 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.