Joseph B. Meleca, MD, a board-certified otolaryngologist, specializes in head and neck surgery and facial plastic and microvascular reconstruction. Dr. Meleca’s expertise includes performing functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty, facial reanimation surgery for facial paralysis, synkinesis, facial gender affirming surgery, facial trauma, reconstruction after Mohs skin cancer resection, and head and neck reconstruction with specific experience in microvascular free tissue transfer.
In addition to his commitment to providing quality surgical otolaryngology treatment, Dr. Meleca is also involved in clinical research designed to advance care for his patients. Some of his most recent work focuses on a new staging criteria for osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the mandible – a complication from cancer-related treatment like radiation – as well as developing new treatment options for ORN, including the fascia lata rescue free flap. His research has been published in several, highly respected journals, such as American Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, The Laryngoscope, Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology and more.
Dr. Meleca also enjoys educating residents and medical students on the practice of facial plastic surgery. His teaching style incorporates hands-on experience in the operative suite and outpatient clinics to advance knowledge for the next generation of physicians and surgeons.
In addition to his commitment to providing quality surgical otolaryngology treatment, Dr. Meleca is also involved in clinical research designed to advance care for his patients. Some of his most recent work focuses on a new staging criteria for osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the mandible – a complication from cancer-related treatment like radiation – as well as developing new treatment options for ORN, including the fascia lata rescue free flap. His research has been published in several, highly respected journals, such as American Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, The Laryngoscope, Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology and more.
Dr. Meleca also enjoys educating residents and medical students on the practice of facial plastic surgery. His teaching style incorporates hands-on experience in the operative suite and outpatient clinics to advance knowledge for the next generation of physicians and surgeons.
Areas of Expertise
- Facial Surgery
- Facial Trauma
- Head & Neck Reconstruction
- Facial Nerve Paralysis
Board Certifications
- Radiation Oncology
Practicing Since
- 2022
Languages Spoken
- English
- Spanish
Medical Education
- Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Residency
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Fellowship
- Indiana University School of Medicine
- Aetna HMO (specialists only)
- Aetna POS
- Aetna PPO
- BCBS Blue Precision HMO (specialists only)
- BCBS HMO (HMOI) (specialists only)
- BCBS PPO
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna POS
- Cigna PPO
- CountyCare *see insurance page
- Aetna Better Health *see insurance page
- Medicare
- Multiplan PPO
- PHCS PPO
- United Choice Plus POS/PPO
- United Options (PPO)
- United Select (HMO & EPO) (specialists only)
- United W500 Emergent Wrap
- Aetna Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO
- BCBS Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO
- Humana Medicare Advantage Choice PPO
- Humana Medicare Advantage Gold Choice PFFS
- Humana Medicare Advantage Gold Plus HMO
- United Choice HMO (specialists only)
- University of Chicago Health Plan (UCHP)
Our list of accepted insurance providers is subject to change at any time. You should contact your insurance company to confirm UChicago Medicine participates in their network before scheduling your appointment. If your insurance company is not listed here, or if you have any other questions, please contact Managed.Care@uchospitals.edu.