China's Top Departments: Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital
Ranked #1 in plastic surgery for 9+ consecutive years, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital pioneered the world's first one-stage penis reconstruction and 'Chinese-style face reconstruction.' With 64,000+ annual procedures and 22+ subspecialties, here's what international patients should know.
If you need reconstructive surgery — whether it's repairing a facial deformity, restoring function after trauma, treating lymphedema, or pursuing aesthetic surgery — Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital's Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is the undisputed leader in China. Ranked #1 in plastic surgery for 9+ consecutive years (Fudan University Hospital Ranking) and #1 in scientific competitiveness for 4+ consecutive years (CAMS), this department is recognized as one of the birthplaces of plastic and reconstructive surgery in China.
Founded in 1961 by Prof. CHANG Ti-sheng (张涤生) — an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering widely regarded as the "Father of Modern Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in China" — the department has a legacy of world-first innovations:
- 1982: World's first one-stage forearm flap phalloplasty ("Chang's Phalloplasty")
- 2006: Pioneered autologous face preconstruction ("Chinese-style Face Reconstruction")
- 2020: World's first mixed reality + AI-guided free flap surgery
Today, with 240+ beds, 250,000–320,000 annual outpatient visits, and 64,000–72,000 surgeries/procedures per year across 7 major divisions and 22+ subspecialties, it is one of the most comprehensive and highest-volume plastic and reconstructive surgery centers in the world.
At ChinaMed Select, we help international patients connect with Ninth People's for complex reconstructive needs, congenital deformity correction, and aesthetic procedures. Here's what you need to know.
7 Major Divisions — Comprehensive Reconstructive Coverage
The department covers one of the broadest portfolios in plastic and reconstructive surgery anywhere:
- Reconstructive Microsurgery — Free flap transplantation, complex tissue defect repair
- Craniofacial Surgery — Congenital craniofacial deformity correction, severe facial trauma
- Lymphedema Surgery — China's only comprehensive lymphedema treatment center
- Hemangioma & Vascular Malformation — Comprehensive diagnosis and treatment
- Hand Surgery — Congenital hand deformities, brachial plexus injury
- Burn Reconstruction — Post-burn scar contracture, functional restoration
- Aesthetic Surgery — Facial rejuvenation, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, fat grafting
Plus 22+ subspecialties including organ reconstruction (nose, ear, breast, penis), facial paralysis repair, urogenital reconstruction, laser medicine, hair transplantation, and scar management.
Signature Innovations
"Chinese-style Face Reconstruction" — A Major Innovation from the East
Pioneered by Prof. LI Qingfeng's team, this technique uses the patient's own tissue combined with stem cells and 3D-printing technology to construct an entire face. Hailed by international peers as a "major innovation from the East," this is a game-changer for patients with severe facial deformity or disfigurement who need comprehensive facial reconstruction.
What this means for you: If you have a severe facial deformity — from congenital conditions, trauma, or tumor resection — this team can offer a level of facial reconstruction that was previously unimaginable. The use of your own tissue (not synthetic implants) means better long-term outcomes and lower rejection risk.
Chang's Phalloplasty — World's First
In 1982, the department performed the world's first one-stage forearm flap phalloplasty, published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (USA). This technique remains foundational for gender-affirming surgery and genital reconstruction worldwide.
Lymphedema Surgery — China's Only Comprehensive Center
If you suffer from lymphedema — whether primary (congenital) or secondary (post-cancer surgery, post-radiation) — Ninth People's is China's only center offering comprehensive lymphedema treatment, combining surgical techniques with rehabilitation.
Mixed Reality + AI Surgical Navigation — World's First
In 2020, the department performed the world's first mixed reality + AI-guided free flap harvesting surgery. This cutting-edge technology allows surgeons to visualize blood vessel anatomy in 3D during surgery, improving precision and reducing operative time.
Stem Cell-Enhanced Skin Expansion
A breakthrough in addressing the chronic shortage of skin tissue for reconstruction — using stem cells to enhance tissue expansion, making it possible to reconstruct larger areas with less donor site morbidity.
Meet the Experts
| Name | Role | What Matters for Your Care |
|---|---|---|
| Prof. LI Qingfeng | Vice President of Hospital, Chair of DPRS | Chang Jiang Scholar (MOE), National Distinguished Young Scientist, Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (FRCS). Pioneer of "Chinese-style Face Reconstruction." If you need complex facial reconstruction, this is the academic leader at the top. |
| Prof. CAO Yilin | Disciplinary Leader | Chief Scientist, National "973" Project. Leading the department's research direction. |
| Prof. WANG Wei | Lifetime Professor | Specialist in ophthalmic/nasal/breast plastic surgery and facial paralysis. |
| Prof. LIN Xiaoxi | Senior Specialist | Leading expert in hemangioma & vascular malformations, facial aesthetics. |
The department employs 50+ senior specialists, 116 clinicians, with 97 doctors including 30 chief physicians — one of the deepest teams in Chinese plastic surgery.
What International Patients Should Know
Language & Support
Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital is a major academic medical center with international patient services. English-language consultations can be arranged. For plastic and reconstructive surgery — where precise communication about aesthetic expectations, functional goals, and surgical options is critical — we strongly recommend working with a bilingual medical coordinator.
Appointment Process
- Appointments can be made via the hospital's official channels, WeChat, or through a medical coordinator
- For complex reconstructive cases (craniofacial, facial reconstruction, lymphedema), the typical timeline from consultation to surgery is 2–4 weeks
- Aesthetic surgery consultations can usually be scheduled within 1 week
- The department's massive volume means efficient scheduling
Cost Estimates
| Procedure | Estimated Cost (CNY) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation | ¥300–800 | $42–110 |
| Rhinoplasty (cosmetic) | ¥20,000–50,000 | $2,800–7,000 |
| Blepharoplasty | ¥10,000–30,000 | $1,400–4,200 |
| Facial reconstruction (complex) | ¥50,000–150,000 | $7,000–21,000 |
| Free flap surgery | ¥40,000–100,000 | $5,500–14,000 |
| Lymphedema surgery | ¥30,000–80,000 | $4,200–11,000 |
| Craniofacial surgery | ¥60,000–150,000 | $8,400–21,000 |
| Fat grafting | ¥15,000–40,000 | $2,100–5,600 |
These are estimates. Actual costs vary based on procedure complexity, materials used, and length of hospitalization.
Getting There
| Campus | Address |
|---|---|
| South Campus (Main) | 639 Zhizaoju Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai |
| North Campus | 280 Mohe Road, Baoshan District, Shanghai |
| Pudong Campus | 1908 Gaoke West Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai |
Most international patients are seen at the South Campus, which houses the main reconstructive surgery center.
How ChinaMed Select Can Help
Plastic and reconstructive surgery ranges from life-changing reconstruction to aesthetic enhancement. ChinaMed Select ensures you're connected with the right subspecialty:
- Expert Subspecialty Matching: The department has 7 major divisions and 22+ subspecialties. We match you with the one that handles your exact need — whether it's craniofacial reconstruction, lymphedema treatment, hand surgery, or aesthetic procedures
- Aesthetic Consultation Coordination: If you're considering cosmetic surgery, we help you prepare for the consultation with clear communication of your goals and expectations
- Medical Record Preparation: Reconstructive surgery consultations often require prior imaging, surgical records, and functional assessments. We help you organize and translate everything
- Appointment Coordination: We handle scheduling directly with the department
- Certified Medical Translation: Plastic and reconstructive surgery discussions involve detailed anatomical descriptions, aesthetic expectations, and surgical risk profiles. Our translators ensure you understand every detail
- End-to-End Journey Support: From airport pickup to hotel arrangement, interpreter presence, and post-operative follow-up coordination, we handle logistics so you can focus on recovery
Plan Your Visit
- Appointments: Hospital official channels, WeChat, or through ChinaMed Select
- South Campus (Main): 639 Zhizaoju Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
- North Campus: 280 Mohe Road, Baoshan District, Shanghai
- Pudong Campus: 1908 Gaoke West Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Ready to explore plastic and reconstructive surgery options at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital? Contact ChinaMed Select for a free, personalized consultation. We'll review your condition, connect you with the right subspecialty team, and coordinate your entire journey — from medical record translation to post-operative follow-up.