Reconstructive Procedures: Facial Plastic Surgery
Facial Skeletal And Soft Tissue Trauma
The face is made up of multiple intricately related tissues including the bony skeleton, muscles, fascia, fat, and skin. Trauma to the face can lead to injury to one or many of these tissues, leading to permanent disfigurement and asymmetry as well as unsightly wounds and scars.
Facial Fractures
Facial fractures occur when any part of the bony skeleton of the face is broken. This can occur in the upper, middle, or lower face, and can be simple (single fracture line) or comminuted (multiple fracture lines). In high energy injuries to the face, multiple parts of the facial skeleton can be fractured, leading to a complex fracture configuration. Fractures can also be classified as open or closed fractures, depending on whether the fracture is associated with an overlying wound.
If the fracture occurs close to vital structures such as the eye or teeth, it can lead to compromise of function such as double vision for the former or problems with biting in the latter. In some of these cases, such as an impingement of the eyeball or eye muscle, the fracture has to be fixed expediently.
If the fracture occurs close to vital structures such as the eye or teeth, it can lead to compromise of function such as double vision for the former or problems with biting in the latter. In some of these cases, such as an impingement of the eyeball or eye muscle, the fracture has to be fixed expediently.
Facial soft tissue trauma
Facial soft tissue trauma (lacerations) can be partial or full thickness soft tissue injuries involving skin, subcutaneous tissue, fat, fascia, and muscle. They can come in all shapes and sizes, from the simple linear configuration to the complicated burst laceration, or to the avulsion injury. Occasionally, lacerations can also involve important facial structures such as blood vessels, nerves, and ducts (e.g. tear ducts). These must be carefully repaired to prevent long term complications such as facial paralysis and excessive tearing.
Why plastic surgery for facial skeletal and soft tissue trauma?
Through their extensive training in facial anatomy and keenly developed tissue management principles, plastic surgeons are well equipped to handle all forms of facial fractures and soft tissue trauma, restoring proper symmetry and contours of the facial skeleton whilst delicately handling the skin, muscles, and other soft tissues to minimize or camouflage scarring.
Your plastic surgeon should conduct a thorough assessment of your facial injury, and may order further imaging such as fine-cut CT scans of the face to further delineate its extent, and to aid in planning of repair. They will then recommend the most appropriate route of repair, optimizing return of function and minimizing scars. Oftentimes, facial fractures can be repaired without any external scars via the transconjunctival (lower eyelid) or buccal sulcus (intra-oral) routes.
In complex facial injuries, plastic surgeons can coordinate management with other specialties such as neurosurgery, ENT surgery, ophthalmologists, as well as dental surgeons, to achieve the optimal return of form, function, and dental occlusion. In addition to this, our plastic surgeon is trained in computer-aided planning which may be required for precise restoration in a case of complex or multiple facial fractures.
Your plastic surgeon should conduct a thorough assessment of your facial injury, and may order further imaging such as fine-cut CT scans of the face to further delineate its extent, and to aid in planning of repair. They will then recommend the most appropriate route of repair, optimizing return of function and minimizing scars. Oftentimes, facial fractures can be repaired without any external scars via the transconjunctival (lower eyelid) or buccal sulcus (intra-oral) routes.
In complex facial injuries, plastic surgeons can coordinate management with other specialties such as neurosurgery, ENT surgery, ophthalmologists, as well as dental surgeons, to achieve the optimal return of form, function, and dental occlusion. In addition to this, our plastic surgeon is trained in computer-aided planning which may be required for precise restoration in a case of complex or multiple facial fractures.
Patient Stories
Midface Lift – Restoring Youth In The Lower Eyelids And Midface
A 65-year-old gentleman with no significant past medical history presented to Dr Adrian complaining of prominent eyebags as well as looking extremely haggard and tired. On examination, he was found to have very prominent lower eyebags, a prominent lid-cheek junction... Read More
Functional Muscle Reconstruction Of The Thigh
A 60-year-old Malay gentleman with no significant past medical history presented to the orthopedic surgeon with left thigh swelling and increasing pain. On examination, he had an indurated, large left thigh lump. An MRI was done which showed an Ill-defined mass involving almost all the muscles of his anterior left thigh... Read More
Mandibular And Tongue Reconstruction Using Double Free Flaps
A 60-year-old gentleman presented to the head and neck surgeon with a mass at the floor of his mouth. A biopsy was done which showed a malignant squamous cell carcinoma. He declined follow up and initially sought traditional treatments... Read More
Bilateral Breast Reconstruction Using Abdominal Free Flaps
A 45-year-old mother of 2 children was diagnosed with left breast cancer, for which a skin-sparing mastectomy (total removal of breast tissue leaving behind the skin envelope) was recommended. Genetic investigations revealed that she had a high genetic risk for development of breast cancer... Read More
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At Polaris Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, we provide the highest standards of plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery services to suit the individual needs of each of our patients, placing their well-being and concerns at the center of a seamless, holistic interaction with our practice.
Visit us at
1 Orchard Boulevard #10-08 Camden Medical Centre, Singapore 248649
1 Orchard Boulevard #10-08 Camden Medical Centre, Singapore 248649
3 Mount Elizabeth, #08-05 Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510
6 Napier Rd, #08-01 Gleneagles Medical Center, Singapore 258499
Tel: +65 6737 4565 | Mobile: +65 8828 4565 | Email: clinic@polarisplasticsurgery.com | Business Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm | Sat: 9am - 1pm | Sun/Ph: Closed
6 Napier Rd, #08-01 Gleneagles Medical Center, Singapore 258499
Tel: +65 6737 4565 | Mobile: +65 8828 4565 | Email: clinic@polarisplasticsurgery.com | Business Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm | Sat: 9am - 1pm | Sun/Ph: Closed
