Reconstructive Surgery Benefits: Restoring Beauty and Function
Types of Facial Deformities and Suitable Candidates
Facial deformities can arise from various causes such as congenital conditions, trauma, or as the aftermath of surgery, like tumor-removal surgery or Mohs surgery. These deformities can affect not only the appearance but also the function of the face. Dr. Donath specializes in addressing these challenges through facial reconstruction surgery. In addition to his expertise in facial plastic surgery services, he also has a significant focus on the patient experience to ensure comfort and understanding throughout the process. Suitable candidates for this surgery typically exhibit:
Congenital deformities impacting facial bones or soft tissues.
Deformities resulting from injury or trauma, including traumatic injuries.
Residual effects post-surgery for skin cancer or other medical conditions.
Types of Facial Reconstruction Surgery
There are many different types of facial reconstructive procedures for several issues a patient may be facing. The varying types include the following.
Cancer Reconstruction
A variety of techniques can repair facial cancer defects. These surgical experiences involve the use of adjacent healthy skin flaps or grafts and free tissue transfer.
Reconstructive options range from using adjacent healthy skin flaps or grafts to free tissue transfer, depending on the type of cancer and the extent of the damage.
Cleft Lip Repair
With cosmetic surgery, cleft lip birth defects may correct in order to repair nostril asymmetry and lip deformity. Surgeons can perform this procedure on kids at the early age of three to six months.
Cleft Palate Repair
Through surgery, cleft palate birth defects may correct, repairing the cleft and the roof of the mouth. Specialists can perform this procedure on children around the age of nine to twelve months.
Facial Paralysis
Facial deformities caused by facial paralysis may be improved through a variety of surgical means, with the ultimate goal of improving facial symmetry and restoring facial animation.
To restore facial animation in patients with facial nerve paralysis, the reconstruction surgery technique plastic surgeons often use is tissue. They use tissue rearrangement techniques such as skin grafting, free-tissue transfer, or muscle transposition to help correct deformities caused by facial paralysis.
Facial Trauma Reconstruction
Facial trauma reconstruction is performed to correct facial fractures and/or facial lacerations that may have occurred from motor vehicle accidents, fights, domestic violence, animal bites, and the like. Surgery can correct fractures of the jawbone, cheekbone, eye socket, and brow, as well as lacerations resulting in scarring, facial nerve damage, tear duct injury, and loss of body part.
Nose Surgery
Depending on the individual case, a patient may be able to look forward to a functional outcome with reconstructive nose surgery. This type of surgery can help correct nasal deformities caused by birth defects, trauma, and cancer. The goal is to restore breathing normalcy and improve aesthetic appearance.
Microtia Repair
Microtia repair is the surgical correction of a missing ear. Creating an ear with rib cartilage and molding an ear lobe and crease treats his congenital defect.
To balance facial features and improve symmetry, specialists perform reconstructive ear surgeries. Such surgeries may include constructing artificial ears using rib cartilage or restoring symmetry with tissue flaps or grafts. Modern techniques and materials produce a very natural-appearing result that helps to boost self-confidence and enhance facial appearance.
Scar Revision
Scar revision involves a variety of techniques designed to camouflage facial scars resulting from accidents, surgery, burns, or acne. Techniques may include surgery like surgical removal of scar tissue, skin flap surgery, skin grafts, and Z-plasty, as well as skin resurfacing procedures like dermabrasion and laser resurfacing.
Facial Reconstruction Consultation
The process of facial reconstruction starts with an initial consultation with Dr. Donath at the outpatient surgery center. During this crucial meeting, patients can expect:
- A comprehensive evaluation of the facial structure, including bones, soft tissues, facial nerves, and blood vessels.
- Understanding the patient’s expectations and desired outcomes, whether it’s reconstructive surgery following an accident or cosmetic surgery for facial rejuvenation.
- An in-depth review of the patient’s medical history, including previous facial surgeries, to plan the most effective treatment.
During a consultation with Dr. Donath, he explains the intended procedure including the technique, the anesthesia, the surgical facility, the risks, and the costs. The doctor makes sure to also answer any questions or concerns that you may have.
Facial Reconstruction Customizing Your Procedure
Each facial reconstruction case is unique. Dr. Donath employs a variety of reconstructive techniques, ensuring a personalized approach for every patient. The surgical plan may include various techniques such as Tissue Transfer, Flap Surgery, and Microvascular Surgeries depending on the individual case.
This customization is key to ensuring that the reconstructive procedures not only improve appearance but also preserve or restore function to critical areas like the eye socket or natural folds of the face.
Facial Reconstructive Surgery Before & Afters
*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
Surgical ProcessFacial Reconstruction Process
Facial reconstruction surgery encompasses a range of procedures from minor surgeries to more invasive surgeries. Dr. Donath, an expert in facial plastic surgery, ensures that each patient is well-informed about their specific type of surgery. The process typically involves:
- Pre-operative Preparations: Necessary steps to ensure the patient is ready for surgery, including fasting guidelines and medication adjustments.
- Anesthesia: Depending on the complexity of the surgery, local or general anesthesia is administered for patient comfort.
- Surgical Procedure: Dr. Donath utilizes state-of-the-art techniques, whether it’s for craniofacial bone surgery, eyelid surgeries, or neck after cancer surgery.
post-cancer TreatmentFacial Reconstruction After Cancer Removal
- Reconstructive Techniques: Utilizing advanced treatments like tissue rearrangement and flap surgery to repair defects post-cancer removal.
- Aesthetic Consideration: Ensuring that the reconstructed area blends seamlessly with the surrounding facial features for a natural appearance, sometimes incorporating techniques akin to facelift surgery.
- Functional Restoration: Attention is given to restoring functionality, especially in areas around the eye socket or mouth.
Facial Reconstruction Advanced Techniques
Dr. Donath employs a range of advanced treatment options in facial reconstruction, staying at the forefront of the latest scientific discoveries. These include:
- Microvascular Surgery: A sophisticated technique used in free flap procedures, crucial for transferring tissue to the reconstruction site.
- Tissue Engineering: Innovations in transplant surgery and tissue growth provide new possibilities for reconstructive surgery.
- 3D Imaging and Printing: These groundbreaking treatments assist in planning and executing highly complex reconstructions with greater precision, sometimes offering alternatives to surgery.
Dr. Donath’s board certification assures that he’s equipped with the knowledge and skill necessary for these innovative techniques.
Why choose Dr. Donath — Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
- Internationally renowned facial plastic surgeon–has lectured around the world and is published in leading medical journals.
- Patients travel from across the US and internationally for Dr. Donath’s expertise.
- Graduated summa cum laude (highest honors) from Ohio University where he was a scholarship recipient and was inducted into the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa national honor society.
- He then completed medical school at the University of Cincinnati, widely recognized as one of the top medical centers in the country, where he was President of the school’s American Medical Student Association.
- Completing a rigorous five-year residency training program in all aspects of Head and Neck Surgery at St. Louis University.
- He additionally spent time studying at Harvard Medical School.
- He has been nominated as a Top Doctor in Cincinnati Magazine and by Castle Connolly for many consecutive years — more than a decade.
- Is a national trainer of other physicians for both Galderma (Dysport®, Restylane®) and Allergan (Botox®, Juvederm®), and is a frequent guest on multiple media outlets to present the public with the most recent facial aesthetic techniques.
Recovery from Facial Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
After reconstructive facial surgery, patients should expect to have some swelling and bruising that gradually subsides over several weeks. Dr. Alexander Donath gives patients detailed instructions on how to care for their surgical site and ensure optimal healing. He also offers post-operative follow-up visits to ensure the achievement of aesthetic goals and that the patient is progressing during their recovery period. Patients should follow all aftercare instructions closely to reduce any potential risks or side effects from the surgery.
Reconstructive surgery FAQs
What is reconstructive surgery?
Different from regular cosmetic procedures like breast augmentation, breast reduction, or tummy tuck, reconstruction surgery refers to plastic surgery procedures that are designed to improve function and sometimes approximate a normal appearance of abnormal structures of the body. There are many different types of reconstructive plastic surgery, and they may be used to treat both congenital defects and developmental deformities.
Is reconstructive surgery right for me?
If you are looking to improve the function or appearance of a congenital or developmental defect, then reconstruction plastic surgery may be right for you. As with all surgery, patients should be physically healthy and realistic in their expectations. Dr. Donath is happy to meet with you for a consultation to help you decide if reconstructive plastic surgery can best address your needs.
What is cleft lip repair?
Cleft lip repair is a reconstructive procedure that corrects cleft lip birth defects. This surgery repairs both nostril asymmetry and lip deformity.
What is cleft palate repair?
Cleft palate repair is a plastic surgery procedure that corrects cleft palate birth defects. This surgery repairs both the cleft and the roof of the mouth.
What is facial paralysis repair?
Facial paralysis repair is a reconstruction surgery that can improve facial deformities caused by facial paralysis. A variety of surgical means may be used to improve facial symmetry and restore facial animation.
What is facial trauma reconstruction?
Facial trauma reconstruction can correct facial fractures and/or facial lacerations occurring through accidents, injury, animal bites, and the like.
What is microtia repair?
Microtia repair is a facial reconstructive plastic surgery that can replace a missing ear. The surgery creates a new ear with the use of rib cartilage.
What is scar revision?
Scar revision involves a variety of reconstructive techniques intended to camouflage and improve the appearance of facial scars. Many different techniques can be used, including surgery and skin resurfacing.
What facial reconstructive office is near me?
If you live in the states of Ohio or Kentucky, Cincinnati Facial Plastic Surgery offers facial reconstruction among its services. For a full list of services, please visit our Locations page.
