Facial reconstruction is a surgical procedure that aims to restore the natural appearance of the face after facial trauma, injury, or other medical conditions. The procedure works by improving function and aesthetics while preserving as much natural tissue as possible. At Veda Medical in Live Oak, TX, we perform reconstructive surgeries to help improve your quality of life and make you feel your best.
How Does Facial Reconstruction Work?
Facial reconstruction works by reshaping structures in the face, correcting contour irregularities, and enhancing the overall proportion of facial features with one another. This surgical procedure can be divided into two main categories: functional and aesthetic. Functional reconstruction restores the function of the face, while aesthetic reconstruction improves the appearance.
The goal of any type of facial reconstruction is to improve both aesthetics and function as much as possible. This may involve correcting deformities caused by birth defects, injuries, or cancer. In some cases, it may also be necessary to rebuild missing tissue or bone. Facial reconstructive surgery is a complex procedure that requires training and relevant expertise in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.
Initial Consultation
The process starts with a consultation with our team. We will examine your facial structure and discuss what goals you hope to achieve. If you are a good candidate for the procedure, we will create a treatment plan that’s tailored according to your needs and goals. This treatment plan may involve multiple surgeries over several months or years.
Removal of Unhealthy Tissues
The first step in many facial reconstructive procedures is the removal of any unhealthy or unwanted tissues. Once all of the unhealthy tissue has been removed, we can begin restoring function and appearance. This may involve rebuilding bone structure using grafts or implants.
Restoration of Function and Aesthetics
The next step is to create or restore your skin coverage. This may be done with skin grafts, flaps, or other skin substitutes. Finally, we will address any cosmetic concerns you may have. This may involve multiple cosmetic procedures, including rhinoplasty (nose surgery) and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery).
Recovery and Healing
Most people report excellent recoveries following facial reconstructive surgery. However, it is important to follow our instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery process. You may return to your normal activities within two weeks after surgery, but it’s also possible for you to require a bit more time before resuming your normal day-to-day activities.
To ensure proper healing, we will advise you to avoid strenuous activity during the first few weeks of your recovery. You’ll also need to keep your wound clean and dry. Be sure to use all prescribed medications exactly as directed. By taking care of yourself during the recovery period, you can ensure a successful outcome from your surgery.
Outcomes of the Surgery
Facial reconstructive surgery aims to achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results. The outcomes of the surgery can vary depending on your natural anatomy and goals, but most people will see an improvement in their appearance after full healing from the procedure.
Additionally, it’s important to remember that the outcome may not be visible immediately after surgery. In most cases, you should expect to see the full results within six months to a year. The results of facial reconstructive surgery are usually long-lasting, if not permanent.
What Can Affect the Function and Appearance of the Face?
There are many reasons why people seek facial reconstructive surgery. Some may have suffered an injury that has left them with a disfiguring scar. Others may be born with a birth defect that requires surgical correction. Still others may need surgery to improve the appearance of their face following cancer treatment.
Whatever the reason, facial reconstructive surgery can dramatically improve the quality of life for those who undergo it.
Facial Trauma
Facial trauma is one of the primary reasons people seek reconstructive surgery. Whether it’s from a car accident, physical contact, or other types of injury, facial trauma can cause extensive damage that requires surgical repair. Facial trauma can cause a wide range of damage, from broken bones and dislocated joints to soft tissue injuries and nerve damage. In some cases, the damage is so severe that it requires multiple surgeries to correct.
Reconstructive surgery can help you regain function and improve your appearance after suffering from facial trauma. The goal of reconstructive surgery is to restore your natural appearance as much as possible, while also addressing any functional issues caused by the injury.
Birth Defects
Birth defects can be caused by genetic abnormalities or maternal health problems. Some common birth defects, such as cleft lip and palate, can significantly affect the appearance and function of the face. Facial reconstructive surgery can help correct these birth defects and improve a person’s quality of life. In some cases, it may even be necessary for survival.
For example, cleft lip and palate is a condition in which there is an opening in the upper lip and/or roof of the mouth. This opening can cause problems with eating, speaking, as well as facial deformities. Surgery to repair a cleft lip or palate typically occurs in infancy or early childhood. However, some patients may require additional surgeries as they get older to improve their appearance.
Cancer Treatment
After undergoing radiation or chemotherapy, many cancer patients experience significant facial swelling and tissue damage that can be corrected with reconstructive surgery. In some cases, cancer treatment can also lead to the loss of hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes, which can be restored with surgical procedures.
Cancer treatment can have a profound effect on a patient’s appearance, and reconstructive surgery can help to restore a more natural look. In addition to correcting facial swelling and tissue damage, reconstructive surgery can also be used to restore hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes that have been lost as a result of cancer treatment. This type of surgery can make a tremendous difference in the quality of life of cancer patients by helping them regain their confidence and self-esteem.
Why Do People Seek Facial Reconstructive Surgery?
Facial reconstructive surgery can provide many benefits, including improved self-esteem and confidence, restored functionality, and a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. In addition, facial reconstructive surgery can also help to improve breathing and eating functions in patients who have suffered from injuries or birth defects that have affected their facial features.
To Boost Self-Esteem and Confidence
Losing your natural appearance can make you feel less like yourself. For this reason, many people get surgery to restore their natural looks or take back what illnesses and medical conditions have taken away. For many, the surgery is life-changing. It can help them to feel better about themselves and their appearance, which can, in turn, lead to success in other areas of their lives.
Self-esteem is often closely linked with physical appearance, so it’s not surprising that people who are unhappy with their looks may also suffer from low self-esteem. For this reason, many people seek facial reconstruction surgery to improve their overall well-being. When people feel positive about their appearance, it shows in all aspects of life, including their professional careers and personal relationships.
To Restore Function
Reconstructive surgery can make a positive difference in the quality of people’s everyday lives. Whether it’s due to an injury, congenital defect, or medical condition, getting reconstructive surgery can often mean the difference between being able to eat and drink normally, breathe without difficulty, or see again.
In addition to improving appearance, facial reconstruction can also restore important functions. For example, patients who have undergone surgery to correct a cleft palate can often eat and drink more easily. Those who have had surgery to repair a deviated septum may be able to breathe more easily.
What Is the Best Time To Undergo Reconstructive Surgery?
The best time to get reconstructive surgery will vary depending on your personal needs and goals. If you have any medical conditions that need to be taken into account (such as diabetes or high blood pressure), we’ll make sure these are under control before proceeding with your surgery.
Additionally, you’ll need to have realistic expectations about what the procedure entails, so make sure you’re mentally prepared before going ahead with your treatment.
Discover a New You
Reconstructive surgery can restore the function and appearance of facial features that have been damaged by trauma, disease, or birth defects. If you’re wondering whether this procedure is right for you, our team can help. Contact Veda Medical in Live Oak, TX to learn about your treatment options. We will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your specific needs and goals.
