Dr. Kongkrit Chaiyasate

01/13/2026

After 15 rewarding years dedicated to building and advancing patient-centered surgical programs at Beaumont Health (now Corewell Health), I’m excited to share the next chapter of my professional journey.

I am launching a private practice designed to expand access to highly specialized care—offering both reconstructive and aesthetic surgical services. This transition will allow me to serve more individuals with the same unwavering commitment to clinical excellence, safety, and compassionate, personalized outcomes. In parallel, I am also exploring opportunities to be part of a regional cancer center program to further broaden access points for patients and strengthen coordinated, multidisciplinary care.

Important: After the first week of April, I will continue to perform surgery selectively at Corewell Health, while also expanding my surgical presence across additional outstanding hospitals throughout Southeast Michigan.

My clinical focus will continue to include:
• Pediatric cleft lip/palate and craniofacial care (including craniofacial differences)
• Craniofacial reconstruction and microsurgery
• DIEP flap breast reconstruction
• Limb salvage reconstruction
• Lymphedema surgery
• Advanced aesthetic surgery

I’m also proud to share that I have initiated the Michigan Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Fund (formation underway; pursuing 501(c)(3) status) to help ensure continued care for cleft lip/cleft palate and craniofacial patients in a private practice setting. The fund will support the essential multidisciplinary services that comprehensive care requires, including dedicated time for our speech-language pathologist, dietitian, occupational therapist, psychology/behavioral health support, and orthodontist. This will take a few months to fully establish—stay tuned.

Practice location and direct contact details will be announced soon.

Finally, I remain deeply committed to resident and fellow education—mentoring and training the next generation of surgeons continues to be one of the most meaningful parts of my work, and I look forward to staying actively involved in residency and fellowship training.

This announcement is for informational and professional networking purposes only and is not intended as a solicitation of patients or medical advice.

12/26/2025

Exciting news! Dr. Jesse Selber has joined Corewell East Health system and OUWB university hospital as a surgical servicing director. He’s a pioneer in robotic assisted reconstructive surgery and recently performed the first RoBo DIEP flap breast reconstruction in Michigan. Revolutionary advancements in healthcare are happening every day! . We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Suite 100 robotic team, Cheryl Hammond, , Colleen Lopez , our microsurgical team for their invaluable contributions to the success of the first Robotic assisted DIEP (RoBo DIEp) flap breast reconstruction. We received permission from this patient to post pictures and share their stories in an effort to promote public awareness of the medical condition and treatment options.

12/26/2025

From Tumor to Triumph: How One Surgeon Saved Chidi Tagbo’s Life In 2018, Chidi Tagbo faced a life-threatening tumor pressing against his skull—one that could have caused blindness, brain damage, or even death. After being turned away by doctors in Nigeria, Germany, India, Dubai, and Spain due to the complexity and risk of the surgery, hope seemed lost.

But one email changed everything. Dr. Kongkrit Chaiyasate, a world-renowned plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Corewell Health in Michigan, said “yes.”

This is the incredible story of Chidi’s 5,500-mile journey to Michigan, the surgery that saved his life, and his powerful comeback.

Now, years later, Chidi has graduated from medical school at the University of Nigeria at Ituku Ozalla—driven by his dream to become a surgeon, inspired by the man who gave him a second chance.

Watch this emotional story of resilience, healing, and the life-changing impact of saying “yes.”

12/26/2025

🚀 Exciting news from Department of Plastic surgery, Corewell Health University Hospital! We’ve become a hub for innovation in reconstructive surgery, thanks to the incredible expertise of Jesse Selber, who joined us last year. Together, we’re elevating our program to new heights, performing RoboDIEP procedures every Thursday. The future of our program is brighter than ever!

12/13/2025

Grateful for moments like these.
Holiday season dinner with an incredible team—faculty, fellows, residents, PAs, nurses, and our amazing office coordinators.

Medicine is a team sport, and none of what we do is possible without the dedication, trust, and hard work of every single person at the table. Thank you for another year of commitment to our patients and to each other.

Wishing everyone a joyful holiday season and a healthy year ahead.

10/23/2025

Farewell Bangkok 🇹🇭

What a meaningful visit back to Thammasat University Hospital — where I had the chance to share my experience in building and growing a reconstructive surgery program over the past 15 years.

Congratulations to Dr. GibbWananya Gib Phochaifor organizing such a great academic event, and to the Thammasat reconstructive surgery team for building a strong and inspiring program that continues to grow.

It was also a special moment reconnecting with our 7th microsurgery fellow Suphalerk Lohasammakul, who completed his fellowship in July 2024 after performing over 180 free flaps in one year. I’m so proud to see how far he has come — his skill, dedication, and humility are exactly what define a true reconstructive microsurgeon.

Bangkok never fails to remind me why teaching and mentoring the next generation is the most rewarding part of what we do.

10/19/2025

08/04/2025

Corewell Health Children’s. Dr. Kongkrit Chaiyasate, Plastic Surgeon, was drawn to the profession because of its ability to restore form and function. “Craniofacial surgery allows me to make a lifelong impact on children and their families. That’s my passion,” Dr. Chaiyasate said.

“Seeing a child smile confidently for the first time after surgery never gets old,” he said when asked about the best part about what he does. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of their journey.”

According to Dr. Chaiyasate, people often think plastic surgery is purely cosmetic, but the reconstructive side changes lives in profound ways. “It can dramatically improve essential functions, such as eating, breathing, speaking and facial expression,” he explained.

“Beyond physical restoration, reconstructive surgery profoundly impacts emotional well-being and self-esteem, enabling patients to engage more confidently in social interactions and daily life. This holistic improvement significantly enhances quality of life, empowering patients and their families to move forward with optimism and renewed purpose.”

He’s proud to be part of a collaborative, craniofacial team that prioritizes innovation, education and compassionate care.

When Dr. Chaiyasate isn’t at work he enjoys spending time with his family and traveling. “I also enjoy tending to my koi pond. It’s a surprisingly relaxing hobby,” he added.

08/02/2025

Welcome to the Team!

We’re excited to welcome our new Microvascular Surgery Fellows, Dr. Leveille and Dr. McKinnon, to the Corewell family!

Grateful for an incredible start to the year with some meaningful team-building—residents, fellows, nurses, PAs, and office management all came together. This program thrives because of each and every one of you.

We couldn’t do this without our amazing team. Let’s make this year one of growth, learning, and excellence in patient care!

07/04/2025

American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM) Virtual Webinar
Reconstructive Challenges: Head & Neck
📅 Saturday, August 16, 2025
🕥 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM (EST)
💻 Virtual Event | Complimentary Registration
Join us for an engaging, case-based webinar exploring complex reconstructive challenges of the
head and neck. This interactive session will feature concise 5-minute case presentations followed
by dynamic panel discussions with internationally recognized experts.
🔹 Submit your challenging or unsolved cases for a chance to receive direct feedback and
insight from leaders with extensive experience in head and neck reconstruction.
🔹 Featured faculty include distinguished experts with deep expertise and a track record of
excellence in microsurgical reconstruction.
📥 Register here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PDNWQZ8
📤 Submit your case here:
https://www.dropbox.com/request/AC6lFTlRnNokbwlhgdqK
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from and engage with an esteemed international
faculty.
Mark your calendar and submit your case today.

07/03/2025

We are proud to recognize and bid farewell to Dr. Syena Motaji, who has successfully completed her microvascular reconstructive surgery fellowship with us. Over the past 12 months, Dr. Motaji performed more than 300 free flap procedures, demonstrating exceptional surgical skill, clinical judgment, and dedication to patient care.

She now begins the next chapter of her career as an academic surgeon at the University of Toronto. We are confident she will continue to make meaningful contributions to the field of reconstructive microsurgery.

Thank you, Dr. Motaji, for your commitment, leadership, and the example you set. We wish you continued success in all your future endeavors.

06/21/2025

After a long, busy week, spent the afternoon picking strawberries along beautiful Torch Lake. A quiet moment before gearing up for a much busier one—7 free flaps coming up!