Facial fracture repair – Fractures to the facial bones can warp the facial features and impair the normal function of the affected areas. A fractured eye socket can lead to vision issues and severe pain if the fractures cause damage to the surrounding muscles and nerves. A fractured jaw can make it difficult to eat or speak. In these cases, the bones may need to be reset through surgery so they can be realigned. Bone grafts may need to be used or different types of surgical hardware.
Soft tissue reconstruction – Soft tissue damage can refer to a variety of concerns affecting the skin, cartilage, muscles, and layers of tissue, including:
- Cuts
- Scrapes
- Tears
- Burns (thermal or chemical)
- Lacerations
- Crushes
Damage to the soft tissue can lead to a variety of issues, including nerve damage and internal bleeding. Reconstruction for soft tissue can include using skin grafts or flaps to address skin loss and the loss of underlying tissue.
Nerve Repair – When damage to the nerves occurs, it can make it difficult or impossible to blink, chew, bite, swallow, move the eyes, or make facial expressions like a smile. In these cases, the nerve connections will need to be reestablished through surgery. This can involve directly repairing the nerve, nerve transfer procedures, or nerve grafting.
Scar Revision – In some instances, traumatic injury to the face can leave behind a large amount of visible scarring. The scarring can be prominent which creates asymmetry and may also cause discomfort or impair facial functions.
Restoring Function and Appearance
It is important to understand that facial reconstruction surgery focuses on restoring the appearance of the face along with function for the best possible results. Facial paralysis due to damaged nerves or muscles is common after serious trauma. Restoring function can be complex and difficult and requires the skill of an experienced facial plastic surgeon. Microsurgery, nerve repair, and muscle transplantation may be required to restore as much function to the face as possible. Emphasis is placed on improving facial symmetry, mobility, and sensory function.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about facial reconstruction following a traumatic injury or accident, contact Lam Facial Plastics today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lam. He can go over the details of each procedure and formulate a personalized surgical plan for your facial reconstruction surgery in the Dallas and Plano, TX area.
