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Kalpesh T. Vakharia, MD, MS

Academic Title:

Associate Professor

Primary Appointment:

Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery

Additional Title:

Chief of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Director of Facial Nerve Center

Phone (Primary):

(667) 214-1772

Fax:

(410) 328-5690

Education and Training

  • University of Pennsylvania, BA, Biochemistry, 2001
  • University of Pennsylvania, BSE, Computer Science Engineering, 2001
  • University of Pennsylvania, MS, Chemistry, 2001
  • University of California, San Francisco, Doctor of Medicine, 2006
  • Harvard Medical School Otolaryngology Residency Program, 2011
  • Cleveland Clinic, Fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2012

Biosketch

Dr. Kalpesh Vakharia is double board certified in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Vakharia earned his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry as well as in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania in 2001. He also earned a Master of Science in Chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania in 2001. 

He went on to complete his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco in 2006. He completed a general surgical internship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in 2007. He then joined the Harvard Medical School Otolaryngology Residency Program and completed residency training in otolaryngology in 2011. Thereafter he completed a fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in 2012. After completing fellowship hjoined the University of Maryland Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. 

Dr. Vakharia is Chief of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery and Director of the Facial Nerve Center.  He is an expert in both surgical and non-surgical techniques of facial rejuvenation and reconstruction. 

He is also dedicated to education and mentorship. He is involved in lecturing medical students at the University of Maryland, School of Medicine. He is clerkship director of the medical student rotation in Otolaryngology. He serves as a faculty member in the clinical fellowship program in Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Maryland. He is active in teaching and mentoring medical students, residents and fellows at the University of Maryland. 

Research/Clinical Keywords

Head and Neck Reconstruction, Free Flaps, Facial Paralysis, 3D-Printing, Computer Technology, Facial Trauma, Rhinoplasty, Skin Cancer Reconstruction

Highlighted Publications

Vakharia K, Vakharia KT. Bell’s Palsy. Facial Plastic Surg Clin North Am. 2016 Feb;24(1):1-10 

Rizzi CJ, Ortlip T, Greywoode JD, Vakharia KT, Vakharia KT. A novel computer algorithm for modeling and treating mandibular fractures: A pilot study. Laryngoscope. 2017, Feb;127(2):331-336.

Ortlip T, Amin J, Vakharia, KT. Lower Lip Reconstruction with a Radial Forearm-Palmaris Longus Flap and Tensor Fascia Lata Sling, Open Journal of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Vol 1, Issue 1, 2016

Shikara M, Rizzi CJ, Zelip B, Hubbard F, Vakharia KT, Isaiah A, Greywoode J, Vakharia KT. Assessment of a Novel Computer Algorithm for Printing a 3-Dimentinosal Nasal Prosthetic. JAMA Otolaryngol Neck Surg. 2018 Jul 1; 144(7): 557-563

Kayastha D, Vakharia KT. The evolving role of computer-based technology and smartphone applications in facial plastic surgery. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2019 Aug

Amin J, Rizzi C, Trent G, Greywoode J, Grumbine L, Raghavan P, Vakharia KT. A Consistent, Reliable Landmark to Assist in Placement of Orbital Floor Reconstruction Plates after Blowout Fractures. J Craniofac Surg, Oct 2019; 30 (7), 2277 – 2279

Additional Publication Citations

Michaels AD, McKeown B, Kostal M, Vakharia KT, Jordan MV, Gerber IL, Foster E, Chatterjee K. Effects of intravenous Levosimendan on human coronary vasomotor regulation, left ventricular wall stress, and myocardial oxygen uptake. Circulation. 2005 Mar 29;111(12):1504-9.

Akhtar M, Vakharia KT, Mishell J, Gera A, Ports TA, Yeghiazarians Y, Michaels AD. Randomized study of the safety and clinical utility of rotational vs. standard coronary angiography using a flat-panel detector. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv. 2005 Sep;66(1):43-9.

Khush KK, De Marco T, Vakharia KT, Harmon C, Fineman JR, Chatterjee K, Michaels AD. Nesiritide acutely increases pulmonary and systemic levels of nitric oxide in patients with pulmonary hypertension, J Card Fail. 2006 Sep;12(7):507-13.

Mishell JM, Vakharia KT, Ports TA, Yeghiazarians Y, Michaels AD. Determination of adequate coronary stent expansion using StentBoost, a novel fluoroscopic image processing technique. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv. 2007 Jan;69(1):84-93.

Vakharia KT, Ali MJ, Wang SJ. A Quality-of-life impact of participation in a head and neck cancer support group. Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. 2007 Mar;136(3):405-10.

Vakharia KT, Durand ML, Hamilos DL, Geyer JT, Holbrook EH. An atypical case of chronic invasive fungal sinusitis and its management. Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2010 Jan;142(1) 150-151.

Lin, HW, Vakharia KT, Bejamin PK, Leonard DS. A convenient, practical adapter for bronchotracheoscopy through a tracheostomy tube in a ventilator-dependent patient. Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2010 Mar; 142(3): 446-8.

Lindsay RW, Heaton JT, Edwards C, Smitson C, Vakharia KT, Hadlock TA. Daily facial stimulation improves recovery after facial nerve repair. Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery 2010 May-Jun; 12(3): 180-5.

Vakharia KT, Shapiro N, Bhattacharyya N. Demographic Disparities among children with frequent ear infections in the United States. Laryngoscope 2010 Aug; 120(8): 1667-70.

Bhattacharyya N, Shapiro N, Vakharia KT. Influence of race and ethnicity on access to care among children with frequent ear infections. Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2010, Nov; 143(5): 691-6.

Vakharia KT, Lindsay RW, Knox C, Edwards C, Henstrom D, Weinberg J, Hadlock T, Heaton J. The Effects of Potential Neuroprotective Agents on Rat Facial Function Recovery Following Facial Nerve Injury. Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2011, Jan, 144(1): 53-59.

Vakharia KT,  Henstrom D, Lindsay R, Cunnane MB, Cheney M, Hadlock T., Color Doppler Ultrasound: Effective Monitoring of the Buried Free Flap in Facial Reanimation. Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, 2012, Mar, 146(3): 372-6.

Vakharia KT, Henstrom D, Plotkin SR, Cheney M,  Hadlock T., Facial Reanimation of Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 2. Neurosurgery, 2012, Jun, 70: 237-43. 

Bergmark R, Jung D, Vakharia KT, Gray ST, Lin DT, Rosenberg AE. Pathology quiz case 1. Liposarcoma of the hypopharynx. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2012 Mar;138(3):313-5.

Henstrom D, Hadlock T, Lindsay R, Knox CJ, Malo J, Vakharia KT, Heaton JT.The convergence of facial nerve branches providing whisker pad motor supply in rats: implications for facial reanimation study. Muscle Nerve. 2012 May;45(5):692-7.

Alam DS, Haffey T, Vakharia KT, Rajasekaran K, Chi J, Prayson R, McBride J, McClennan G. Sternohyoid flap for facial reanimation: a comprehensive preclinical evaluation of a novel technique. JAMA Facial Plast Surg. 2013 Jul-Aug;15(4):305-13.

Chiang AF, Isaiah A, Vakharia KT. A Nasal Mass Discovered During Intubation. JAMA Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery. 2014, Nov,13

Vakharia K, Vakharia K. Bell’s Palsy. Facial Plastic Surg Clin North Am. 2016 Feb;24(1):1-10

Rizzi CJ, Ortlip T, Greywoode JD, Vakharia KT, Vakharia KT. A novel computer algorithm for modeling and treating mandibular fractures: A pilot study. Laryngoscope. 2016 Oct 20.

Ortlip T, Amin J, Vakharia, KT. Lower Lip Reconstruction with a Radial Forearm-Palmaris Longus Flap and Tensor Fascia Lata Sling, Open Journal of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Vol 1, Issue 1, 2016

Research Interests

Vakharia’s research efforts are directed towards incorporating technology into the practice of facial plastic surgery, in order to improve patient’s outcomes and satisfaction. Additionally his research interests relate to improving the evaluation and treatment of patients with facial paralysis and facial trauma.  His research has been recognized nationally by presentations at national meetings.

Clinical Specialty Details

His areas of expertise and interest include skin fillers and Botox®, laser treatments such as laser resurfacing, face and neck lift surgery, cosmetic and functional surgery of the nose, eyelids and brows, external ear surgery, skin resurfacing, scar treatment, skin cancer and trauma reconstruction, head and neck reconstruction, microvascular reconstruction and the treatment of facial paralysis.

In the News

Professional Activity

2015 - American Academy of Otolaryngology Trauma Committee

2016 - present Reviewer for Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

2017 - 2018 - American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Examination Proctor

2017 - 2018 - President, Maryland Society of Otolaryngology

2017 - American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Emerging Trends and

Technologies Committee

2017 - present - American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery CME Committee

2017 - present - American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Specialty Surgery - Craniomaxillofacial Committee

2017 - present - American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Specialty Surgery – Microvascular and Reconstructive Committee

2018 - present - American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Committee

2019 - present - American Academy of Otolaryngology Trauma Committee

2015 - present - Faculty for SimFest, Penn Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery

2015 - present - Faculty for ORL Bootcamp

2019 - Faculty for Worst Case Scenarios Managing OTO Emergenices in Practice Workshop, American Academy of Otolaryngology Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA

2019 - present - Course Co-Director, Otorhinolaryngology Emergencies Bootcamp

Links of Interest