Z-Hye Lee
Department of Plastic Surgery, Division of Surgery
About Z-Hye Lee
Dr. Z-Hye Lee is an assistant professor of the Department of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Dr. Lee specializes in reconstructive surgery and microsurgery specifically involving head and neck reconstruction and breast reconstruction. Dr. Lee has authored over 45 peer-reviewed scientific publications and book chapters.
Dr. Lee received her undergraduate education at Dartmouth College. After obtaining her Medical Doctorate with Alpha Omega Alpha honors from New York University Grossman School of Medicine in 2010, she went on to complete her integrated plastic surgery residency at New York University Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery. Upon completion of her fellowship in Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Lee was recruited to join the faculty of the Department of Plastic Surgery at MD Anderson.
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Assistant Professor, Department of Plastic Surgery, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 2014 | New York University School of Medical, New York, NY, USA, MD, Doctor of Medicine |
| 2010 | Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA, BA, Psychological and Brain Science |
Postgraduate Training
| 2020-2021 | Clinical Fellowship, Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX |
| 2014-2020 | Clinical Residency, Plastic Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY |
Honors & Awards
| 2020 | "Best United States Paper" in 2019, Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery |
| 2015 | Gold Humanism Honor Society |
| 2014 | Arthur Zitrin Award in Bioethics |
| 2013 | Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society |
| 2010 | Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society |
| 2008 | Dartmouth College Endowed Presidential Scholarship |
Professional Memberships
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Lee ZH, Ramly EP, Levine JP. Dangling Protocols in Lower Extremity Microvascular Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Clinical Recommendations. J Surg Res(266):77-87, 2021. e-Pub 2021.
- Lee ZH, Stranix JT, Levine JP. The Optimal Timing of Traumatic Lower Extremity Reconstruction: Current Consensus. Clin Plast Surg 48(2):259-266, 2021.
- McMahon HA, Stranix JT, Lee ZH, Levine JP. Management of Gustilo Type IIIC Injuries in the Lower Extremity. Clin Plast Surg 48(2):267-276, 2021.
- Kantar RS, Berman ZP, Diep GK, Ramly EP, Alfonso AR, Sosin M, Lee ZH, Rifkin WJ, Kaoutzanis C, Yu JW, Ceradini DJ, Daghter NN, Levine JP. Hepatic Artery Microvascular Anastomosis in Liver Transplantation: A Symstematic Review of the Literature. Ann Plast Surg 86(1):96-102, 2021.
- Kaoutzanis C, Yu JW, Lee ZH, Davary A, Fleischer KE, Levine JP. Mandibular Reconstruction with Free Fibula Flap for Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw in Patients with Multiple Myeloma. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 8(10):e3186, 2020.
- Lee ZH, Alfonso AR, Ramly EP, Kantar RS, Yu JW, Daar DA, Hirsch DL, Jacobson A, Levine JP. The Latest Evolution in Virtual Surgical Planning: Customized Reconstruction Plastes in Free Fibula Flap Mandibular Reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg 146(4):872-879, 2020.
- Yu JW, Rifkin WJ, Lee ZH, Borab Z, Alfonso AR, Thanik VD, Levine JP. Does Laterality of Lower Extremity Donor Site Affect Outcomes in Microvascular Soft Tissue Lower Extremity Reconstruction?. J Reconstr Microsurg 36(4):289-293, 2020.
- Lee ZH, Daar DA, Stranix JT, Anzai L, Levine JP, Saadeh PB, Thanik VD. Free Flap Reconstruction for Diabetic Lower Extremity Limb Salvage. J Surg Res 248:165-170, 2020.
- Lee ZH, Daar DA, Jacobson AS, Levine JP. The Decline of Head and Neck Reconstructiion in Plastic Surgery: Where Do We Go From Here?. Plast Reconstr Surg 145(2):467e-468e, 2020.
- Lee J, Yu, Lee ZH, Levine JP, Jacobson AJ. Alexis Retractor: Institutional Experience of its Applications in Head and Neck Surgery and Review of the Literature. Cleft Palate Craniofac J, 2020.
- Lee ZH, Abdou A, Elie EP, Daar DA, Stranix JT, Anzai L, Saadeh PB, Levine JP, Thankik VD. Larger Free Flap Size is Predictive of Increased Complications in Lower Extremity Trauma Reconstruction. Microsurgery, 2020.
- Lee ZH, Daar DA, Stranix JT, Anzai L, Thanik VD, Saadeh PB, Levine JP. Risk Factors in Use of Microvascular Free Flaps in Pediatric Lower Extremity Trauma. Microsurgery 40(1):44-50, 2020.
- Stranix JT, Azoury S, Lee ZH, Kozak G, Plana N, Thanik VD, Saadeh PB, Levine JP, Levin LS, Kovach SJ. Matched Comparison of Microsurgical Anastomoses Performed with Loupes Magnification Versus Operating Microscope in Traumatic Lower Extremity Reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg 145(1):235-240, 2020.
- Lee ZH, Abdou A, Daar DA, Anzai L, Stranix JT, Thanik VD, Levine JP, Saadeh PB. Comparing Outcomes for Fasciocutaneous Versus Muscle Flaps in Foot and Ankle Free Flap Reconstruction. J Reconstr Microsurg 35(9):646-651, 2019.
- Ricci JA, Salma AA, Stranix JT, Lee ZH, Anzai L, Thanik VD, Saadeh PB, Levine JP. Reconstruction of Gustilo Type IIIC Injuries of the Lower Extremity. Plast Reconstr Surg 144(4):982-987, 2019.
- Lee ZH, Alfonso AR, Stranix JT, Anzai L, Daar DA, Ceradini DJ, Levine JP, Saadeh PB, Thanik VD. Vein Size Mismatch Increases Flap Failure in Lower Extremity Trauma Free Flap Reconstruction. J Reconstr Microsurg 35(8):587-593, 2019.
- Savetsky IL, Aschen SZ, Salibian AA, Howard K, Lee ZH, Frangos SG, Thanik VD. A Novel Mangled Upper Extremity Injury Assessment Score. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 7(9):e2449, 2019.
- Lee ZH, Stranix JT, Rifkin W, Daar DA, Anzai L, Ceradini DJ, Thanik VD, Saadeh PB, Levine JP. Timing of Microsurgical Reconstruction in Lower Extremity Trauma: An Update of the Godina Paradigm. Plast Reconstr Surg 144(3):759-767, 2019.
- Lee ZH, Lopez CD, Plana NM, Caplan A, Rodriguez ED. Are We Prepared for the Inevitable? A Survey on Defining and Managing Failure in Face Transplantation. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 7(5):e2055, 2019.
- Ricci JA, Stranix JT, Lee ZH, Jacoby A, Anzai L, Thanik VD, Saadeh PB, Levine JP. Comparing Reconstructive Outcomes in Patients with Gustilo Type IIIB Fractures and Concomitant Arterial Injuries. Plast Reconstr Surg 143(5):1522-1529, 2019.
- Lee ZH, Cohen JM, Daar DA, Anzai L, Hacquebord J, Thanik VD. Quantifying Outcomes for Leech Therapy in Digit Revascularisation and Replantation. J Hand Surg Eur Vol 44(4):414-418, 2019.
- Lee ZH, Klifto S, MiloneM, Daar D, Anzai L, Thanik VD, Jacquebord J. Survival After Digit Replantation and Revascularization is not Affected by the Use of Interpositional Grafts During Arterial Repair. Plast Reconstr Surg 143(3):551e-557e, 2019.
- Milone MT, Klifto C, Lee ZH, Thanik VD, Hacquebord J. The Relationships Between Vein Repairs, Postoperative Transfusions and Survival in Single Digit Replantation. Hand (NY), 2019.
- Lee ZH, Sinno S, Poudrier G, Motosko CC, Chiodo M, Saia W, Gothard D, Thomson JE, Hazen A. Platelet Rich Plasmafor Photodamaged Skin: A Pilot Study. J Cosmet Dermatol 18(1):77-83, 2019.
- Lee ZH, Chiu ES, Reavey PL, Rodriguez ED, Caplan AL. Ethical Issues in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgical Innovation: Prespectives of Plastic Surgeons. Plast Reconstr Surg 143(10):346-351, 2019.
- Stranix JT, Rifkin W, Lee ZH, Anzai L, Jacoby A, Ceradini D, Thanik VD, Saadeh PB, Levine JP. Comparison of Hand-Sewn Versus Coupled Venous Anastomoses in Traumatic Lower Extremity Reconstruction. J Reconstr Microsurg 35(10):31-36, 2019.
- Stranix JT, Lee ZH, Anzai L, Jacoby A, Avsraham T, Saadeh PB, Levin JP, Thanik VD. Optimizing Venous Outflow in Reconstruction of Gustilo IIIB Lower Extremity Traumas with Soft Tissue Free Flap Coverage: Are Two Veins Better than One?. Microsurgery 38(7):745-751, 2018.
- Stranix JT, Jacoby A, Lee ZH, Anzai LA, Thanik VD, Saadeh PB, Levine JP. Skin Paddles Improve Muscle Flap Salvage Rates After Microvascualar Compromise in Lower Extremity Reconstruction. Ann Plast Surg 81(1):68-70, 2018.
- Stranix JT, Lee ZH, Lam G, Mirrer J, Rapp T, Saadeh PB. Limb-Sparing Sarcome Reconstruction with Functional Composite Thigh Flaps. Microsurgery 38(5):466-472, 2018.
- Stranix JT, Borab ZM, Rifkin WJ, Jacoby A, Lee ZH, Anzai L, Ceradini DJ, Thanik VD, Saadeh PB, Levine JP. Proximal Versus Distal Recipient Vessels in Lower Extremity Reconstruction: A Retrospective Series and Systematic Review. J Reconstr Microsurg 34(2):334-340, 2018.
- Stranix JT, Lee ZH, Jacoby A, Anzai L, Mirrer J, Avraham T, Thanik V, Levine JP, Saadeh PB. Forty Years of Lower Extremity Take-Backs: Flap Type Influences Salvage Outcomes. Plast Reconstr Surg 141(5):1282-1287, 2018.
- Lee ZH, Avraham T, Monaco C, patel AA, Hirsch DL, Levine JP. Optimizing Functional Outcomes in Mandibular Condyle Reconstruction with the Free Fibula Flap Using CAD/CAM Technology. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 76(5):1098-1106, 2018.
- Stranix JT, Lee ZH, Jacoby A, Anzai L, Avraham T, Thanik VD, Saadeh PB, Levine JP. Not All Gustilo Type IIIB Fractures are Created Equal: Arterial Injury Impacts Limb Salvage Outcomes. Plast Reconstr Surg 140(5):1033-1041, 2017.
- Monaco C, Stranix JT, Lee ZH, Hirsch D, Levine JP, Saadeh PB. A Modified Approach to Extensive Oromandibular Reconstruction Using Free Fibula Flaps. J Cranciofac Surg 28(1):93-96, 2017.
- Lee ZH, Stranix JT, Anzai L, Sharma S. Surgical Anatomy of the First Extensor Compartment: A Meta-Analysis and Comparison of Normal Cadavers vs. De Quervain Syndrome Patients. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 70(1):127-131, 2017.
- Cleveland EC, Zampell J, Avraham T, Lee ZH, Hirsch DL, Levine JP. Reconstruction of Congenital Mandibular Hyoplasia with Microvascular Free Fibula Flaps in the Pediatric Population: A Paradigm Shift. J Cranciofac Surg 28(10):79-83, 2017.
- Allen RJ Jr, Lee ZH, Mayo JL, Levine J, Ahn C, Allen RJ Sr. The Profunda Artery Perforator (PAP) Flap Experience for Breast Reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg 138(5):968-975, 2016.
- Sinno S, Mehta K, Lee ZH, Kidwai S, Saadeh PB, Lee MR. Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy in Rhinoplasty: Systematic Review of Surgical Techniques. Plast Reconstr Surg 138(3):419e-29e, 2016.
- Alperovich M, Golink MS, Lee ZH, Runyan CM, Staffenberg DA. Parental Perceptions of Neurodevelopment in Toddlers Following Craniosynostosis Repair. J Cranciofac Surg 27(4):835-838, 2016.
- Stranix JT, Lee ZH, Bellamy J, Rifkind K, Thanik V. Indications for Plain Radiographs in Uncomplicated Lower Extremity Cellulitis. Acad Radiol 22(11):1439-1442, 2015.
- Alpervich M, Lee ZH, Friedlander PL, Rowan BG, Gimble JM, Chiu ES. Adipose Stem Cell Therapy in Cancer Reconstruction: A Critical Review. Ann Plast Surg 73(Suppl 1):S104-7, 2014.
- Alperovich M, Choi M, Frey JD, Lee ZH, Levine JP, Saadeh PB, Shapiro RL, Axelrod DM, Guth AA, Karp NS. Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy in Patients with Prior Breast Irradiation: Are Patients at Higher Risk for Reconstructive Complicatons?. Plast Reconstr Surg 134(2):202e-6e, 2014.
- Lee ZH, Lewing NW, Moak S, Friedlander PL, Chiu ES. Male Breast Cancer Metastasis to the Oral Mucosa and Face. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 67(2):277-280, 2014.
- Lee ZH, Koobehi K, Chiu ES. Autologous Fast Grafting for Treatment of Facial Atrophy in Behcet's Disease: A Case Report. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 66(12):1759-1762, 2013.
- Liao C, Abdou S, Daar DA, Lee Zh, Thanik VD. Patient-Centered Outcomes Following Open Carpal Tunnel Release: A Systematic Review of the Current Literature. J Hand Surg Assian Pac Vol.
- Lee ZH, Cripps C, Rodriguez ED. Current Concepts in Maxillary Reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg.