Plastic-reconstructive surgery / aesthetic facial surgery

Plastic-reconstructive surgery is used to restore the function and aesthetic of congenital or acquired defects in the head and throat area as much as possible. Acquired defects usually occur after tumour operations. However, tissue loss through forceful impact (accidents) or inflammations can also lead to damage of the facial surface.

Facial defects after tumour surgery

Tumour-related defects in the facial area are normally treated in the course of a tumour surgery. On smaller damaged structures, skin flaps (transposition flaps) from neighbouring tissue are taken, since the skin colour and condition are the best match. To restore larger defects, there is a possibility to transplant soft tissue (e.g. of the upper arm, lower arm or back) with blood vessels. These blood vessels are connected to the neck arteries using micro-surgical methods. As a result, blood supply to the transplanted soft tissue is ensured in the new surroundings.

Bone loss in the facial area

Bone loss usually occurs after tumour surgeries and inflammations. Restoring bone damage after tumour surgeries is normally done one year after the surgery at the earliest. No more tumours may be present. In the time after the surgery, titanium implants obtain the face shape. Later, the patient’s own bone material can be used. Depending on the size and shape, bones from the pelvis or fibula are removed and transplanted for this. Smaller defects, such as bone loss after tooth removal, can be supplied with bone from other regions of the jaw.

Aesthetic corrections on the face

Purely aesthetic plastic surgery also includes corrections on eyelids (blepharoplasty), facial skin (face-lift) as well as ear and nose operations. However, malocclusions that come with jaw misalignments (dysgnathy) can also be operated.