Facial reconstruction or craniofacial surgery corrects a range of congenital and acquired abnormalities of the skull, face, and jaws. This very important type of surgery can correct life or livelihood threatening issues in patients. It is performed by specialized surgeons, many of whom also do cosmetic or plastic surgery procedures. One great example is Dr. Adam Stein Raleigh, NC licensed plastic surgeon who also serves Cary, NC. For the past 20 years Dr. Stein has performed craniofacial procedures on patients of all ages with great success.
Craniofacial Surgery can Fix Facial Abnormalities
Craniofacial surgery addresses major and minor issues of the face and skull. In some cases, craniofacial surgery is required to fix major functional issues. This surgery might be needed for example in a child to create more space inside the skull to enable the brain to grow. There might also be a need in order to make breathing or feeding easier.
Children are Often Patients for the Surgery
Craniofacial surgery is performed on all age patients but it is often carried out on very young patients because this is when abnormalities that can affect parts of the face and skull are prevalent Parents go through a lengthy consultation process where they are informed of the hoped for outcome of the surgery and the risks involved.
When the surgery is being considered because the child either is or will experience functional problems, choosing to have the surgery is an easy choice for most parents. The benefits from craniofacial surgery will often greatly outweigh the risks in these cases.
However in the event of the surgery on the child only being for cosmetic purposes, parents must make some tough choices. There is no doubt that a facial deformity can negatively impact a child’s life in many ways, but because surgery always has risk, the reward to risk ratio must be carefully weighed.
Risks from the Surgery are Low
For any age patient considering the operation, there of course needs to be a consideration of the rehabilitation and healing process following craniofacial surgery. To most people’ surprise, craniofacial operations usually cause very little pain following an operation. Visible swelling will typically be gone is the first two to four weeks. Six to 12 months however will be needed for the swelling to settle completely and for the final results to be experienced.
As with any operation, there are risks in this type of surgery and with the more complex procedures, the risk of complications do increase. However statistically even the most complex craniofacial operations rarely produce severe complications and the less complicated procedures hardly even cause patients serious problems.
Craniofacial Surgery Changes Lives
The effects of craniofacial surgery is often to provide many benefits for patients. From a functional standpoint many are able to breathe, hear and even see better. When the surgery is for cosmetic purposes the main benefit is improved confidence because of patient’s changed appearance. Professionals like Dr. Stein plastic surgery and craniofacial surgery continue to see these procedures change lives.
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