Why Have Facial Reconstruction?

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Facial reconstructive surgery helps restore both function and appearance to the face, enhancing quality of life. This is useful for both congenital and acquired deformities. For example, it may be used to address birth defects, injuries to the head, face, or jaw,  and deformities caused by surgery to combat cancer.

Proper functioning of the head and neck is incredibly important for an enjoyable life. We rely on it for breathing, eating, blood flow, communication, and they form the basis of our appearance. Because of this, reconstructive surgery is particularly high stakes - an excellent result makes such a big difference to quality of life. It is also particularly rewarding; a much improved appearance and function can be expected after surgery.

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Procedure Details

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Cleft lip and palate repair

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Proper treatment of cleft lip and palate is incredibly important, and this is a rare  surgery that is highly appropriate for children. Left unresolved, not only does it damage appearance and potentially self esteem, it can also lead to mental developmental issues. The build up of fluid caused by a cleft lip can damage children's auditory capacities, and this in turn prevents children from fully picking up language processing skills at a timely age. 

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Microvascular free tissue transfer

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This is a form of microsurgery, where live tissue is taken from elsewhere on the body, and the blood vessels and nerves are surgically connected with the help of a microscope. 

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Skull Base Surgery

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Dr. Salas completed a surgical oncology residency at the University of Michigan, one of the nation's elite oncology schools. He is an excellent choice for this procedure, particularly if you would like the bespoke service that only comes from a plastic surgeon, rather than a teaching hospital or general surgeon.

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For Parents

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Facial reconstruction procedures are some of the only surgeries that are appropriate for children. In such cases, Dr. Salas consults carefully with his patients to help them make an informed decision about what is best for their loved ones. Dr. Salas prides himself on his bedside manner and compassion when treating children.

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Preparation & Recovery​

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Each patient will be given specific and tailored instructions regarding preparation for surgery. 

 

Those who smoke run a greater risk of chest infection and the healing wounds in smokers may be slower. For patients who smoke it is advisable to cut down for a week before surgery and to stop smoking completely for three days immediately before the operation. Assumption of Aspirin or blood thinning medication should be avoided before the procedure as it can reduce natural blood clotting after.Depending on the size of the surgery, you may spend two days after the surgery in the intensive care unit. Assuming there are no complications, you should be able to leave the hospital within a week.

 

Surprisingly, operations on the face and skull are usually fairly painless, with swelling the main inconvenience. Patience is required after major facial surgeries, and complete recovery/ subsiding of swelling may take six weeks or more. A much improved appearance and function can be expected after surgery. Depending on the severity of the initial problem, some people may need follow up procedures during the next 1 - 3 years.People who experience serious injury often have unresolved mental and emotional issues resulting from the trauma. In such cases, Dr. Salas is happy to refer you to excellent mental health professionals. 

 

Why Dr. Salas?

 

Dr Salas is an ideal choice for your head and face reconstruction. He has extensive reconstructive surgery training and experience, with a fellowship in microvascular surgery from the University of Washington, an appointment as chief resident on the Sinai Grace general surgery program, and a fellowship in surgical oncology from the University of Michigan. Combined with his cosmetic plastic surgery experience, this makes him uniquely well suited to the demands of facial reconstruction surgery. He has the technical skill required, plus the artistic flair that only comes with cosmetic surgery. Because of this, he can enhance both function and form.

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