The team of surgeons at The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction (IFAR) offer procedures that treat a variety of conditions, some among few worldwide to offer surgical treatments for a specific condition. When one first thinks of a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, there are common procedures that come to mind immediately: breast reconstruction, face lifts, rhinoplasties, and tummy tucks to name a few. However, Plastic and Reconstructive surgeons often treat an array of conditions to help patients not only look better, but feel better as well.
IFAR’s team of specialists are leaders in their field and each doctor has a unique area of focus and expertise within reconstructive surgery. Dr. Matthew Kaufman has a rare distinction of being board certified in both Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology (head and neck surgery). This gives him the additional expertise necessary to deal with complex cosmetic and reconstructive problems of the head, face, and neck, and has enabled him to succeed in two of his surgical specialty programs: Phrenic Nerve Surgery and Occipital Neuralgia Surgery.
Breathing Better: Over 600 Surgeries and Counting!
The phrenic nerve controls the diaphragm, the primary muscle involved in breathing. Contraction of the diaphragm muscle permits expansion of the chest cavity and inhalation of air into the lungs. *
Phrenic nerve injuries can be caused by surgical injuries (i.e. damage to the nerve while being operated on for other issues), an anesthetic injury (i.e. inadvertent damage by a needle passed into the neck), a manipulation injury (i.e. chiropractic), or some type of trauma ( i.e. a fall from a horse, a car accident, or even twisting the wrong way). Dr. Kaufman has pioneered world-class treatment for phrenic nerve injury to reverse diaphragm paralysis. He is among very few experts in the world to perform this surgery and has the largest worldwide experience to date. Many patients who suffer from phrenic nerve injury are told by physicians there is no treatment, and they simply must live with it. Patients who are frustrated with this response often perform their own research, where they find Dr. Kaufman. Dr. Kaufman has seen a great success rate following phrenic nerve reconstruction, coupled with post-operative rehabilitation exercises for best results. Dr. Kaufman has been performing these surgeries since 2007 and has treated patients from all over the United States and other countries including Australia, Japan, Canada, South Africa, and Israel.
“We have established phrenic nerve reconstruction as a safe, effective treatment option for functional recovery after diaphragm paralysis,” says Dr. Kaufman. “Based upon the results of our numerous peer reviewed medical studies and updated treatment protocols in book and online chapters, this surgery is typically covered by commercial insurers in the U.S., and a select group of international insurance providers (Canada, Israel). Our goal is to expand this endeavor to patients from all around the world, so that international carriers will recognize the importance of this procedure and coverage will be provided regardless of location.”
Treating diaphragm paralysis patients with this surgery continues to be a very rewarding endeavor for Dr. Kaufman as well as his dedicated team. Dr. Kaufman provides continued support for this community of patients and getting the word out there to help them breathe better and get their lives back on track.
Providing Permanent Relief from Headaches and Migraines
Approximately 28 million people in the U.S. suffer from migraines, one-third of whom find little or no benefit from traditional medical therapies. Patients who experience these symptoms could have a condition called Occipital Neuralgia. The onset of the condition can occur following a traumatic event, such as a car accident or fall. A whiplash injury that causes inflammation in the head and neck region may result in the occipital nerves becoming sites of these “trigger points”. Patients with this type of history tend to respond the best to injection therapy or trigger point decompression surgery. Neurologists and other headache specialists sometimes have difficulty pinpointing this condition, and it is often misdiagnosed.
Dr. Kaufman is proud to provide these patients with a permanent solution: nerve decompression surgery.
“We have been performing these surgeries since 2005,” says Dr. Kaufman. “This surgery involves a minimally invasive approach to the nerves in the head and neck region that cause or contribute to headache symptoms. The nerve sites are relieved when the surgeon removes muscle, tissue lining, and blood vessels from the areas in which the nerves travel. Multiple trigger point sites can safely be addressed in one procedure. The number of locations on which to operate depends on each patient’s symptoms, and in which locations Botox treatments have been effective.”
Dr. Kaufman’s practice is a proud member of ARSA (Advanced Reconstructive Surgery Alliance). It is the practice’s goal to spread awareness about these surgeries and advanced treatment options to not only patients, but to healthcare providers worldwide. By utilizing the resources provided by ARSA, IFAR can expand their reach and ultimately treat many more patients.
About The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction
The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction is uniquely positioned as the ‘go to’ center for revolutionary nerve procedures, as well as world-class reconstructive treatments. Our surgeons have experience in cutting-edge procedures such as nerve transplantation that may restore a significant degree of function for those who have suffered from a stroke and other forms of paralysis.
About Advanced Reconstructive Surgery Alliance
ARSA is an alliance of likeminded practitioners with the highest clinical standards and shared resources that offer economies of scale. Our reconstructive and cosmetic surgeons benefit from an adaptive business environment with infrastructure, marketing, and the level of excellence which enables them to concentrate on the business of providing extraordinary clinical services. They are empowered to focus unencumbered – on doing their best work for what matters most: or – the patient.
For additional information on ARSA, please visit ARSAhealth.com.
