9 Harley St London W1G 9QY   |   HCA Healthcare UK, The Shard, St Thomas’ Street, London SE1 9BS

Expert Reconstructive Microsurgery Consultant in London

At Axel Head and Neck, we provide advanced reconstructive microsurgery in London for patients requiring complex restoration following head and neck cancer treatment, trauma, or major surgery.

Led by Mr Axel Sahovaler, an experienced consultant head and neck surgeon with specialist international fellowship training in microsurgical reconstruction, we deliver highly precise surgical treatment designed to restore both function and appearance.

Our goal is not only to remove disease, but to rebuild form, speech, swallowing and quality of life.

What is Reconstructive Microsurgery?

Reconstructive microsurgery is a highly specialised surgical technique used to rebuild areas of the head and neck after tumour removal, injury or congenital abnormalities.

Using a microscope and delicate instruments, tissue — including skin, muscle, bone or blood vessels — is transferred from another part of the body to the affected area. This is known as free tissue transfer or a “free flap”.

The blood vessels of the transplanted tissue are reconnected under magnification to ensure proper healing and long-term function.

This advanced treatment is often essential following head and neck cancer surgery.

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When is Reconstructive Microsurgery Needed?

Microsurgical reconstruction may be recommended for:

• Oral cavity cancer surgery
• Mandibular (jaw) reconstruction
• Tongue reconstruction
• Skin cancer removal with large defects
• Salivary gland tumour surgery
• Trauma affecting the face or neck
• Previous surgery requiring corrective reconstruction

Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual patient’s anatomy, diagnosis and recovery goals.

Benefits of Microsurgical Reconstruction

Reconstructive microsurgery offers several advantages in complex head and neck cases:

• Restoration of speech and swallowing
• Preservation of facial symmetry
• Improved aesthetic outcomes
• Enhanced healing and blood supply
• Reduced long-term functional deficits
• Durable, long-term reconstruction

This approach represents the gold standard in modern head and neck surgical care.

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Mr. Axel Sahovaler

Axel has a unique combination of training and practice in North America, working in very high-volume academic head and neck surgery centers.  He has since moved to London, where he has formed a team with Professor Mark McGurk, perfecting minimally invasive techniques in salivary gland surgery. His independent practice is at London Bridge Hospital and his NHS base is at University College London Hospital where his research and teaching take place.

The Surgical Process

Pre-operative Planning

Your consultant will conduct a detailed assessment including imaging and multidisciplinary planning. Surgical mapping ensures precise reconstruction tailored to your needs.

During Surgery

The cancer or affected tissue is removed. A free flap — often from the forearm, thigh or fibula (leg bone) — is harvested and transplanted.

Under microscopic magnification, blood vessels are carefully reconnected to restore circulation.

Surgery may take several hours depending on complexity.

Recovery

Patients are closely monitored in the immediate post-operative period to ensure flap viability. Hospital stay varies but is typically several days.

Long-term follow-up supports speech, swallowing and rehabilitation.

For more information and enquiries

What Are the Best Ways to Treat Neck Pain?

Reconstructive Microsurgery and Head & Neck Cancer Treatment

In many cases, reconstruction is performed at the same time as cancer removal.

Immediate reconstruction offers significant benefits:

• Shorter overall treatment timeline
• Improved cosmetic and functional outcomes
• Reduced psychological impact
• Fewer total surgical procedures

Our London-based consultant works closely with oncology teams to coordinate comprehensive cancer care.

Why Choose Axel Head and Neck in London?

Reconstructive microsurgery demands exceptional precision and specialist training.

Mr Axel Sahovaler offers:

• Fellowship training in head and neck oncologic reconstruction
• Expertise in free flap microsurgery
• Personalised, consultant-led care
• Access to leading private hospitals in London
• Multidisciplinary cancer treatment collaboration
• Clear communication and compassionate support

Patients benefit from both surgical expertise and a personalised approach throughout their treatment journey.

Patient Experience and Testimonials

Many patients come to us with complex head and neck problems, and their feedback highlights our commitment to compassionate care and excellent outcomes. Patients consistently describe the reassurance, clear treatment explanations and personalised attention they receive throughout their surgical journey.

Parotid & Neck Cancer Surgery - Full Facial Nerve Preservation

Axel performed very complex cancer surgery on me, successfully removing a primary tumour deep in my parotid gland and many metastases in my neck. Through clever planning with Virtual Reality and his expert skills, he preserved my facial nerve. 6 months on, I have full facial function and it is nearly impossible to see the significant scars. The excellence of his surgery has preserved my quality of life and I have returned to regular sport. Most important to me has been Axel’s personal support, positivity and compassion as I have faced my cancer and its treatment. He has gone above and beyond all my expectations.

JB

London, UK

Life-Changing Support & Restored Hope

I want to express my deepest gratitude to Dr Axel for meeting me in his clinic on such a short notice. Before meeting him I was completely shattered and had lost all hope after what was communicated to me by other surgical teams. But the day I saw him in clinic, everything changed – his positivity and perspective gave me strength and renewed my faith. From the day I met him until the surgery, not a single day passed without thinking into his words of hope. I will be forever grateful to him. He gave me my life and smile back.

MB

London, UK

Oral Cancer Surgery for Our Son

Mr Sahovaler treated our son for oral cancer in 2022 and performed complex cancer and microvascular reconstructive surgery. His outstanding knowledge of his specialist area and practical surgical expertise has allowed our son to make an excellent recovery. From the outset he has shown empathy and understanding in all his contacts with our family. He took time to explain all the procedures and other relevant information in an honest and clear way so the appropriate choices were made. As medical doctors, my wife and I were apprehensive about what lay ahead but we found Mr Sahovaler’s caring and conscientious approach gave us the confidence and reassurance we needed. We cannot recommend him highly enough to patients who may need his skills, both now and in the future.

IH & KH

London, UK

Mandibular Reconstruction - Family Testimonial

Our family do not have the words to express our gratitude towards Dr Axel and his team. At a time when we were all faced with a barrage of information regarding my father’s impending complex mandibular reconstruction surgery, Dr Axel gave us the assurances we were so desperately seeking with his calm and extremely confident disposition. If you have the misfortune to find yourself diagnosed with a similar condition and requiring surgery, consider yourself very lucky to have someone like him at the helm. This man has nothing less than Hero status in our family and most likely many others!

DK

London, UK

Compassionate Care Before & After Surgery

I was Dr Axel Sahovaler’s patient from late 2022 and underwent surgery with him in April 2023. It’s difficult to put into words his professionalism, pragmatic advice, sense of humour and kindness. In our pre-op appointments Axel always listened to my concerns and answered them honestly and directly which meant I trusted his advice and guidance. Post-op his visits on the ward daily, including weekends, made me recognise that he has a genuine interest and concern for the wellbeing of his patients despite his undoubtedly busy schedule. He always made time to answer any questions I had regarding my recovery. In the early months after my discharge, Axel and his team kept in touch to monitor my progress and I felt very supported by the care he and his team provided. I feel very lucky to have had Axel as my surgeon and to have been under his care.

SS

London, UK

Surgical Oncologist – Precision, Reassurance & Excellent Outcomes

Axel Sahovaler was my Consultant Surgical Oncologist. From the moment we met on the day of my cancer diagnosis in July 2022, Mr Sahovaler was reassuring, precise and motivational in relation to my condition, as well as the prospect of my upcoming treatment. Mr Sahovaler is an excellent surgeon and I did not have any complications during or after my complex cancer surgery. During my stay in hospital, Mr Sahovaler went out of his way to listen to my concerns and provided relevant solutions. I am very grateful to have had Mr Sahovaler as my surgical oncologist during this extremely challenging part of my life and to have his expertise for my ongoing care

DH

London, UK

Book a Consultation for Reconstructive Microsurgery in London

If you require specialist reconstructive microsurgery treatment in London following head and neck cancer or complex surgery, we are here to guide you.

Contact Axel Head and Neck today to arrange a private consultation with an experienced consultant head and neck surgeon.

Precision reconstruction. Restored function. Expert care.

Explore Our Specialist Head and Neck Treatments in London

At Axel Head and Neck, we provide a comprehensive range of specialist head and neck treatments in London, delivered by an experienced consultant surgeon with advanced training in oncology and reconstructive surgery.

Our related treatment pages include:

Head and Neck Surgery

Comprehensive surgical treatment for head and neck cancer, neck lumps, salivary gland disorders and complex reconstructive needs. Learn more about our specialist consultant-led surgical care in London.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

A minimally invasive procedure used in early head and neck cancer staging to assess lymph node spread and guide further treatment decisions.

Reconstructive Microsurgery

Advanced free flap reconstruction for complex head and neck defects following cancer surgery or trauma, restoring function and appearance.

Mandibular Reconstruction

Specialist jaw reconstruction surgery to restore speech, chewing and facial symmetry after mandibular tumour removal or bone loss.

Oral Cavity Lesions

Expert assessment, biopsy and treatment of mouth ulcers, leukoplakia and early oral cancer by a London head and neck consultant.

Parotid Tumour Treatment

Specialist diagnosis and parotidectomy surgery for benign and malignant salivary gland tumours, with careful facial nerve preservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a free flap in reconstructive microsurgery?

A free flap is tissue taken from one part of the body — including skin, muscle or bone — and transplanted to another area. The blood vessels are reconnected under a microscope to restore circulation and ensure successful healing.

Surgery duration varies depending on complexity but often takes between 6 to 12 hours. Your consultant will provide a personalised estimate during your consultation.

When performed by an experienced consultant microsurgeon in a specialist London hospital, reconstructive microsurgery is highly safe and effective. As with all surgery, risks will be discussed in detail beforehand.

Hospital stay is typically 7–10 days depending on the procedure. Full recovery may take several weeks, with additional rehabilitation for speech or swallowing if required.

The aim is to restore both function and appearance as closely as possible. While no surgery can guarantee identical pre-operative appearance, modern microsurgical techniques achieve excellent functional and cosmetic outcomes.

Not all patients require microsurgical reconstruction. Smaller tumours may not need complex reconstruction. Your consultant will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on tumour size and location.