Facial Reconstructive Surgery in Westchester County, NY

Any trauma to the face that results in fracture is likely to require a long and complicated reconstructive procedure. The structure of the face is incredibly complex, and the reconstructive surgeries that correspond to the various areas of the face are at least as many and as intricate. Facial traumas resulting in fracture include subcondylar fractures of the mandible, orbital blowout fractures (OBFs), frontal sinus fractures, and zygomatic fractures, to name a few.

Surgical techniques used to treat these injuries may include endoscopy, maxillofacial or orthognathic surgery, microsurgery and bone grafting. If the patient presents a facial fracture, they typically present damage to other tissues as well. Because of this, flap surgery, tissue expansion, and skin grafts may be used during reconstruction.

When Do Facial Fractures Need Reconstructive Surgery?

As in other parts of the body, facial fractures occur when a traumatic blow breaks a bone in the face. Some breaks, like nasal fractures, do not require surgery. Surgery is most often necessary when the break impairs appearance, and more importantly, function of the injured area or area adjacent to the break.

What to Expect During Surgery

First, x-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans will be taken so that the surgeon can better analyze the fractures and the degree of trauma to the surrounding areas. The surgery itself can take as little as a couple of hours to 10 or greater, and multiple surgeries may be required. In most instances, general anesthesia will be used.

In order to repair the broken bone(s), bone grafts may be taken from other parts of the patient’s body like the skull, pelvis, or ribs. If the bone is crushed, or only small pieces are missing, the surgeon may use hydroxyapatite cement, or polymer implants to repair the area. Special fixation devices composed of titanium plates and screws may also be applied in order to fortify the repair.

When large areas of skin are missing, the surgeon will perform flap surgery, transferring tissue along with its blood supply from one area of the patient’s body to the wound area. Microsurgery may be used to anastomose blood vessels.

Some facial injuries may require the assistance of a neurosurgeon, oral surgeon, or ophthalmologist.

After Surgery

Depending on the extent of the operation, some patients may need to remain in the hospital for monitoring for a day or two following surgery. Once the patient is released from the hospital, they will be instructed on how to take care of their dressings, and how to administer medication. Follow-up appointments to gauge the patient’s healing process may be recommended.

Our offices are located in Dobbs Ferry and Scarsdale in Westchester County, NY to better serve residents of New York City as well as Upstate New York. Please contact us with questions and concerns regarding facial fracture surgery. Dr. Goldberg is a board-certified plastic surgeon.