Facial reconstruction describes a variety of surgical procedures done to restore the patient’s facial features to a normal appearance and function. Common examples of facial reconstruction include procedures done to correct the following:
• Burns
• Other injuries
• Cleft palate and lip
• Other birth defects
• Scars caused by cancer
The procedure will vary depending on what the patient needs. Skin flaps and skin grafts are among the most commonly used techniques.
What is Mohs Reconstructive Surgery?
Mohs surgery is a highly effective procedure done to remove skin cancer. The surgeon will remove the visible cancer plus a margin of local tissue. They will then take the tissue to the pathology lab and examine it to make certain that they got all of the cancer. If they missed some, they will return to the patient and remove another layer of tissue. They will repeat the process until they have removed all of the cancer.
If the surgeon removed only a small amount of tissue, they often won’t have to do anything beyond stitch up the wound. If they removed a lot of tissue, however, the patient may require plastic surgery to restore the normal contours of their face. Such techniques can include skin grafts, tissue expansion, and/or cartilage grafts. A majority of patients receive skin flaps, which are pieces of skin that have a blood supply still attached to them.
What is the Difference Between a Skin Flap and a Skin Graft?
Both skin flaps and skin grafts are used in reconstructive surgery to cover large wounds, and both are taken from somewhere else on the patient’s body. Skin flaps have their own blood supply, while skin grafts do not. The skin flap’s blood supply can come from multiple small blood vessels or a single big one. Skin grafts are often used to cover larger wounds than skin flaps. Skin grafts are also used on places like the ankles or elbows where the skin is too tight to be made into a flap.
Who is a Good Candidate for Facial Reconstruction?
The ideal candidate will be a patient who is in overall good health and has realistic expectations. They also need to be willing and able to follow the surgeon’s instructions regarding post-operative care. Recovery from facial reconstruction can take weeks, and the patient will have to keep their wounds clean and keep all scheduled follow-up appointments so the surgeon can monitor their progress.
Contact Us Today for More Information
To learn more about what facial reconstruction can do for you, we invite you to reach out and make an appointment with Athena Plastic Surgery! At our convenient location in West Palm Beach, our caring and devoted team will be pleased to explain this option in greater detail and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!
