PD Dr. Holger Klein
I am a Swiss-certified specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic surgery with international training and many years of clinical experience.
I have specialized in procedures on the face and neck, the eyes and the breasts.
My work is not focused on achieving the greatest possible change, but on making precise medical decisions:
What makes sense – and what does not.
2011
Medical degree
Heidelberg University, Germany
2012 -
2018
Specialist training in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (FMH, EBOPRAS)
University Hospital Zurich (USZ) CH
2013
Doctorate in Medicine (Dr.med.)
Heidelberg University, Germany
2017
Fellowship Facial Aesthetics and Body Contouring
Trinity Hospital Wesseling Cologne DE
2018 -
2021
Senior Physician, Clinic for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
University Hospital Zurich (USZ) CH
2018
Fellowship in Reconstructive Microsurgery
University Hospital Uppsala SE
2019
Fellowship in Reconstructive Microsurgery of the Head and Neck
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston USA
since
2021
Senior Physician and Deputy Head of Department for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
Cantonal Hospital Aarau CH
2021
Habilitation (Privatdozent, PD)
University of Zurich CH
2024
Fellowship in aesthetic surgery
Victoriakliniken Stockholm SE
2025
Fellowship Face- and Breast Surgery
Istanbul TK
2025
Founding of the Praxis Villa Seefeld
Zurich, CH
Medical approach
For me, plastic surgery does not begin in the operating theatre, but with the correct diagnosis. The key lies in analysing the tissue structure, individual ageing processes and the actual cause of a change. Not every visible change requires surgery – and not every surgical procedure leads to a better result. The aim is to restore natural proportions, contours and functions.
This approach leads to a deliberately cautious recommendation – and to precise execution when a procedure is appropriate.
Publications & Research Activities
Alongside my clinical work, I am constantly involved in clinical research projects. My work includes scientific publications, professional exchange and a critical examination of existing treatment approaches.
The aim is not merely to apply surgical methods, but to gain a precise understanding of their effects and indications, and to further develop them.
Functional assessment of local versus systemic adipose-derived stromal cell therapy in rodent peripheral nerve regeneration. (2026)
Targosinski S, Wieser N, Klein HJ, Kamat P, Barth AA, Rushing EJ, Kim BS, Plock JA, Schweizer R. - Front Neurol.
Artificial Intelligence Analysis of Symmetry and Emotions in Facial Palsy Patients After Botulinum Toxin A Injections. (2025)
Müller SLC, Zeier C, Pfister P, Menzi N, Tafrishi B, Schaefer DJ, Plock JA, Ismail T, Klein HJ.
- Toxins (Basel)
Donor adipose-derived stromal cells are vasoprotectant but unable to revert acute rejection in rodent vascularized composite allotransplants. (2025)
Schweizer R, Kamat P, Klein HJ, Kollar B, Waldner M, Stölzl K, Lehner F, Salemi S, Bode P, Eberli D, Taddeo A, Plock JA. - Front Immunol.
Artificial Intelligence in Facial Palsy Treatment:
A Systematic Review and Recommendations. (2025)
Müller SLC, Pfister P, Menzi N, Muller L, Klein HJ, Schweizer R, Lee ZH, Kollar B, Eisenhardt SU, Schaefer DJ, Ismail T. - Plast Reconstr Surg.
Beyond the Tingling Sensation: Unveiling the Neurobiological Origin of the Hoffmann-Tinel Sign. (2024)
Tereshenko V, Aszmann OC, Eberlin KR, Schweizer R, Austen WG Jr, Dellon AL, Klein HJ -Plast Reconstr Surg.
Versatility of the Anterolateral Thigh Flap for Abdominal Wall Reconstruction.
Pedrazzi NE, Schweizer R, Klein HJ, Steiner S, Vonlanthen R, Hermanns T, Schneiter D, Giovanoli P, Plock JA
Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2025
Selenoprotein P as a prognostic biomarker of burn sepsis: A prospective cohort study.
Turan TL, Klein HJ, Rijntjes E, Graf TR, Demircan K, Plock JA, Schomburg L.
Burns. 2025
New-onset autoantibodies to selenoprotein P following severe burn injury.
Turan TL, Klein HJ, Graf TR, Chillon TS, Plock JA, Schomburg L
Front Immunol. 2024
Serum Selenium-Binding Protein 1 (SELENBP1) in Burn Injury: A Potential Biomarker of Disease Severity and Clinical Course.
Turan TL, Klein HJ, Hackler J, Hoerner L, Rijntjes E, Graf TR, Plock JA, Schomburg L
Antioxidants (Basel). 2023
Methacrylated Gelatin as a Scaffold for Mechanically Isolated Stromal Vascular Fraction for Cutaneous Wound Repair.
Vasella M, Arnke K, Dranseikiene D, Guzzi E, Melega F, Reid G, Klein HJ, Schweizer R, Tibbitt MW, Kim BS
Int J Mol Sci. 2023
Beyond the Tingling Sensation: Unveiling the Neurobiological Origin of the Hoffmann-Tinel Sign.
Tereshenko V, Aszmann OC, Eberlin KR, Schweizer R, Austen WG Jr, Dellon AL, Klein HJ.
Plast Reconstr Surg. 2024
The Angiopoietin-2/Angiopoietin-1 ratio increases early in burn patients and predicts mortality.
Heuberger D, Wendel-Garcia PD, Sazpinar O, Müller M, Klein H, Kim BS, Andermatt R, Erlebach R, Schuepbach RA, Buehler PK, David S, Hofmaenner DA
Cytokine. 2023
Complications arising from aesthetic surgery procedures in foreign countries and Switzerland.
Hummel CE, Klein HJ, Giovanoli P, Lindenblatt N.Swiss Med Wkly. 2023 Apr 17;153:40077. doi: 10.57187/smw.2023.40077
PMID: 37186084
Newly identified axon types of the facial nerve unveil supplemental neural pathways in the innervation of the face.
Tereshenko V, Maierhofer U, Dotzauer DC, Laengle G, Schmoll M, Festin C, Luft M, Carrero Rojas G, Politikou O, Hruby LA, Klein HJ, Eisenhardt SU, Farina D, Blumer R, Bergmeister KD, Aszmann OC
J Adv Res. 2023
Temporal and Zygomatic Branches of the Facial Nerve Contain Nonmyelinated Axons.
Tereshenko V, Blumer R, Klein HJ, Schweizer R, Aszmann OC, Bergmeister KD.
Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med. 2023
Predictors for limb amputation and reconstructive management in electrical injuries.
Pedrazzi N, Klein H, Gentzsch T, Kim BS, Waldner M, Giovanoli P, Plock J, Schweizer R
Burns. 2023
The Multiple Rib Osteomyocutaneous Split Latissimus Dorsi Flap for Calvarial Reconstruction: Indication, Operative Technique, and Review of Literature.
Klein HJ, Giovanoli P, Schweizer R.J Craniofac Surg. 2022
A swim test for functional assessment of rodent peripheral nerve regeneration.
Targosinski S, Henzi A, Engmann AK, Rushing EJ, Barth AA, Klein HJ, Kim BS, Giovanoli P, Schwab ME, Plock JA, Schweizer R.J
Neurosci Methods. 2022
Burn Scar Ectropion Correction: Surgical Technique for Functional Outcomes.
Zucal I, Waldner M, Shojaati G, Schweizer R, Klein HJ, Giovanoli P, Plock JA.Ann Plast Surg. 2022
Outcome Comparison of Different Reconstructive Approaches for Axillary Defects Secondary to Radical Excision of Hidradenitis Suppurativa.
Tereshenko V, Schweizer R, Waldner M, Kim BS, Giovanoli P, Klein HJ.
Dermatology. 2022
Evolution of a concept with enzymatic debridement and autologous in situ cell and platelet-rich fibrin therapy (BroKerF).
Waldner M, Ismail T, Lunger A, Klein HJ, Schweizer R, Alan O, Breckwoldt T, Giovanoli P, Plock JA.
Scars Burn Heal. 2022
Sternectomy for Candida albicans sternal osteomyelitis after left ventricular assist device implantation.
Van Hemelrijck M, Frank M, Zinkernagel AS, Buechel R, Sromicki J, Wilhelm MJ, Klein H, Hasse B, Mestres CA
Indian J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2021
Incidence and Time Point of Sepsis Detection as Related to Different Sepsis Definitions in Severely Burned Patients and Their Accompanying Time Course of Pro-Inflammatory Biomarkers.
Niggemann P, Rittirsch D, Buehler PK, Schweizer R, Giovanoli P, Reding T, Graf R, Plock JA, Klein HJ.
J Pers Med. 2021
Accuracy of pancreatic stone protein for the diagnosis of infection in hospitalized adults: a systematic review and individual patient level meta-analysis.
Prazak J, Irincheeva I, Llewelyn MJ, Stolz D, García de Guadiana Romualdo L, Graf R, Reding T, Klein HJ, Eggimann P, Que YA.
Crit Care. 2021
Selective Denervation of the Facial Dermato-Muscular Complex in the Rat: Experimental Model and Anatomical Basis.
Tereshenko V, Dotzauer DC, Maierhofer U, Festin C, Luft M, Laengle G, Politikou O, Klein HJ, Blumer R, Aszmann OC, Bergmeister KD
Front Neuroanat. 2021
Risk Factors for Mortality and Prolonged Hospitalization in Electric Burn Injuries.
Schweizer R, Pedrazzi N, Klein HJ, Gentzsch T, Kim BS, Giovanoli P, Plock JA.
J Burn Care Res. 2020
Safety of enzymatic debridement in extensive burns larger than 15% total body surface area.
Hofmaenner DA, Steiger P, Schuepbach RA, Klinzing S, Waldner M, Klein HJ, Enthofer K, Giovanoli P, Mannil L, Buehler PK, Plock JA.
Burns. 2020
[Economic factors in microsurgery - Report of the consensus workshop of the German-Speaking Society for Microsurgery of Peripheral Nerves and Vessels - (DAM)].
Braig D, Behr B, Cerny MK, Harder Y, Schaefer DJ, Giunta R, Radtke C, Bergmeister KD, Klein HJ, Taeger CD, Bader RD, Eisenhardt SU.
Handchir Mikrochir Plast Chir. 2020
Response of routine inflammatory biomarkers and novel Pancreatic Stone Protein to inhalation injury and its interference with sepsis detection in severely burned patients.
Klein HJ, Rittirsch D, Buehler PK, Schweizer R, Giovanoli P, Cinelli P, Plock JA, Reding T, Graf R.
Burns. 2020
Expression of Pancreatic Stone Protein is Unaffected by Trauma and Subsequent Surgery in Burn Patients.
Klein HJ, Buehler PK, Niggemann P, Rittirsch D, Schweizer R, Waldner M, Giovanoli P, Cinelli P, Reding T, Graf R, Plock JA.
World J Surg. 2020
Pancreatic Stone Protein Predicts Sepsis in Severely Burned Patients Irrespective of Trauma Severity: A Monocentric Observational Study.
Klein HJ, Niggemann P, Buehler PK, Lehner F, Schweizer R, Rittirsch D, Fuchs N, Waldner M, Steiger P, Giovanoli P, Reding T, Graf R, Plock JA.
Ann Surg. 2020
Adipose-derived stromal cell therapy combined with a short course nonmyeloablative conditioning promotes long-term graft tolerance in vascularized composite allotransplantation.
Schweizer R, Taddeo A, Waldner M, Klein HJ, Fuchs N, Kamat P, Targosinski S, Barth AA, Drach MC, Gorantla VS, Cinelli P, Plock JA.
Am J Transplant. 2020
Contemporary Concepts of Primary Dynamic Facial Nerve Reconstruction in the Oncologic Patient.
Klein HJ, Guedes T, Tzou CJ, Rodriguez-Lorenzo A.
J Craniofac Surg. 2019
The Significance of Vascular Alterations in Acute and Chronic Rejection for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation.
Kollar B, Kamat P, Klein HJ, Waldner M, Schweizer R, Plock JA.
J Vasc Res. 2019
Patients with abdominal-based free flap breast reconstruction a decade after surgery: A comprehensive long-term follow-up study.
Liu T, Freijs C, Klein HJ, Feinbaum A, Svee A, Lorenzo AR, Liss A, Acosta R, Mani M.
J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2018
Screening of HLA sensitization during acute burn care.
Klein HJ, Lehner F, Schweizer R, Rüsi-Elsener B, Nilsson J, Plock JA.
Burns. 2018
The International Fellowship Program in Microsurgery at Uppsala University Hospital: A Paragon Throughout Europe.
Klein HJ.
Ann Plast Surg. 2018
Occurrence of Occult Malignancies in Reduction Mammoplasties.
Waldner M, Klein HJ, Künzi W, Guggenheim M, Plock JA, Giovanoli P.
Front Surg. 2018
Sonographic study of repair, gapping and tendon bowstringing after primary flexor digitorum profundus repair in zone 2.
Reissner L, Zechmann-Mueller N, Klein HJ, Calcagni M, Giesen T.
J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2018
Complications After Cosmetic Surgery Tourism
Klein HJ, Simic D, Fuchs N, Schweizer R, Mehra T, Giovanoli P, Plock JA
Aesthet Surg J. 2017
Thumb carpometacarpal joint denervation for primary osteoarthritis: A prospective study of 31 thumbs.
Giesen T, Klein HJ, Franchi A, Medina JA, Elliot D.
Hand Surg Rehabil. 2017
Complications After Cosmetic Surgery Tourism
Klein HJ, Simic D, Fuchs N, Schweizer R, Mehra T, Giovanoli P, Plock JA.
Aesthet Surg J. 2017
Evaluation of factors in seroma formation and complications in sentinel and radical lymph node dissections in skin cancer patients
Greuter L, Klein HJ, Rezaeian F, Giovanoli P, Lindenblatt N.
Eur J Plast Surg, 2016
Midterm Results of Semiconstrained Distal Radioulnar Joint Arthroplasty and Analysis of Complications.
Reissner L, Böttger K, Klein HJ, Calcagni M, Giesen T.
J Wrist Surg. 2016
Evaluation of cutaneous spatial resolution and pressure threshold secondary to digital nerve repair.
Klein HJ, Fakin RM, Ducommun P, Giesen T, Giovanoli P, Calcagni M
Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016
Extending the Limits of Reconstructive Microsurgery in Elderly Patients
Klein HJ, Fuchs N, Mehra T, Schweizer R, Giesen T, Calcagni M, Huber G, Giovanoli P, Plock JA.
J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2016
Diagnosis and perioperative management of ruptured AAA mimicking symptomatic groin hernia.
Klein HJ, Becker D, Rancic Z.
Int J Surg Case Rep. 2016
Sensitization and desensitization of burn patients as potential candidates for vascularized composite allotransplantation.
Klein HJ, Schanz U, Hivelin M, Waldner M, Koljonen V, Guggenheim M, Giovanoli P, Gorantla VS, Fehr T, Plock JA.
Burns. 2015
Long-term clinical outcome after epineural coaptation of digital nerves.
Fakin RM, Calcagni M, Klein HJ, Giovanoli P.
J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2015
Pancreatic stone protein predicts postoperative infection in cardiac surgery patients irrespective of cardiopulmonary bypass or surgical technique.
Klein HJ, Csordas A, Falk V, Slankamenac K, Rudiger A, Schönrath F, Rodriguez Cetina Biefer H, Starck CT, Graf R.
PLoS One. 2015
Primary functional and aesthetic restoration of the fingernail in distal fingertip amputations with the eponychial flap.
Fakin RM, Biraima A, Klein H, Giovanoli P, Calcagni M.
J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2014
Impact of a femoral snare approach as a bailout procedure on success rates in lead extractions.
Starck CT, Caliskan E, Klein H, Steffel J, Falk V.
Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 2014
Results of transvenous lead extraction of coronary sinus leads in patients with cardiac 4,703 resynchronization therapy.
Starck CT, Caliskan E, Klein H, Steffel J, Schoenrath F, Falk V.
Chin Med J (Engl). 2013
The use of Endurant stent-graft for abdominal aortic aneurysm: the story about extension of instruction for use with persistent good results of stent-graft latest generation.
Rancic Z, Pecoraro F, Pfammatter T, Banzic I, Klein H, Kyriakidis K, Mayer D, Lachat M.
J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino). 2012
BOOK CHAPTERS
Klein HJ, Lorenzo A (2020) Hypopharynx reconstruction with skin and adipofacial free flaps. In: Clinical Scenarios in Reconstructive Microsurgery, Vol. I, Gravvanis A., Kakagia D.D., Ramakrishnan V. (eds.), Springer Nature.
Lorenzo A, Klein HJ (2020) Total lower lip reconstruction with free flaps and tendon graft. In: Clinical Scenarios in Reconstructive Microsurgery, Vol. I, Gravvanis A., Kakagia D.D., Ramakrishnan V. (eds.), Springer Nature.
Klein HJ, Rodriguez A, Tzou CJ (2020) Dynamic eye closure. In: Facial Palsy, Vol. I. Tzou C.J., Rodriguez-Lorenzo A. (eds.), Springer Nature.
Klein HJ, Guggenheim M (2020) Komplikationsmanagement: Mikrobiologie, systemische und lokale antimikrobielle Therapie. In: Photographischer Operationsatlas Hauttransplantationen, Ottomann C., Hartmann B. (Hrsg), Springer-Verlag, Berlin.
