Dr. Lakhiani performs complex reconstructive surgery using microsurgical free tissue transfer (free flaps) and advanced wound management techniques. These procedures restore form and function for patients with defects caused by cancer surgery, trauma, radiation, chronic wounds, and failed prior operations. As a fellowship-trained microsurgeon, Dr. Lakhiani brings specialized expertise in reconnecting tiny blood vessels and nerves under microscopic magnification — a skill that enables tissue to be transplanted from one part of the body to another to reconstruct defects that cannot be closed with simpler techniques.
Microsurgical reconstruction is indicated when a wound or defect is too large, too deep, or too complex to close with local tissue alone — often because of radiation damage, infection, exposed hardware, or the removal of extensive tissue during cancer surgery. In these situations, free tissue transfer offers the best chance of durable, well-vascularized coverage that supports healing and restores quality of life.
Dr. Lakhiani works closely with surgical oncologists, orthopedic trauma surgeons, thoracic surgeons, cardiac surgeons, neurosurgeons, and vascular surgeons to coordinate reconstructive care at every stage of treatment. This collaborative approach ensures that reconstruction is planned before or alongside ablative surgery whenever possible — minimizing complications and achieving the best functional and aesthetic outcomes for each patient.
Areas of Reconstruction
Click on an area below to learn more about conditions treated, surgical approach, and expected outcomes.
Head & Neck Cancer Reconstruction
After ablative surgery for oral, pharyngeal, mandibular, and maxillary cancers. Free flap options include fibula, radial forearm, ALT, and scapula flaps tailored to each defect.
Learn morePost-Oncologic Reconstruction
Reconstruction after cancer surgery in any body region, including chest wall sarcoma, extremity tumors, and complex Mohs defects requiring flap coverage.
Learn moreTrauma Reconstruction
Soft tissue coverage for open fractures, degloving injuries, and exposed bone or hardware after traumatic injury — restoring stable coverage to enable definitive orthopedic repair.
Learn moreScar, Delayed & Contracted Wound Reconstruction
Release and reconstruction of burn contractures, chronic non-healing wounds, and failed prior surgical sites that require fresh, well-vascularized tissue.
Learn moreScalp & Neurosurgical Coverage
Coverage of exposed calvarium, hardware, or cranial defects after tumor resection, radiation, or neurosurgical procedures requiring durable flap coverage.
Learn moreChest Wound Reconstruction
Chest wall reconstruction after tumor resection, radiation injury, or infection with exposed hardware — including complex cases requiring muscle and composite flaps.
Learn moreAbdominal Wall Reconstruction
Complex hernia repair, component separation, and flap reconstruction for contaminated or recurrent abdominal wall defects where standard repair has failed.
Learn moreGroin Coverage
Soft tissue coverage of groin defects after oncologic dissection, vascular surgery, or infection with exposed vessels or prosthetic grafts requiring flap coverage.
Learn moreSternal Reconstruction & Stabilization
Treatment of deep sternal wound infections and dehiscence after cardiac surgery — including debridement, hardware management, and muscle flap closure.
Learn moreFree Flaps Performed by Dr. Lakhiani
Dr. Lakhiani performs a broad repertoire of free and pedicled flaps, selecting the most appropriate donor site based on defect size, location, tissue requirements, and patient anatomy.
Versatile workhorse flap for soft tissue defects throughout the body.
Muscle flap for deep cavity obliteration and coverage of exposed hardware.
Thin, pliable flap ideal for hand, foot, and ankle defects.
Sensate flap providing durable weight-bearing coverage for heel and sole defects.
Large muscle or musculocutaneous flap for extensive chest, scalp, and extremity defects.
Thin flap from the back, preserving latissimus muscle function.
Abdominal tissue flap primarily used for breast reconstruction.
Reliable flap from the back for moderate soft tissue defects.
Thin fasciocutaneous flap for hand, wrist, and small upper extremity defects.
Pedicled or free flap for head, neck, and upper chest reconstruction.
Inner thigh flap for breast and moderate soft tissue reconstruction.
Muscle flap for functional reconstruction (smile reanimation) and soft tissue coverage.
Transplantation of innervated muscle to restore movement, such as gracilis for facial reanimation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is microsurgery?
Microsurgery is a surgical technique that uses a high-powered operating microscope to connect very small blood vessels and nerves — often less than a millimeter in diameter. It allows surgeons to move living tissue from one part of the body to another while keeping it alive by restoring its blood supply. Microsurgery has transformed reconstructive surgery by making it possible to rebuild complex structures that could not otherwise be repaired.
What is a free flap?
A free flap is a section of tissue — which may include skin, fat, muscle, bone, or a combination — that is completely detached from its original location and moved to a new site in the body. Using microsurgery, the flap's blood vessels are reconnected to vessels near the recipient site to keep the tissue alive. Free flaps are used to reconstruct defects after cancer removal, trauma, or radiation damage.
How long does free flap surgery take?
Free flap surgery typically takes between four and twelve hours, depending on the complexity of the defect and the type of tissue being transferred. The vascular connections under the microscope require great precision and are one of the most time-intensive parts of the operation. Patients spend time in a monitored recovery unit after surgery so the flap can be closely watched.
What are the risks of free flap surgery?
The main risk specific to free flaps is flap failure, which can occur if blood flow to the transferred tissue is compromised. This risk is minimized by careful surgical technique and close monitoring after the operation. Other risks include those common to any surgery, such as infection, bleeding, and the effects of general anesthesia.
How do I know if I need microsurgical reconstruction?
Microsurgical reconstruction is typically recommended when a wound or defect is too large or complex to be closed with simpler techniques, or when the area lacks adequate local tissue for repair. Common situations include reconstruction after head and neck cancer surgery, traumatic limb injuries, breast reconstruction, and chronic wounds. A consultation with Dr. Lakhiani will determine whether a free flap or another reconstructive approach is the best fit for your situation.
Schedule a Consultation
If you or a loved one requires complex reconstruction after cancer surgery, trauma, or a chronic wound, Dr. Lakhiani can evaluate your case and discuss the full range of reconstructive options available.
Request AppointmentThe information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified physician for diagnosis and treatment. Full disclaimer.
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