Many people suffer from facial asymmetry and other facial deformities. These imperfections, even when small, can interfere with one’s confidence and self-esteem. While some people have these facial issues from birth, others acquire them from diverse causes including surgery and trauma. Regardless of the cause, there is hope. Facial reconstructive surgery performed by an experienced facial plastic surgeon such as Dr. Joseph Russell can give you the attractive, symmetrical, and harmonious facial appearance that you desire.
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What Is Facial Reconstructive Surgery?
Facial reconstructive surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures whose goals are to restore symmetrical facial features and normal facial function. There are many reasons that people may need this type of surgery. These include:
- Facial deformities present since birth
- Deformities of the head and neck from surgery, including surgeries to remove cancer
- Facial injuries from trauma such as dog bites or car accidents
- Facial paralysis
Injuries or deformities on the face can be extremely traumatic. People may be teased in school or in the workplace. One’s romantic life can suffer. In addition, there are often effects on self-esteem and confidence. For this reason, many people decide to have surgery to restore their appearance. In the case of facial surgeries such as Mohs surgery, people can even have their reconstruction performed on the same day as the procedure, and thereby minimize the time they have to suffer from a deformed appearance.
Each facial surgery is different and developed specifically for the needs of the patient. Regardless of the details, the goal is to create a harmonious and attractive face with symmetry.
How Is Facial Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Performed?
Although every facial plastic surgery procedure that Dr. Russell performs is slightly different, there are similarities. Patients are put under local anesthesia (the patient is awake but numb) or general anesthesia (the patient is fully asleep and numb). Dr. Russell then crafts the different layers of the face to restore symmetry and facial beauty. This can require a variety of different approaches, such as skin grafts or bone and cartilage reconstruction. Regardless of the exact procedures that are performed, care is taken to minimize scarring, keeping incisions small and positioning them as much as possible in areas of the head and face where they will be less noticeable.
In many cases, Dr. Russell can work with other doctors to perform reconstruction immediately after a procedure. In the case of Mohs surgery, for example, patients can come to Dr. Russell immediately after their cancer removal by their dermatologist. Dr. Russell will then use grafting with specialized skin-matching techniques to replace the removed tissue.
Depending on the extent of the reconstruction, some patients have to stay in the hospital overnight. Rest is crucial to have a complete recovery. Rarely, some patients with extensive deformities may need several different procedures to get the result that they desire.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Facial Reconstructive Surgery?
Almost anyone who has facial deformities or asymmetries can be helped with reconstructive plastic surgery. There are few imperfections that are too small or too large. It is important to consult with a facial plastic surgeon who is experienced and has completed a fellowship in facial plastic surgery. Your surgeon can help you to make realistic goals and develop a plan for restoring your appearance. It is important to tell Dr. Russell about your medical history and medications, so he can determine what procedures and in which setting (office or operating room) are best for you.
Facial Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Consultation
If you are interested in facial reconstructive surgery, or any other type of facial plastic surgery, it is time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Joseph Russell. Dr. Russell is a Charleston native who graduated first in his class from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. He completed a 5-year residency in otolaryngology—head and neck surgery, followed by a renowned fellowship in New York City specializing in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. He currently offers these and other types of facial plastic surgery to residents of Charleston and the surrounding areas.
If you live in South Carolina and are interested in facial reconstructive surgery, call (843) 576-3302 for an appointment with Dr. Joseph Russell. A consultation is the first step to achieving the attractive facial appearance and self-confidence that you wish for.