal, you might need to limit your activities to prevent complications in the blood supply to the flap. You should be able to resume a normal diet soon after surgery.

To discuss your options for tissue transfer surgery, book an appointment at the office of Fiyin Sokoya, MD, online or by phone today.