What does maxillofacial do with face reconstruction​, type, and what is it?
Maxillofacial surgeons are involved in facial reconstruction procedures. Facial reconstruction is a specialized field within maxillofacial surgery that focuses on restoring or enhancing the structure and appearance of the face. This can involve various techniques and procedures to address facial deformities, traumatic injuries, congenital anomalies, or aesthetic concerns.
Maxillofacial surgeons utilize advanced surgical techniques to reconstruct and restore facial features, including the jaw, cheekbones, nose, orbital area, and soft tissues. They work closely with other specialists, such as plastic surgeons, orthodontists, and prosthodontists, to develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.
Facial reconstruction procedures may include bone grafting, facial implant placement, orthognathic surgery (jaw realignment), soft tissue reconstruction, scar revision, and corrective surgeries for cleft lip and palate.
The goal of facial reconstruction is to improve facial aesthetics, restore functionality, and enhance the quality of life for patients who have experienced facial trauma, congenital abnormalities, or other conditions affecting the face. Maxillofacial surgeons play a crucial role in these procedures, providing expertise in both the surgical and aesthetic aspects of facial reconstruction.
Reconstructive Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Our team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons possesses specialized expertise in handling and addressing facial trauma. They are skilled in managing a wide range of facial injuries, including both simple and complex cases. Their expertise extends to repairing facial skin lacerations, setting fractures in the jaw and facial bones, reestablishing severed nerves and ducts, and treating various other types of injuries. The procedures performed encompass the care and treatment of oral tissues, as well as the bones in the jaws, cheeks, nose, forehead, and eye sockets.
Microvascular Reconstruction
Microvascular flap surgery, also known as free tissue transfer, is a surgical technique used to reconstruct defects in the head and neck resulting from tumors, facial trauma, or infections. In this procedure, the surgeon transfers the patient’s own tissue from one part of the body to another, allowing for the transplantation of various tissue types such as bone, muscle, and skin.
Microvascular flap surgery is often complex and time-consuming due to the meticulous suturing of blood vessels using an operating microscope. The success rates for this type of surgery are generally high, but continuous monitoring of blood flow within the transplanted tissue is essential during the post-operative hospitalization. Special Doppler probes are utilized to measure the “heartbeat” of the flap, ensuring optimal blood flow.
Common donor sites frequently chosen for head and neck reconstruction using microvascular flaps include:
1. Fibula (leg bone)
2. Iliac crest (hip bone)
3. Scapula (shoulder blade)
4. Forearm/wrist skin (forearm flap)
5. Thigh skin (thigh flap)
These donor sites provide suitable tissue for reconstruction and play a critical role in restoring the form and function of the head and neck region.
Reconstructive Surgery of the Head and Neck
Our medical professionals offer a comprehensive array of reconstructive surgical procedures, including:
- Microvascular free flap surgery: This technique enables the immediate reconstruction of head and neck defects resulting from tumor removal surgery. It involves transferring tissue from other parts of the body to reconstruct the affected area.
- Bone grafting: Our surgeons perform bone grafting procedures, utilizing synthetic or autogenous grafts, to address oral and maxillofacial defects and restore bone structure.
- Tissue transfer for reconstruction: Our team specializes in reconstructing bone, muscle, skin, and mucosa by transferring tissue from other regions of the body to the target site, facilitating effective restoration.
- Computer-assisted preoperative surgical planning: We employ advanced technology to facilitate precise surgical planning before the actual procedure, ensuring optimal outcomes.
- Stereotactic intraoperative computer navigation: During surgery, we utilize sophisticated computer navigation systems to enhance precision and accuracy, enabling meticulous surgical intervention.
With our expertise in these reconstructive surgical techniques and the integration of advanced technologies, we strive to provide the highest level of care and optimal outcomes for our patients.