Ryan N. Heffelfinger, MD

Professional Information

Profession

Physician

Degree

MD

Primary Area of Practice

Otolaryngology

Specialty/Area of Focus

Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery

Medical School

Graduated from Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in 2000

Bio

Dr. Heffelfinger is the Director of both the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and of Head and Neck Microvascular Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.
As Assistant Professor in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Philadelphia’s prestigious Thomas Jefferson University, Dr. Heffelfinger is considered to be an outstanding innovator and teacher. His practice encompasses the entire spectrum of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, including rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, facial rejuvenation surgery, fat transfers, facial augmentation, wrinkle treatment, corrective surgery for facial defects, ear reshaping, microsurgery, reconstruction of cancer patients and extensive post-traumatic deformities.

As a facial plastic surgeon, Dr Heffelfinger specializes solely in plastic surgery of the face, head and neck. As such, his patients are assured of a focused expertise. He treats both children and adults.

Social Media and Site Links

 

jeffersonfacialplastics.com
Jefferson University Profile
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn
Jefferson Facial Plastics

Profile Details

Location

Philadelphia, PA US

Honorifics

MD

Hospital Affiliations

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

Honors and Awards

S. MacCuen Smith Memorial Prize in Otology

Interests

Facial Plastic Surgery, Microvascular Surgery

Skills

Rhinoplasty

Facelifts

Blepharoplasty

Microvascular Surgery/Free Flaps

Laser Resurfacing

Midface Lifting

Hair Transplants

Languages

English (Native fluency)

Certifications

Board Certified: Otolaryngology
The American Board of Otolaryngology

Board Certified: Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

NPI

1154358117

Associations

American Academy of Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery
Member

American Rhinologic Society
Member

American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Member

Pennsylvania Academy of Otolaryngology
Member

Schools

Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University: 2000
MD
Activities and Societies: Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society

Awarded the S. MacCuen Smith Memorial Prize in Otology

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Internship and Residency: Surgery/Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

UCLA Medical Center
Fellowship Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Publications

Laser Treatment of Skin Texture and Fine Line EtchingFacial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America | May 2011;19(2):293-301
Authors: Grunebaum LD, Murdock J, Hoosien GE, Heffelfinger RN, Lee WW.

This article examines the causes and treatment of fine rhytids.

Reconstruction of the radial forearm free flap donor site using integra artificial dermisMicrosurgery | Feb 2011;31(2):104-108
Authors: Murray RC, Gordin EA, Saigal K, Leventhal D, Krein H, Heffelfinger RN.

We describe a staged reconstruction using Integra followed by ultrathin skin grafting that results in highly aesthetic and functional outcomes for these defects.

Closure of a surgical wound with exposed carotid artery through the use of a wound vacuum assisted closure device and a novel wound matrix (OASISand OASIS)Laryngoscope | 2009l;119(SUPPL.3):S250
Authors: Murray R, Luginbuhl A, Brace J, Fisher K, Heffelfinger R.

We describe the novel use of the wound VAC system in the closure of a complex pharyngocutaneous fistula that involved an exposed carotid artery.

Assessment of microvascular anastomosis training in otolaryngology residencies: Survey of United States program directorsLaryngoscope | 2010;120(SUPPL.4):S233
Authors: Luginbuhl A, Pribitkin E, Krein H, Heffelfinger R.

Management of traumatic facial nerve injuriesFacial Plastic Surgery | 2010;26(6):511-518
Authors: Greywoode JD, Ho HH, Artz GJ, Heffelfinger RN.

This article will briefly review the anatomy of the facial nerve, discuss the assessment of facial nerve injury, and describe the management of facial nerve injury after soft tissue trauma.

Contemporary management of facial soft tissue traumaFacial Plastic Surgery | 2010;26(6):429
Authors: Heffelfinger RN, Pribitkin EA.

Management of bite wounds in the head and neckFacial Plastic Surgery | 2010;26(6):456-463
Authors: Ambro BT, Wright RJ, Heffelfinger RN.

We present a review of the epidemiology and microbiology of bite injuries to the head and neck and provide evidence-based recommendations regarding surgical wound closure and antibiotic therapy.

Recombinant human tissue factor pathway inhibitor prevents thrombosis in a venous tuck modelLaryngoscope | Nov 2010;120(11):2172-2176
Authors: Ezzat WH, Dahl JP, Luginbuhl A, Gordin E, Krein H, Heffelfinger RN.

Objectives/Hypothesis: Microvascular free tissue transfer has become a mainstay of reconstruction after resections for head and neck cancer. With current techniques, free flap failure is typically low; however, failure rates have been reported as high as 10%. Most thrombotic failures occur within the first few days postoperatively and tend to involve the venous anastomoses. We evaluated the efficacy of recombinant human tissue factor pathway inhibitor (rhTFPI), an anticoagulant that directly inhibits the extrinsic coagulation pathway, using a rat model of microvenous thrombosis.

Assessment of microvascular anastomosis training in otolaryngology residencies: Survey of United States program directorsOtolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery | Nov 2010;143(5):633-636
Authors: Luginbuhl AJ, Pribitkin EA, Krein H, Heffelfinger RN.

Objective To assess current microvascular training strategies in otolaryngology residency programs.

Preoperative prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization in patients undergoing intranasal surgeryMedical Science Monitor | 2010;16(8):CR365-CR368
Authors: Nicholas BD, Bhargave G, Hatipoglu A, Heffelfinger R, Rosen M, Pribitkin EA.

Background: The goal of this study was to determine the rates of carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among patients undergoing intranasal surgery.

Lizard Bites of the Head and NeckJournal of Emergency Medicine
Authors: Heffelfinger RN, Loftus P, Cabrera C, Pribitkin EA.

Objectives: The aim of this case report is to discuss the potential complications and proper management of lizard bites to the head and neck.

A Radiolucent Lesion in the Posterior MandibleJournal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Jun 2010;68(6):1371-1376
Authors: Jamal BT, Tuluc M, Gold L, Heffelfinger R, Taub DI.

Meta-analysis of surgical techniques for preventing parotidectomy sequelaeArchives of Facial Plastic Surgery | Sep 2009;11(5):327-331
Authors: Curry JM, King N, Reiter D, Fisher K, Heffelfinger RN, Pribitkin EA.

Objective: To conduct a meta-analysis of the literature on surgical methods for the prevention of Frey syndrome and concave facial deformity after parotidectomy.

Avoiding secondary skin graft donor site morbidity in the fibula free flap harvestArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery | Dec 2008;134(12):1324-1327
Authors: Kim PD, Fleck T, Heffelfinger R, Blackwell KE.

Objective: To compare donor site morbidity in patients who have undergone fibula free flap reconstruction in which the skin graft was taken from the expected cutaneous paddle of the fibula with the known complications of the popular technique of obtaining a split-thickness skin graft (STSG) from a secondary donor site.

Superficial musculoaponeurotic system elevation and fat graft reconstruction after superficial parotidectomyLaryngoscope | Feb 2008;118(2):210-215
Authors: Curry JM, Fisher KW, Heffelfinger RN, Rosen MR, Keane WM, Pribitkin EA.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: Elevation of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) with or without fat graft interposition during superficial parotidectomy prevents a concave facial deformity and Frey's syndrome.

Aesthetic considerations in mandibular reconstructionFacial Plastic Surgery | Jan 2008;24(1):35-42
Authors: Heffelfinger RN, Malhotra PS, Fishman MA.

As free tissue transfer methods have improved, vascular bone grafting has become state of the art for reconstruction of mandibular defects. Prior studies have focused on flap survival and functional outcomes. The reconstructive surgeon should also strive to attain lofty aesthetic goals for this group of patients. The best results are achieved when patient factors, flap selection, treatment planning, and surgical techniques are all considered and properly selected.

Bilobed fibula flap for reconstruction of through-and-through oromandibular defectsHead and Neck | Sep 2007;29(9):829-834
Authors: Said M, Heffelfinger R, Sercarz JA, Abemayor E, Head C, Blackwell KE.

Background. The role of fibula free flaps for reconstruction of through-and-through oromandibular defects is examined.

Using image guidance tracking during balloon catheter dilation of sinus ostiaOtolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery | Aug 2007;137(2):341-342
Authors: Leventhal D, Heffelfinger R, Rosen M.

A simplified approach to midface agingArchives of Facial Plastic Surgery | Jan 2007;9(1):48-55
Authors: Heffelfinger RN, Blackwell KE, Rawnsley J, Keller GS.

We review herein our experience with subperiosteal midface-lifting under direct vision with a simple fixation technique.

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