Facial Reconstruction
Facial Reconstruction Overview
Facial reconstructive surgery is a procedure used to address structural damage to the bones and soft tissues of the face that often impact the ability to talk, eat, and communicate using facial expressions. Damage is most often a result of illness, traumatic injury, burns, or cancer treatment. Reconstructive techniques include procedures such as cleft lip and palate repair, nose and ear reconstruction, facial trauma/animation, scar treatment, and microvascular free tissue transfer.
Dr. Rahul Seth will perform a thorough consultation and evaluation to assess the type of procedure that is appropriate for each patient. We work closely with patients to restore function and improve appearance—giving you the confidence to be your best.
Candidates
You may be a good facial reconstructive surgery candidate if you:
- Have experienced facial trauma (burns, accident)
- Require complex or extensive Mohs surgery
- Are physically healthy
- Are a non-smoker
Procedure
Facial reconstruction surgery is done in a surgical center or hospital. Minor procedures may be performed using a combination of sedative medications and local anesthesia, while major surgeries often use general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. Prior to your surgery, Dr. Seth will make recommendations for the most appropriate method for your procedure. Patients are generally able to return home the same day following surgery.
Procedures may involve using your tissue (skin, bone, muscle, or cartilage) from elsewhere on the body, prosthetic devices, implants, or a combination to reconstruct the target area. When using skin, bone, or muscle, this process is called microvascular free tissue transfer, or “free flap,” surgery—meaning that the microvascular blood vessels and nerves are precisely reconnected and repaired as part of the process.
Stitches, tissue glue, and or surgical clips are used to close any incisions. Every effort is made to minimize scarring and conceal incisions.
Recovery
Following surgery Dr. Seth will bandage the incision and may provide a compression dressing to wear for the first few days. You may also be given drainage tubes to help you with your healing; these will be removed the following day. Any surgical clips or stitches used on your procedure will be removed after one week.
Dr. Seth recommends that all patients have someone to spend the first night with them following surgery. All patients will have a follow-up visit the day after surgery to examine the healing process, clean any incisions, review wound care, and answer questions.
Recovery will vary from patient to patient and is largely dependent upon the extant of underlying damage to the face and the procedures required to perform the surgery. Patients may experience swelling, bruising, numbness, and a feeling of tightness or tension in the face and neck. Facial muscles may also feel stiff. Most of these issues usually resolve within two to three weeks, and sensation typically returns to normal within a few months.
Pain medication is prescribed for pain relief, but most patients wean themselves off in one to two days, taking Tylenol only as needed.
Patients will be given detailed instructions following surgery to address specifics of wound care, return to activity, and follow up requirements.
