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Alternative names Return to top
Craniofacial reconstruction; Orbital-craniofacial surgeryDefinition Return to top
Surgical treatment to repair deformities of the head and face (craniofacial).Description Return to top
Surgery for head and face deformities (craniofacial reconstruction) depends on the type and severity of deformity, and the condition of the patient.
In some cases, because surgical repairs involve the skull (cranium), brain, nerves, eyes, facial bones, and facial skin, a plastic surgeon (for skin and face) and a neurosurgeon (brain and nerves) work together. Head and neck surgeons may also perform craniofacial reconstruction operations.
The surgery is done while the patient is deep asleep and pain-free (under general anesthesia), and may take from 4 to over 12 hours to complete. Some of the facial bones are cut and repositioned into a more normal facial structure.
Pieces of bone (bone grafts) may be taken from the pelvis, ribs, or skull to fill in the spaces where bones of the face and head have been moved. Small metal screws and plates may be used to hold the bones in place. The jaws may be wired together to hold the new bone positions in place.
If the surgery is expected to cause much swelling of the face, mouth, or neck, the airway can become blocked. If this is anticipated, the patient may have what is called a tracheotomy placed, in which a small hole is made in the neck through which a tube (endotracheal tube) is placed in the airway (trachea).
This allows the patient to breath despite severe swelling of the face and upper airway that occurs after some operations and may persist for weeks.
Indications Return to top
Guidelines for craniofacial reconstruction include:Risks Return to top
Risks for any anesthesia are:Expectations after surgery Return to top
Although not without risk, these surgeries usually result in a much more normal appearance.Convalescence Return to top
Depending on the extent of surgery and need for close monitoring of the airway, the first 2 days after surgery may be spent in the intensive care unit. Without complications, most patients are able to leave the hospital within 1 week. Complete healing may take up to 6 weeks. Update Date: 11/4/2003 Updated by: Grace Jeon, M.D., M.P.H., General Surgeon, Pasadena, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |