People who have undergone surgery to treat head and neck cancer, those with deformities and those who have suffered burns and trauma may consider reconstructive surgery of the head and/or neck to improve their functional abilities and/or appearance. Because the head and neck are vital to eating, breathing, and communication – and are highly visible areas – reconstructive surgery has unique challenges and goals.
Summa Health reconstructive plastic surgeons are specially trained in the most sophisticated and precise techniques, including microsurgery, tissue substitutes, and the latest in wound care. The team has vast expertise in minimizing the appearance of scars, working to hide incisions in the natural contours of the skin whenever possible. The surgeons also are uniquely skilled in the reconstruction of the nose, face, ears, neck and scalp after Mohs surgery for skin cancer. In fact, we are the only specialists in the area specializing in face, head and neck reconstruction.
Summa Health is also proud to offer a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach to face, head and neck reconstruction. Our program brings together experts in a broad range of disciplines – such as otolaryngology (ENT), oral and dental, speech, and vascular surgery – to help maximize a patient’s quality of life before, during, and after treatment.
There are a number of advanced surgeries that can be used to reconstruct areas of the face, head and neck. Some of the procedures offered by Summa Health include:
Summa Health reconstructive plastic surgeons work closely with our ENT and oncologic surgeons with reconstruction of cancer extripation. Our role is to perform microvascular head and neck reconstruction, a technique for rebuilding the face and neck using blood vessels, bone and tissue, including muscle and skin from other parts of the body. It is one of the most advanced surgical options available for rehabilitating surgical defects caused by the removal of head and neck tumors. Microvascular surgery is also used to treat other head and neck conditions, such as nasal obstruction, dental implants, and non-healing wounds of the head and neck.
This type of reconstruction may be combined with computer-aided virtual surgical planning (VSP). VSP uses patient-specific modeling of the facial skeleton to provide a tailored surgical plan, which may increase efficiency, precision and overall patient outcomes when it comes to the reconstruction of maxillary and mandibular bone defects.
Post-traumatic facial reconstruction is performed after trauma or destruction from cancer or a severe infection to mitigate the potential for deformity, asymmetry, atrophy, and scarring, as well as preserve nerve and sensory function in bones, muscles, blood vessels, and skin.
Summa Health reconstructive plastic surgeons use innovative methods of bone and tissue repair to recreate facial features. When possible, shape and symmetry are restored using the patient’s own tissues. Otherwise, the base structure may be reinstated utilizing appropriate facial implants, grafts, titanium and other materials. Surgical techniques may include endoscopic techniques and tissue grafting (bone, skin, and cartilage). Tissue may be rearranged using flap reconstruction, and scars are corrected as much as possible to restore normal appearance.
Corrective jaw, or orthognathic, surgery may be a corrective option if you have jaw problems that cannot be resolved with orthodontics alone. The surgery involves moving the bones of the upper and/or lower jaw to lengthen or shorten, moving the bones up or down, and/or moving the bones in or out. Repositioning the jaws so that the teeth meet (occlude) correctly improves jaw joint function and chewing ability, as well as speech, breathing, sleep apnea, periodontal health and facial aesthetics. Because of its complexity, the procedure may involve an oral surgeon and other dental specialists, such as periodontists and endodontists.
Request an appointment with a Summa Health reconstructive plastic surgeon to learn more about how these and other face, head and neck reconstruction services may be able to help you.
