 silicone, teflon, tantalum mesh, polyethylene, and methyl methacrylate have been used for orbital reconstruction. The primary concern with the use of these materials is the risk of infection. More Facial Trauma & Facial Reconstructive Surgery Facts...
MandibleThe mandible is a unique bone having a complex role in both aesthetics of the face and functional occlusion (bite). Because of the prominent position of the lower jaw, mandible fractures are the most common fracture of the facial skeleton.
Fractures of the mandible will typically reveal a malocclusion (inability to bite down), pain at fracture site, significant internal bruising, or laceration with bleeding between teeth at the fracture site.
Reduction and stabilization of the mandible fracture is the key to successful treatment. The method of management may vary based on the severity, location of the fracture and presence or absence of teeth. Mandible fractures are usually treated by closed reduction with wiring of the teeth or open reduction with internal rigid fixation using plates. Non-operative management of a mandible fracture with a soft diet is rarely indicated. The technique of closed reduction involves wiring the teeth for 4 to 6 weeks. Internal rigid fixation when performing open reduction requires exposure of the fracture sites and stabilization with plates and/or screws. Accurate reduction with good stabilization can frequently avoid complications and help to restore the patients primary occlusion and facial appearance. More Facial Trauma & Facial Reconstructive Surgery Facts...
Mandible stabilized with plate-and-screw fixation
Soft Tissue DeformitiesSoft tissue deformities may involve the skin, subcutaneous tissue, underlying muscle r a combination of any of these elements. Traumatic facial injuries may be blunt, penetrating and/or avulsive in nature. An avulsion, or loss of soft tissue, may create a significant deformity which requires reconstruction. Generally the facial bony deformities are reconstructed first followed by correction of soft tissue problems.
One example of a severely deforming and psychologically crippling injury is the scalp avulsion. This presents a very challenging problem particularly if the avulsed portion is very large and cannot be replanted by microvascular technique. A new and innovative approach to this type of problem has been the use of the tissue expander. These expanders are much like deflated balloons placed beneath adjacent normal tissue. Over a period of weeks these expanders are gradually inflated, stretching the normal skin for use in reconstruction. An example of this technique is shown for reconstruction of the scalp. More Facial Trauma & Facial Reconstructive Surgery Facts...
Complications and Risks of Surgery
Some of the risks of craniofacial reconstruction are common to all surgical procedures done under general anesthesia. These include bleeding, breathing problems, bruises underneath the skin, reactions to the anesthesia, and infection.
Risks that are specific to craniofacial reconstruction include:
- Neurologic deficits, including motor and sensory (anesthesia, paresthesia) deficits
- Decrease in facial height
- Increase in facial width
- Decrease in facial projection
- Traumatic telecanthus
- Nasal obstruction and deformities
- Cerebrospinal fluid leak
Risk factors that can affect the results of craniofacial reconstruction include:
- poor nutrition
- HIV infection
- a weakened immune system
- damage to the skin from radiation therapy
- a connective tissue disease, such as lupus or scleroderma
- time elapsed between a traumatic injury and surgical treatment
- poor blood circulation in the affected area
More Facial Trauma & Facial Reconstructive Surgery Facts...
This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician.