Free flap reconstruction rebuilds large defects after cancer surgery by transferring tissue with its own blood supply from the leg, forearm or thigh and reconnecting the vessels under a microscope — restoring jaw bone, lining and bulk, and supporting future dental implants.
Facing Jaw or Tongue Surgery? How We Restore Your Natural Form
A diagnosis of oral cancer often requires oral cancer surgery to remove the affected tissue. While saving your life is the primary goal, removing portions of the jaw, tongue, or facial tissue can deeply impact your ability to speak, swallow, and smile. This is where advanced reconstructive surgery steps in to rebuild what was lost.
Dr. Pradeep S. and Dr. Kalpa Pandya specialize in restoring both the function and appearance of your face and mouth. Through microvascular reconstruction, also known as free flap reconstruction, we transfer healthy tissue from another part of your body to rebuild the intricate structures of your head and neck.
This highly precise technique ensures that you do not just survive oral cancer, but that you can return to eating, speaking, and living with confidence.
Understanding Your Options for Microvascular Reconstruction
Microvascular free flap reconstruction involves transferring a section of skin, muscle, or bone from a donor site on your body to the surgical site in your face or neck. Because the tissue is completely detached, its blood vessels must be reconnected to blood vessels in the neck to keep it alive.
Depending on your specific needs, we utilize several types of flaps to achieve the best functional outcome:
Fibula free flap: This method uses a segment of bone and skin from the lower leg to rebuild the jaw bone, providing a strong foundation that can support future dental implants.
Radial forearm flap: This technique uses thin, pliable skin from the inner forearm to reconstruct the tongue or the soft lining of the mouth, helping preserve speech and swallowing.
Anterolateral thigh flap: This approach transfers skin and soft tissue from the thigh to reconstruct larger facial defects or soft tissue losses.
Pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMMC) flap: This is a regional chest flap that we may use in specific cases where microvascular tissue transfer is not the primary option.
How We Perform Jaw Reconstruction After Cancer
Rebuilding the face and jaw is a complex, multi-step process that requires meticulous planning. Our oral & maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) specialists plan the entire procedure using advanced imaging to map out the exact dimensions of the tissue needed.
Microvascular free-flap surgery is performed with the wider reconstructive team at our affiliated Apollo / partner hospital, ensuring the highest standards of surgical safety and intensive monitoring.
First, the cancer is removed with safe margins. Simultaneously, the donor tissue (the flap) is carefully harvested from the leg, arm, or thigh, keeping its feeding artery and vein intact.
Next, the harvested tissue is shaped to precisely fit the defect in the face or jaw. If we are performing a fibula free flap, the bone is carefully angled to mimic the natural curve of your jawline.
Finally, using an operating microscope and ultra-fine sutures, we connect the blood vessels of the flap to the blood vessels in your neck, restoring immediate blood flow to the transferred tissue.
Recovery, Speech, and Rebuilding Your Smile
Your recovery is a collaborative process designed to help you regain your normal daily activities as safely and comfortably as possible.
Initial hospital stay: Patients typically spend 7 to 10 days in the hospital, where our specialized nursing team monitors the blood flow of the transferred flap around the clock.
Swallowing and speech therapy: Our rehabilitation team works with you early in the recovery phase to help you safely transition from a feeding tube back to swallowing and speaking clearly.
Long-term healing: Over the next few months, the transferred bone and tissue fully integrate with your facial structures.
Dental restoration: Once the bone has healed completely, we can plan for full-arch dental implants to replace lost teeth, restoring your natural bite and smile.
Comprehensive Head and Neck Reconstruction Chennai
Choosing the right surgical team is crucial for a successful physical and emotional recovery. Dr. Pradeep S. and Dr. Kalpa Pandya offer a unique, collaborative approach where both surgeons are actively involved in your care from your very first consultation through to your long-term follow-up.
Our team is highly experienced in managing complex facial reconstructions, including cases involving oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD), oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and the open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of complex facial fractures.
We believe that every patient deserves personalized, compassionate care. We warmly welcome patients traveling to our Chennai practice from across Tamil Nadu and wider South India, offering comprehensive assistance and remote second opinions for outstation families seeking clarity and reassurance.
What to expect
1Defect & donor-site planning
2Flap harvest
3Microvascular anastomosis
4Inset & reconstruction
5Recovery & rehabilitation
Microvascular free-flap surgery is performed with the wider reconstructive team at our affiliated Apollo / partner hospital.
Free flap reconstruction — watch & learn
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From Tumor to Triumph: Teen's Jaw Surgery Journey
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Free flap reconstruction is an advanced surgical procedure where tissue, along with its blood vessels, is transferred from one part of the body (like the leg or arm) to rebuild defects in the jaw, tongue, or face after cancer surgery.
How much does free flap reconstruction cost in Chennai?
The cost of free flap reconstruction in Chennai depends on the complexity of the defect, the type of flap used, and the hospital stay. We coordinate with our partner hospitals to provide clear estimates and assist with medical insurance coverage.
How long is the recovery after microvascular reconstruction?
Most patients spend 7 to 10 days in the hospital for close monitoring of the flap. Complete physical recovery and functional rehabilitation, including speech and swallowing therapy, typically take several weeks to a few months.
How soon can I get an appointment or second opinion?
We prioritize urgent oncology and reconstructive consultations. You can typically secure an appointment or a remote second opinion with Dr. Pradeep S. or Dr. Kalpa Pandya within 24 to 48 hours.
Can I chew and speak normally after jaw reconstruction after cancer?
Yes. Reconstructing the jaw with a fibula free flap provides a solid bone foundation. Over time, with speech therapy and dental implants, many patients regain excellent speech and the ability to chew solid foods.
What are the risks of microvascular free flap surgery?
The primary risk is flap failure due to a blood clot in the connected vessels, which occurs in less than 5% of cases. Other risks include temporary wound healing issues, infection, or donor site discomfort.
Where is this surgery performed in Chennai?
The surgery is performed with the wider reconstructive team at our affiliated Apollo / partner hospital, ensuring access to state-of-the-art operating theatres and intensive care monitoring.
What is the difference between a free flap and a PMMC flap?
A pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMMC) flap is a regional flap rotated from the chest without disconnecting its blood supply. A free flap is completely detached from its donor site and reconnected using microvascular surgery, offering better functional and aesthetic results.
Free flap reconstruction in Chennai
Our practice provides microvascular reconstruction services across Chennai. Dr. Pradeep S. consults at Apollo Main Hospital on Greams Road, while Dr. Kalpa Pandya sees patients at Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre in Porur, making advanced reconstructive care accessible to patients throughout the city.
