Professor Dr. Steffen Eisenhardt
Medical Director of the Department of Plastic Surgery
Professor Dr. Steffen Eisenhardt is a leading specialist in plastic and reconstructive surgery, with particular expertise in reconstructive microsurgery, plastic-reconstructive tumor surgery and complex tissue reconstruction. He combines extensive clinical experience with scientific research aimed at improving surgical outcomes, restoring function and preserving patients’ quality of life.
Since April 2021, he has served as Medical Director of the Department of Plastic Surgery at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg.
Professor Eisenhardt studied medicine at the University of Freiburg and undertook clinical training in South Africa, Australia, Canada and Switzerland. After graduating in 2005, he conducted postdoctoral research at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute in Melbourne, Australia, focusing on inflammatory processes and tissue injury.
He subsequently continued his clinical and academic career at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg. He completed his habilitation in 2013 and qualified as a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery in 2014.
Professor Eisenhardt specializes in plastic-reconstructive tumor surgery and holds certification in this field from the German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (DGPRÄC). His expertise includes reconstruction following surgery for soft tissue sarcomas and skin tumors. A key objective is to achieve effective tumor treatment while preserving affected limbs, restoring function and maintaining patients’ quality of life whenever possible.
Under Professor Eisenhardt’s leadership, the department works closely with oncology, trauma surgery, orthopedics and the Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg (CCCF) to provide coordinated, individualized surgical care for patients with complex tumors and extensive tissue defects.
Areas of Expertise
- Plastic and reconstructive surgery
- Reconstructive microsurgery and free tissue transfer
- Plastic-reconstructive tumor surgery (DGPRÄC-certified)
- Soft tissue sarcoma surgery and reconstruction
- Reconstruction following skin tumor removal
- Limb-preserving reconstructive surgery
- Hand surgery and microsurgical reconstruction
- Peripheral nerve reconstruction
- Facial paralysis and reconstructive facial surgery
- Reconstruction following severe injuries and extensive tissue loss
- Advanced and robot-assisted microsurgical techniques
Research & Innovation
Professor Eisenhardt’s scientific work focuses on improving the safety and effectiveness of reconstructive microsurgery. At the University Medical Center Freiburg, he leads Eisenhardt Lab, a research group investigating inflammation and reperfusion injury, particularly the tissue damage that can occur when blood flow is restored following complex surgical procedures. His team studies the role of the innate immune system, including the complement system and C-reactive protein, in tissue damage and recovery. The aim is to develop new therapeutic strategies that may reduce complications and improve surgical outcomes.
Another important research focus is transplantation. Professor Eisenhardt and his team investigate approaches to reducing graft rejection and complications associated with immunosuppressive treatment. These findings may contribute to advances in complex reconstructive transplantation, including hand and face transplantation.
His research also includes the development of diagnostic biomarkers for soft tissue sarcomas. The team investigates blood-based diagnostic methods, including liquid biopsy techniques, that may enable earlier detection of tumor recurrence and more individualized patient monitoring in the future.
By combining experimental research with clinical expertise, Professor Eisenhardt aims to translate scientific advances into safer surgical procedures, more precise diagnostic methods and personalized treatment strategies. His work contributes to the continued development of reconstructive microsurgery and interdisciplinary cancer care.