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I have a wide breadth of research interests spanning pediatric craniofacial surgery, surgical education, quality of life, global health, and much more. I have active projects studying surgical outcomes after repair of craniosynostosis and cleft lip/palate. I have also been collaborating with San Diego State University on the development of a patient reported outcome measures for children with facial deformities.
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I pursue topics that remain largely unexplored. For example, my research focuses on addressing challenges in breast reconstruction, such as infection and radiation. I am also interested in examining the economics of surgery, particularly aspects that pertain to plastic surgery.
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Frederic Kolb, M.D., M.S., M.Res.
My clinical interest is in the reconstruction of patients that have been treated for a cancer, especially using microsurgery. I lead three research programs, including: 1) bringing a surgical solution to lymphedema with a strong multidisciplinary team including occupational therapy, radiology and breast surgeons; 2) developing primary facial nerve reinnervation if injured during a patient's treatment course; and 3) validating the technique of mastectomy using a surgical robot. -
Benjamin Massenburg, M.D., performs research that integrates three-dimensional modeling, virtual surgical planning and artificial intelligence to advance cleft and craniofacial care. His work aims to optimize care pathways, personalize treatment, and improve prediction of surgical outcomes, particularly in orthognathic surgery and cranial vault remodeling.
UC San Diego Division of Plastic Surgery Research
Physician-scientists in the Division of Plastic Surgery are active in numerous research projects and clinical studies. Division faculty and colleagues from San Diego State University are also investigating health-related quality of life in pediatric patients with craniofacial conditions, a project that will result in a patient-reported outcome measure in English and Spanish for patients with facial differences and their parents. This project is supported by the Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego Surgical Research Fund Grant and by the UC San Diego Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute Academic-Community Partnership Pilot Project Grant provided by the National Institutes of Health.
Publications