Kofi O. Boahene, MD
Craniofacial Plastic Surgery
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Facial Plastic Surgery
Otolaryngology
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Kofi O. Boahene
Primary Academic Title
Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Background
Dr. Kofi Derek Owusu Boahene is a professor of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery and dermatology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He is the Director of the Division of Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery and the director for the facial plastics fellowship training program. His practice encompasses the entire spectrum of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery including cosmetic and reconstructive aspects.
Dr. Boahene is a leading expert in facial paralysis surgery and facial nerve injuries and has pioneered innovative treatment protocols and surgical techniques in facial reanimation. He is the director of the Johns Hopkins Facial Nerve center dedicated to restoring facial balance, symmetry and animation to those who have suffered from facial paralysis and facial nerve disorders.
As an expert microsurgeon, Dr. Boahene routinely performs some of the most complex facial reconstruction procedures on the face including rebuilding of an entire nose, lip, jaw and facial defects resulting from cancer treatment, traumatic injuries or as a result of birth defects. He uses cutting edge 3-D technology, image-guided technology and tissue transplanted from other parts of the body to restore or replace missing tissues. He is a key member of the Johns Hopkins facial transplant program.
His cosmetic experience is broad and draws from patients across the globe. He routinely performs rhinoplasties, eyelid surgery, face lifts and other facial enhancing procedures.
As a skull base surgeon, Dr. Boahene has pioneered minimally invasive techniques for removal of skull base and brain tumors, repairing CSF leaks and has authored a major textbook on this subject.
Dr. Boahene received his undergraduate degree from the University of Central Arkansas. He graduated summa cum laude from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, completed a five-year surgical residency training program in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and received fellowship training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Minnesota. As the recipient of the prestigious Mayo Brothers Distinguished Fellowship Award, Dr. Boahene was awarded additional craniofacial surgery training in Adelaide, Australia. He also received the Jack R. Anderson Prize for Scholastic Excellence for attaining the highest score nationally on the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery certification exam.
Dr. Boahene serves as on the Board of Governors or the American Academy Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. In 1993, Dr. Kofi Boahene received the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honors Award. In 1998 and 1999, the American Academy of Cancer Researchers (AACR) selected him as an ethnic scholar in cancer research. At Mayo, he received a Best Teacher Recognition Award and the Distinguished Mayo Brothers Fellowship Award.
Dr. Boahene is passionate about global surgical care and leads the Foundation for Special Surgery, a non-profit organization, providing highly specialized surgical care in several under-resourced countries. His self-authored autobiography, However Far the Stream Flow: The Making of the Man Who Rebuilds Faces, was published in 2016.
Centers and Institutes
- Comprehensive Brain Tumor Center
- Facial Nerve Schwannoma Center
- Facial Paralysis Restoration Center
- Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Center for
- Global Health Faculty, Center for
Videos
Recent News Articles and Media Coverage
Additional Academic Titles
Professor of Art as Applied to Medicine, Professor of Dermatology
Contact for Research Inquiries
Phone: (410) 502-2145
Research Interests
global surgical care and training., Outcomes in facial paralysis, facial nerve injury and facial reanimation, surgical innovation in facial reanimation, surgical innovation in minimally invasive skull base surgery
Research Summary
Dr. Boahene research areas include facial paralysis and minimally invasive skull base surgery. He studies the outcomes in ethnic facial cosmetic surgery, tissue engineering and wound healing, and outcomes in facial paralysis restoration.
The Multivector Gracilis Free Functional Muscle Flap for Facial Reanimation. Boahene KO, Owusu J, Ishii L, Ishii M, Desai S, Kim I, Kim L, Byrne P.JAMA Facial Plast Surg. 2018 Jul 1;20(4):300-306. doi: 10.1001/jamafacial.2018.0048.PMID: 29566121
Principles and biomechanics of muscle tendon unit transfer: application in temporalis muscle tendon transposition for smile improvement in facial paralysis. Boahene KD.Laryngoscope. 2013 Feb;123(2):350-5. doi: 10.1002/lary.23644. Epub 2012 Dec 3.PMID: 23208742 Review.
Early Nerve Grafting for Facial Paralysis After Cerebellopontine Angle Tumor Resection With Preserved Facial Nerve Continuity. Albathi M, Oyer S, Ishii LE, Byrne P, Ishii M, Boahene KO.JAMA Facial Plast Surg. 2016 Jan-Feb;18(1):54-60. doi: 10.1001/jamafacial.2015.1558
The transconjunctival transorbital approach: a keyhole approach to the midline anterior skull base. Raza SM, Quinones-Hinojosa A, Lim M, Boahene KD.World Neurosurg. 2013 Dec;80(6):864-71. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2012.06.027. Epub 2012 Jun 19.
Google Scholar
http://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&q=derek+kofi+boahene&btnG=&as_sdt=1%2C21&as_sdtp=
Selected Publications
1. Dey JK, Ishii LE, Byrne PJ, Boahene KD, Ishii M. “Seeing is Believing: Objectively Evaluating the Impact of Facial Reanimation Surgery on Social Perception.” Laryngoscope. 2014 Jun 26. doi: 10.1002/lary.24801
2. Lee LN, Smith DF, Boahene KD, Byrne PJ. “Intraoperative Laser-assisted Indocyanine Green Imaging for Objective Measurement of the Vascular Delay Technique in Locoregional Head and Neck Flaps.” JAMA Facial Plast Surg. 2014 Sep 1;16(5):343-7. doi: 10.1001/jamafacial.2014.106.
3. Gooi Z, Gourin CG, Boahene KD, Byrne PJ, Richmon JD. “Temporal Trends in Head and Neck Cancer Surgery Reconstruction.” Head Neck. 2014 May 31. doi: 10.1002/hed.23786.
4. Dey JK, Ishii M, Boahene KD, Byrne PJ, Ishii LE. “Facial reanimation surgery restores affect display.” Otol Neurotol. 2014 Jan;35(1):182-7. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0b013e3182a1ea8a.
5. Boahene K. “Reanimating the Paralyzed Face.” F1000Prime Rep. 2013 Nov 1;5:49. doi: 10.12703/P5-49. eCollection 2013. Review.
Anthony E Brissett, Lisa E Ishii, Kofi DO Boahene, Ethnically Sensitive Rhinoplasty, (April 2020)
Honors
- Baltimore Magazine Top Doctor 2015 (Facial Plastic Surgery)
- America's Best Plastic Surgeons 2021: Rhinoplasty, Facelift, Newsweek, 6/16/21
- The George Nager Best Teacher Award, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins, 1/1/13
- The Distinguished Mayo Brother's Fellowship Award, 1/1/11
- Jack R. Anderson Prize for Scholastic Excellence in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 1/1/05
- Medical Honors Award, Alpha Omega Alpha, 1/1/02
- Selected as an ethnic scholar in cancer research, American Academy of Cancer Researchers (AACR), 1/1/02
Lectures & Presentations
- Ethnic Sensitive Facial Rejuvenation & Rhinoplasty, http://webcast.jhu.edu/Mediasite/Play/cc4b65bd6cfe4fd1a77966b3218a1ed31d
- Facial Reanimation, http://webcast.jhu.edu/Mediasite/Play/5c8511f11d884e5b9ca4d0aefe5846431d
Memberships
- Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honors Society
- American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
- American College of Surgeons
Professional Activities
American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Board Examiner
Locations
- Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center
- 601 North Caroline Street, Floor 6, Baltimore, MD 21287
- phone: 443-997-6467
- Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
- 10803 Falls Road, Pavilion III STE 2500, Lutherville, MD 21093
- phone: 443-997-6467
- fax: 410-367-2297
Expertise
Education
University of Minnesota Hospital & Clinics
Fellowship, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2005Mayo Clinic
Residency, Otolaryngology, 2004Meharry Medical College School of Medicine
Medical Education, MD, 1999Board Certifications
Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2007Otolaryngology
American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 2005Insurance
- Aetna
- CareFirst
- Cigna
- First Health
- Geisinger Health Plan
- HealthSmart/Accel
- Humana
- Johns Hopkins Health Plans
- MultiPlan
- Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
- Point Comfort Underwriters
- Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
- UnitedHealthcare
- Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)
Ratings & Reviews
4.9 out of 5
166 ratings, 70 reviewsThe Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/20/2025
Dr Boahene was very knowledgeable and professional. I feel confident that he'll resolve my issue.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/19/2025
I sought treatment fronm Dr. Boahene based upon his expertise and reputation. I traveled from my home in Caifornia for treatment with Dr. Boahene, including two surgeries.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/12/2025
Always excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/7/2025
Dr. Kofi Boahene is wonderful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/5/2025
Dr Boahene is very professional and a fabulous Doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/30/2025
Very nice and personable
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/29/2025
Awesome
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/29/2025
Dr. Boahene is the epitome of a professional, compassionate surgeon.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/29/2025
Dr Boahene is the best, listens and explains things very well. He completed a referral for me for a treatment he thought might help me while we were discussing it. I would not want to see any other plastic surgeon.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/29/2025
Patient, knowledgeable, polite, respectful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/16/2025
The provider is very knowledgeable about Bell's Palsy and explained the circumstances very clearly and made it easy to understand. He helped make sense of what has been occurring with my Bell's palsy. The medical resident was also very kind and helpful as well during my visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/15/2025
A+ Excellent!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/19/2024
Listened well. Had options for me. Very comfortable with him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/18/2024
Very knowledgeable, kind and patient.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/18/2024
Excellent
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/11/2024
Lots of information, I should have recordedHigh confidence in both doctors who were attentive, compassionate
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/11/2024
The best surgen in the world
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/4/2024
Fine
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/21/2024
He was honest and we came to a solution we both agreed upon.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/21/2024
He listened and seemed very intent on getting to the root cause of the problem
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/14/2024
He's great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/13/2024
He is wonderful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/6/2024
Dr Boahene is an excellent provider whom I have been with for over five years. He is consistent and reliable in follow up and amongst the best in information flow and procedures. He is able to to take on a complex situation and follow through for the duration. Final rating is amongst the best.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/30/2024
Excellent doctor. Highly recommend to friends and family
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/30/2024
Incredibly knowledgeable and explained everything in a really understandable way.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/28/2024
Very caring and helpful throughout the years
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/23/2024
The provider was good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/3/2024
Dr Boahene is not only an expert in his field but an empathetic kind provider. He listens well and is great at what he does. It's hard to find a good doctor that also has good bedside manner. He's extremely competent and an awesome human being!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/2/2024
Dr. Boahene was excellent. He listened was respectful and is clearly an expert in his field.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/1/2024
Drs. Kofi B and [Staff] were very receptive, checked things thoroughly, interacted in discussions very professionally. They were very positive - that means a lot for the patient.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/18/2024
Dr. Boahene is a very knowledgeable, kind and patient provider.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/16/2024
He is the best surgeon in the world
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/11/2024
Very responsive, cares about my situation. Has done well for me in the past.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/11/2024
Dr Boahene did a wonderful job! I can now smile and my eyes are the same. My vision is much improved on my facial paralysis side.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/30/2024
Caring, friendly, personable, informative, very skillfull
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/28/2024
Dr. Boahene is very wonderful and knowledgeable provider
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/28/2024
Dr Boahene was very courteous and concern
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/28/2024
Quality of care, professionalism, and d compassion the best ever!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/21/2024
Very reassuring
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/21/2024
Dr. Boahene is an excellent doctor with a depth of understanding that results in a speedy medical assessment and appropriate treatment.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/14/2024
Very good provider.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/7/2024
A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/7/2024
Very knowledgeable and conversational about my options for care/treatment plan
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/2/2024
Great post op visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/31/2024
Dr. Boahene and [Staff] are the best!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/31/2024
Great work
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/24/2024
Dr. Kofi Boahene is outstanding!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/24/2024
Dr. Boahene was wonderful and is one of the most talented Facial Plastic Surgeons in the United States.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/24/2024
Time very well spent. Very informative and professional. Explained everything thoroughly and answered all questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/18/2024
Dr. Kofi Boahene was thorough, insightful, patient and very courteous. We were very happy to have met and consulted with the doctor in regards to our daughters condition.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/18/2024
Very approachable and friendly
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/17/2024
Dr Kofi Boahene is wonderful!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/11/2024
Very impressive.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/26/2024
Dr Boahene is the best. I appreciate his expertise, compassion and excellent care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/12/2024
Dr. Boahene is the most knowledgeable, kind and patient provider I have ever had.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/12/2024
DR Boahene is the best surgeon around for my genetic medical needs
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/29/2024
At the top of his game
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/22/2024
Very compassionate, knowledgeable, takes time to listen and explain diagnosis
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/22/2024
The best
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/8/2024
Provider was good, I thought the visit went a bit to fast, I had a few question's I didn't get to ask.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/1/2024
I felt he listened intently. I never felt rushed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/1/2024
Dr. Boahene is amongst the best and a consistent conscientious provider with high level skills. He leads the way in his field and is a must keep for Johns Hopkins.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/24/2024
Amazing doctor. Very friendly, courteous, and helpful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/24/2024
Dr Boahene is an excellent doctor. Wonderful "bedside" manner.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/17/2024
Dr. BOAHENE Made me feel confident and peaceful I already recommend him to My Family and Friends
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/10/2024
Dr B spent an ideal amount of time with me and was very effective in answering my questions. He helped me understand better what was done and what my recovery would continue to look like.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/27/2024
He was great .
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/27/2024
Dr Boahene is a very good person and is willing to help with my problems after my surgeries.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/21/2024
The whole stuff was amazing. Especially Dr Kofi
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/20/2024
I travel from [city, state] for the care of Dr. Boahene. He is the only person I trust with my paralysis and revisionary/aesthetic updates to my face. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to use this care and Dr. Boahene is very friendly and it is obvious how much he cares about me as his patient, and what he can do for me.