Facial reconstruction is the process of recreating the appearance of your face, typically following trauma or disease that has altered your natural facial features. The ultimate goal of facial reconstruction Scottsdale is to restore your sense of identity and self-esteem and improve your ability to function in daily life. This procedure often involves collaboration between medical professionals, artists, and technology experts to achieve the most accurate and aesthetically pleasing results possible.
- Determining your eligibility for facial reconstruction
Facial reconstruction involves repairing or rebuilding the facial features of an individual suffering from trauma, injury, or illness. Before determining your eligibility for the procedure, your doctor will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your medical history and current condition. The assessment may involve a physical examination, medical imaging tests, and consultations with other medical specialists. If you are a suitable candidate for facial reconstruction, the team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. They will also discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure and answer any questions you may have to help you make an informed decision about whether to proceed with the treatment.
- What to expect during facial reconstruction
The treatment typically involves a team of medical professionals, including a plastic surgeon, a radiologist, and a maxillofacial prosthetist. During the facial reconstruction, your surgeon will use surgical techniques to rebuild your facial features. These techniques may involve tissue grafts from other parts of your body, such as the thigh or abdomen, to reconstruct the missing or damaged facial structures. The surgeon may also use synthetic implants or prosthetics to help restore your facial symmetry and balance. Depending on the extent of the reconstruction, the procedure may take several hours or multiple surgeries to complete. Recovery typically involves rest and healing, followed by physical therapy and rehabilitation to help you regain your facial function and mobility. Dr. Heringer may incorporate the following techniques into your treatment plan.
- Skin grafting
Skin grafting involves transplanting skin from one area of your body, called the donor site, to the area of the face that needs repair, known as the recipient site. Your provider chooses the donor site based on skin color, texture, and thickness, to ensure a good match with the recipient site. Skin grafting can help improve the appearance of scars, correct facial asymmetry, and restore facial function. However, like any surgical procedure, it carries risks and potential complications, such as infection, bleeding, and poor wound healing.
- Flap techniques
Flap techniques repair defects resulting from traumatic injuries or surgical procedures. The team creates flaps by moving healthy tissue from one area of the face to another while keeping your blood supply intact. This allows tissue transfer with its blood vessels, ensuring its survival and integration into the new area. Doctors use local for smaller defects, where enough tissue is available to cover the defect without distorting your facial features, and regional flaps for larger defects or when adjacent tissue is unavailable. Distant flaps involve transferring tissue from a different part of the body to the face.
To explore more about skin grafting, call Dr. Heringer or book an appointment online.
