Nick Kalavrezos 

CV, Bio, Qualifications, Expertise, Current Appointments, Publications,
Clinical Practice, Presidency of EACMFS

About Nick 

Nick holds several prominent positions in the field of head and neck surgery. He’s the senior surgeon of the Head & Neck Center at University College, London Hospital where he served more than 10 years as the Clinical Lead of the Unit. As president of the European Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial surgery he is forging the first Europe-wide database for rare malignant diseases of the head and neck and coordinating research leading to the 28th European Congress held in Athens, 15-18 September 2026.

He is the Lead Head and Neck Sarcoma Surgeon for the London Sarcoma Service and is a founding member of the Centre for Reconstructive Surgery at University College London, where he also holds a Senior Lecturer post. Additionally, he is an Honorary Consultant at Great Ormond Street Hospital, The Royal Free Hospital, and Whittington Hospital, and the Clinical Director at London Head and Neck.

He has advanced the development of minimally invasive surgery and early cancer detection at UCLH and The Harley Street Clinic. With very high favourable outcomes, he introduced free flap reconstruction and major ablative head and neck surgery at the Harley Street Clinic where he now holds the Chair of the Head and Neck team.

Nick is also a Patron of the charity ‘Saving Faces’, which focuses on facial surgery research. As President of the European Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, he has established links with various European centres to coordinate research and organise international conferences on head and neck cancer and facial reconstruction.

Fluent in several European languages, he lectures nationally and internationally on a regular basis and in 2024 become the President of the European Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery.

Nick aims for the overall improvement of patient outcomes through the best possible application of refined surgery and the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer with the use of latest aids, conducted in the light of the latest research.

Current Main Appointments (2026)

• Senior Surgeon in the Head and Neck Centre at UCLH (left)
• Chair of the Head & Neck Team at the Harley Street Clinic
• Lead Head and Neck Sarcoma Surgeon for the London Sarcoma Service
• President of the European Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery (EACMFS)
• A founding member of the Centre for Reconstructive Surgery at University College London
• Honourary Consultant at Great Ormond Street Hospital, The Royal Free Hospital, and Whittington Hospital
• Clinical Director at London Head and Neck
• Holds Senior Lecturer post at UCLH
• Patron of the charity ‘Saving Faces'
• Member of the Face Transplant Group based at the Royal Free Hospital
• European representative for the International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Career Progression

Since graduating from Zurich University Hospital in Switzerland in 1998, Nick has focused exclusively on reconstructive surgery of the head, face and neck, head and neck oncology (cancer), and microvascular surgery.

His early training was completed at the Craniomaxillofacial Surgery Department at the University Hospital of Zurich (right). On graduation (Dr Med) at the University of Zurich, he was appointed Senior Registrar in Maxillofacial Surgery at the same hospital with an emphasis on craniofacial trauma. After a four-year residential programme, he moved to the UK to complete his training, the emphasis there being on head and neck oncology (cancer) and microvascular surgery.

Further experience was gained in several UK centres including Liverpool, Mount Vernon, St Bartholomew’s and the Royal London Hospital where he took up the position of Locum Consultant & Senior Registrar in Maxillofacial Surgery. In 2002 he joined University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and was appointed Consultant and Lead Clinician at The Head & Neck Centre. His current qualifications are FRCS (OMFS) FFD MD (GMC: ‍4468996)

Qualifications, Education, Accomplishments, Experience

Core Qualifications

• Medical School of University of Patras, Greece (1993)
• Dental School of University of Athens, Greece (1986)

Education

• Royal College of Surgeons – Edinburgh | Intercollegiate Fellowship in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery FRCS (OMFS) – 2001
• Royal College of Surgeons – Dublin, Ireland, Ireland | Fellowship of the Faculty of Dentistry- FFD FRSCI – 1999
• Royal College of Surgeons – Edinburgh | Fellowship FRCS (Ed) – 1998
University of Zurich – Zurich, CH | Dr Med Dent – 1998 Long term results after treatment of frontal sinus fractures: Clinical and radiological aspects
• University of Zurich (USZ) – Zurich, CH | Doctor of Medicine – 1995
Bone scanning for the evaluation of carcinomatous invasion of the mandible

Accomplishments

• Development of the Head & Neck Surgical Services in Sarcomas at UCLH, largest head & neck sarcoma surgery series in Europe
• Ethical Approval and Clinical Application for Pre-fabrication of Osseo-Mucosal Free Flaps in Head & Neck Reconstruction
• Pre-fabrication of osseo-mucosal flaps combining free vascularised fibula bone flap and artificial dermis (INTEGRA) in conjunction with osseo-integrated dental implants for immediate use
• Lipo-transfer for Fibrosis Reversal in Head & Neck post-radiotherapy patients Joint clinic with Prof Peter Butler (Plastic Surgery) for management of post-irradiation secondary problems
• Development of European Fellowship in Head & Neck Surgery UCLH

Main Experience

• Consultant Maxillofacial Head and Neck Surgeon 04/2002 – present time
University College London Hospitals – UK (Clinical Lead 2007-2018)

• Consultant Head and Neck Surgeon 04/2002 – present time
London Sarcoma Service – London, UK (Clinical Lead Head & Neck Sarcoma Surgery 2007 – present time)

Clinical Interests

Nick’s clinical interests encompass benign diseases of the head and neck, salivary gland neoplasm surgery, thyroid surgery, craniofacial trauma, and cancers of the head, neck, mouth, and tongue.

He is focused on the refinement of facial reconstructive surgery and the integration of facial plastic techniques and microsurgery in the reconstructive surgery of the head and neck patient following treatment.

Another main focus point is the early detection of cancer using modern optical imaging systems, which can improve diagnostic accuracy and facilitate the management of potentially malignant mouth lesions with minimal side effects. He is involved in the surgical management of advanced head and neck cancer, aiming to enhance patient outcomes through refined surgical methods and the application of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

 - The diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of the management of advanced head and neck cancer and functional and aesthetic rehabilitation through reconstructive surgery following cancer treatment.

As Secretary General of the European Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, (EACMFS) he has set up links with various centres in Europe to co-ordinate research and to organise international conferences on head and neck cancer and facial reconstruction. 

Surgical Expertise

• Ablative and reconstructive surgery of the Head and Neck
• Salivary gland surgery, thyroid surgery
• Facial plastic surgery in head and neck cancer and post-traumatic disfigurement
• Surgical management and reconstructive surgery for cranial and facial trauma
• Surgical treatment of advanced head and neck sarcomas (cancer)
• Transoral Robotic Surgery
• Microvascular reconstructive surgery using free tissue transfer
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques applied to all conditions requiring surgery, aesthetic facial surgery, refined and cosmetic surgery.
• Reconstruction following cancer ablation, swallowing rehabilitation, cancer management and post-reconstruction facial improvement techniques
• Thyroid, parotid, and benign diseases of the head and neck, microvascular reconstruction, salivary gland neoplasms and facial trauma surgery including skull base surgery.
• The diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of the management of advanced head and neck cancer and functional and aesthetic rehabilitation through reconstructive surgery following cancer treatment.



Four Key Aspects of the Practice that Underpin Our Success

1. Disciplined Teamwork and Strict Project Management


Care coordination, delivered through clinical case management and team leadership, is our single most important management discipline. It ensures good communication between specialists involved in your care plan, it connects patients with practical support and allows adjustments for safety and best possible outcomes. It also entails a continuous appraisal of our adherence to standard markers of surgical excellence and it monitors our results to maintain and effect further improvements.

2. Exploitation of Latest Technology & Research


Our patients benefit from the ongoing research into early cancer detection and treatment at UCLH in which Nick is involved. Our participation means that we are immediately aware of developments and clinical trials that are relevant to our OMFS patients.

UCLH has one of the largest programs for cancer treatment in the UK and our close participation shortens the time taken for latest improvements to reach our patients.

3. High Degree of Specialisation

  
We are a high-volume consultancy with a world-wide patient base and we specialise exclusively in trauma of the face, head and neck.  Repeated studies show that consultancies such as ours obtain better results than those where the same procedures are carried out less often.

The frequency that your team has carried out your required treatment is a major positive factor in your care plan. We also have access to the research pool of two leading centres (UCLH & Harley Street Clinic) as well as the patient care resources of several excellent London hospitals and the material resources of the largest private hospital network in the world. 

4. Our Surgery


Nick Kalavrezos is a pioneer in reconstructive and cancer surgery, his work as part of the facial transplant team at The Royal Free Hospital involves the application of the most advanced and recently developed surgical techniques in microvascular surgery and facial restoration.

As treatments and robotics develop, the declining need for major surgery drives the further development of less invasive surgical techniques and robot technology.

As development continues, conditions that previously required hospitalisation are now being treated with minimally invasive procedures in a day-surgery setting. 

Important Points Regarding Insurance 

  • Most insurers require a referral from your doctor or dentist.
  • If you cannot see your insurance company listed above then please contact us.
  • Check with your insurers before undertaking any further treatment or consultation. Policies vary considerably in what they cover. For example, not all policies cover initial consultations. 
  • If Mr Kalavrezos recommends treatment or further tests your insurer will need to be kept informed and the insurance details must be given to whoever provides further procedures such as x-rays or scans.
  • If you would like us to invoice your health insurers directly, then help us ensure this runs smoothly by providing us with your insurance company details and your policy number before your consultation.
  • If you wish we will invoice your insurers and liaise with them on your behalf. However we will send invoices to you directly should payment from your insurer be delayed or the claim not processed in good time.










Nick is the current president of the European Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery









EACMFS 

European Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery

Current president: Nick Kalavrezos (2024 - 2026)

The European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery is a leading international professional organisation for specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery, focused on advancing the theory and practice, establishing training standards and promoting education. Its biennial congresses are major international events, 

Purpose:  Though based in Europe, EACMFS has a world-wide membership and a high profile. Established in 1970, it promotes cranio-maxillofacial surgery, harmonises training requirements across Europe and facilitates the exchange of clinical expertise.

Activities: It hosts a major biennial Congress, provides educational courses and runs a Network of Teaching Centres to recognise high standards of patient care.


Nick is using his two-year term as President for a number of initiatives:

⦿  Inaugural Trainee Conference: Successfully launched the 1st EACMFS European OMFS Trainee Meeting in Naples during the summer of 2025, providing a dedicated networking and knowledge-sharing platform for young surgeons.

⦿  Facial Plastic Surgery Programme: Oversaw the launch and successful first edition of the new EACMFS Postgraduate Programme in Facial Plastic Surgery in late 2024, which covers advanced topics like 3D printing and facial reanimation.

⦿  Head and Neck Oncology Programme: Managed the expansion of the Postgraduate Programme in Head and Neck Surgery: Oncology into its fourth edition in 2025.

⦿  National Representative Reactivation: Reactivated the role of National Trainee Representatives across Europe to better integrate junior members into the association.

⦿  Created the first Europe-wide database for rare malignant diseases of the head and neck .

⦿  Promoted the harmonisation of surgical education across Europe and the use of voluntary examinations and fellowships to provide internationally recognised standards of competence.

Nick Kalavrezos is himself at the forefront of evolving surgical practice using advanced tools such as 3D simulation, AI-based modeling, patient-specific surgical guides (Link: Nick's FORTE video on this site), and biological enhancements. One of his aims is to extend these tools as far as possible, using them in combination to help and improve traditional techniques.

_____________________________________ 


Investment & Growth

Since beginning his term as EACMFS President 
in September 2024, he has focused on
four "pillars" of growth:

⦿  Trainee Investment,
investment in the harmonisation of the
specialty across Europe

⦿  Improved Gender Representation, 
 investment in the most dynamically
developing segment of our workfarce:
women in OMFS

⦿  Research,
investment in research and education
⦿  Social Media Visibility,
lnvestment in the "visibility" of the
specialty across social media and beyond...



Over several decades, Nick has co-authored and written chapters, definitive papers, articles  & books, focusing mainly on oral cancer and reconstructive surgery of the head, face and neck.

- click on text or image

Mortality and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing surgery with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international cohort study.

Does Combined Access Mandibulotomy, Rim Mandibulectomy and Neck Dissection Compound the Late Effects of Radiotherapy?

Management of the clinically No neck in early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). An EACMFS position paper.

Evaluation of the efficacy of lipotransfer to manage radiation-induced fibrosis and volume defects in head and neck oncology.

Factors affecting swallow outcome following treatment for advanced oral andoropharyngeal malignancies

Predictors of swallowing outcome in patients treated with surgery and radiotherapy for advanced oral and oropharyngeal cancer.

Head and neck sarcomas in adulthood: Current trends and evolving management concepts.

Delaying surgery for patients with a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection

Head and neck sarcomas: A single institute series.

Some Books & Articles by Nick Kalavrezos

1. Facial Reconstruction following Trauma
2. Diagnosis and Treatment of Oral Cancer

Book: Oral Cancer - Update for the Dental Team 

Kalavrezos N, Scully C. (target: Dental practice professionals)

"This textbook covers the topic of oral cancer in a concise but detailed manner. The book certainly achieves its aim: to update the dental team, enhancing their knowledge on the many aspects of care and management that oral cancer encompasses". Click to read review....


Some of Nick's Work on Various Platforms



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London Head & Neck Ltd