Mireia Ruiz Castilla

Dr. Mireia Ruiz Castilla was ranked among the top 5 plastic surgeons in Spain by Forbes magazine for three consecutive years (2018–2020). She participated in the world's first total face transplant at Vall d'Hebron Hospital. Currently, Dr. Ruiz Castilla directs the Institut Ruiz Castilla and leads plastic surgery services at Hospital Quiron Barcelona.

Specialization and Surgical Focus

The doctor performs both traditional and microsurgical procedures for complex reconstructive needs. Dr. Ruiz Castilla specializes in treating breast pathologies, skin oncology, and severe burns. She also treats facial fractures, hand surgery, and skin changes. Her expertise includes orthognathic surgery and mandibular osteotomy to correct jaw irregularities.

Dr. Ruiz Castilla uses robotic surgery and advanced microsurgical techniques in her practice. She applies her research on the IL33/ST2 axis to improve outcomes for burn patients. This axis refers to specific proteins that regulate immune responses and tissue repair. The specialist also treats conditions like gynaecomastia, or enlarged male breast tissue.

Professional Achievements

• Participated in the world's first total face transplant.
• Helps with the second face transplant performed at Vall d'Hebron Hospital.
• Successfully defended her PhD thesis with a Summa Cum Laude distinction.
• Investigates new monitoring treatments and therapies for patients with severe burns.

Work Experience

• 2021 – present: Head of Plastic Surgery Service, Dexeus University Hospital.
• 2016 – present: Head of Service, Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Hospital Quiron Barcelona.
• 2010 – 2018: Specialist, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burns Surgery Service, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital.
• 2013 – 2017: Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology Center, Mataró.
• Director and Founder, Institut Ruiz Castilla.

Education and Training

• 1998–2004: Degree in Medicine and Surgery, Autonomous University of Barcelona.
• 2005–2010: Specialized residency in plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery.
• 2010: Master's degree in Microsurgical Techniques, Sabadell Hospital.
• 2018: PhD in Surgery, Autonomous University of Barcelona.
• 2018: Robotic Surgery Course, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lorraine, France.

Teaching and Research Contributions

Dr. Ruiz Castilla is a Teaching Assistant for plastic surgery at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. She lectures on comprehensive burn care and nursing for postgraduate students at Vall d'Hebron. In 2010, she taught burn treatment courses at Josep Trueta University Hospital. Additionally, Dr. Ruiz Castilla organized the International Conference on Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery in London.

Professional Memberships

• Spanish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (SECPRE).
• Catalan Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.
• American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
• Founding member of the Women's Organization of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery of Spain (WOPRASS).