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Injury, birth defects, and head and neck cancer removal can result in a visual and functional reduction of parts of the face. Your physician may recommend a procedure that can use tissue and bone from other areas of your body along with prosthetics to restore the look and action of the affected area.
Call 704-295-3000 to Schedule a Facial Reconstruction Consultation
In the broadest terms, facial reconstruction is the surgical treatment of the face to restore its appearance and/or functionality. This may be necessary due to conditions like birth defects, trauma or injury, and disease or illness. While there is some overlap between facial reconstruction and facial plastics procedures like blepharoplasty or rhinoplasty, facial reconstruction is narrower in scope when paired with head and neck cancer treatment.
Head and neck cancer removal can be done without significant changes to the face’s shape or function. However, there are times where areas of muscle or bone may be removed to completely target the tumor. When this occurs, this can affect adjacent portions of the face and cause an asymmetrical appearance and limited usage.
To remedy this, physicians can combine tumor removal with an additional facial reconstruction procedure by using tissue or bone from other unaffected areas of the body or a prosthesis to match the original shape of the target area.
Cancer can affect various parts of the face, and as a result those same areas can be corrected through facial reconstruction.
Some of the most common types of facial reconstruction include:
As mentioned, your physician may use tissue from other parts of your body as part of the restoration process. In order to do this, microvascular reconstruction may be required.
Microvascular reconstruction is the process of using blood vessels and transferring composite tissue to the affected area to restore blood flow. It typically involves the use of microscopes to precisely move the tissue and blood vessels for optimal results.
CEENTA’s head and neck cancer surgeons have additional fellowship training in areas such as microvascular reconstruction to restore the face’s functionality following surgery. In addition to your cancer removal consultation, they can inform you of how reconstruction can be achieved with realistic expectations and comfort.
To schedule your facial reconstruction consultation with a CEENTA head and neck surgeon, call 704-295-3000.
