Facial reconstructive surgery is an incredibly complex medical procedure that requires expertise in both surgical techniques and aesthetics. As such, it’s important for patients to seek out experienced professionals who specialize in this field when considering surgical options like cleft lip reconstruction or post-traumatic reconstruction. By doing so, they can ensure that they receive quality care from a team dedicated to providing them with natural-looking results that help them look and feel their very best.

Conditions that Require Facial Reconstruction Surgery

Facial Trauma and Injuries

Facial reconstruction surgery can be utilized to restore the natural appearance of a face that has been damaged due to trauma or injury. This type of surgery is typically used to rebuild facial features such as the nose, ears, eyes, and mouth. It can involve extensive surgeries such as reconstructing the nasal bones and cartilage or performing ear reconstruction. The aim of this surgery is to restore the normal look and feel of the face while also maintaining its natural appearance.

Nasal reconstruction requires reshaping and rebuilding the nose using tissue grafts from other parts of the body along with techniques such as cartilage grafts or cutting away excess tissue. This procedure can help correct any deformities caused by trauma or injury, such as a cleft lip or scarring from burns. In some cases, silicone implants may be used in order to create a more symmetrical shape for the nose.

Ear reconstruction involves rebuilding and reshaping damaged ears in order to restore their natural shape and size. Techniques such as cartilage grafts are often used in order to recreate an ear’s natural curves. Additionally, plastic surgeons may use rib or ear cartilage from cadavers in order to recreate an ear’s structure.

Extensive surgeries might be required in some cases in order to achieve optimal results when performing facial reconstruction after trauma or injuries. Each case is unique, Dr. Lozada will determine what procedures will be necessary for them based on their individual needs and goals.

Congenital Facial Deformities

Facial reconstruction is often used to correct genetic defects or congenital deformities such as cleft lip and palate. Facial reconstruction typically involves several different types of cosmetic surgery techniques, including minor surgeries and complementary procedures.

The main goals of facial reconstruction are to improve the patient’s physical appearance, restore function, and enhance self-confidence. To do this, Dr. Lozada may use both surgical and non-surgical approaches depending on the individual needs and goals of the patient. During the procedure, facial structures are repositioned and reshaped through tissue removal or replacement with implants or grafts. Additionally, techniques such as fat transfer may also be used in order to replace lost volume in areas affected by trauma or injury.

Depending on the severity of the condition being treated, multiple surgical procedures may need to be performed in order to achieve an optimal result. Patients should consult with a qualified facial surgeon prior to undergoing any facial reconstructive procedure in order to ensure they receive the best care possible for their specific case.

Facial Burns or Scarring

Facial reconstructive surgery after facial burns can be a critical step in restoring the patient’s physical appearance and self-confidence. Depending on the severity of the burns, a variety of surgical techniques may be utilized to help improve the aesthetic outcome. These include grafting of skin from other parts of the body, flap surgery to relocate healthy tissue into affected areas, or tissue transfer procedures such as fat transfer. In addition to surgical solutions, non-surgical treatments such as laser resurfacing or dermabrasion may also be recommended for patients whose burns are less severe. No matter which treatment plan is chosen, it’s important that patients have realistic expectations about how much improvement can be achieved with each procedure. Constructive dialogue between patient and surgeon is essential for successful outcomes and satisfaction with results.

Facial Paralysis or Nerve Damage

Facial reconstructive surgery often becomes necessary following facial paralysis or nerve damage to help restore the patient’s ability to express emotion and speak clearly. Common techniques used for this type of reconstructive surgery include muscle transfer, tendon transfer, nerve grafts and implants, and brow lifts. By utilizing these advanced procedures, Dr. Lozada can help patients regain their quality of life and achieve a harmonious appearance with improved facial movement or sensation. He has extensive training and experience in facial reconstructive surgery due to his time spent with some of the most prominent head and neck surgeons in Philadelphia and New York City.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is, unfortunately, an extremely common occurrence in the U.S., and nearly 80% of these cancers are on the face, neck, and scalp. The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma, followed by squamous cell carcinoma. Generally, skin cancers are removed via a specialized technique called Mohs micrographic surgery. This multidisciplinary mode of care includes a Mohs surgeon and a facial plastic surgeon specializing in Mohs surgery to close the resulting defect.

While many reconstructive closures are handled comfortably by the Mohs surgeon, occasionally, the expertise of a board-certified facial plastic surgeon or head and neck surgeon is required to close either large areas or defects close to vital structures of the face.

Finding the Right Surgeon for Facial Reconstruction Surgery

Dr. Lozada has extensive experience in Mohs reconstructive surgery. He spent a significant amount of his training with one of the busiest and highest-level reconstructive surgeons in NYC and also performed hundreds of office-based closures. With this unparalleled experience, he can perform these reconstructive surgeries at his office under local anesthesia so you feel comfortable. If you have skin cancer or require any type of facial reconstructive surgery, please contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lozada!