Skull/Facial Bone Reconstruction

Conveniently located to serve Delaware

The surgical process known as skull/facial bone reconstruction in Delaware is intended to be of assistance to patients who have had facial trauma or have congenital abnormalities. Bone is taken from the pelvis or the skull and transferred to the face, where it is utilized to replace bones that have been knocked loose or that have been lost.

Why Undergo Skull/Facial Bone Reconstruction?

Skull/facial bone reconstruction can be used to correct facial abnormalities. As part of this procedure, fractured or missing facial bones are replaced with bone taken from another part of the skull or from another part of the patient’s body.

People who have head, face, or jaw injuries or tumors, as well as individuals who were born with congenital defects such as cleft lips or cleft palates, require skull/facial bone reconstruction.

Skull/Facial Bone Reconstruction Ideal Candidates

The ideal candidates for skull/facial bone reconstruction are those who have had a severe injury that damaged their skull and face. These injuries may include a broken nose or jaw, a fractured cheekbone, or even a damaged eye socket.

The skull/facial bone reconstruction procedure can also be used to fix birth defects that affect the shape of your skull and face. The best candidates are those who want to improve their appearance after a trauma has caused major damage to their face.

Preparation for Skull/Facial Bone Reconstruction

In order to be properly prepared for a skull/facial bone reconstruction operation, patients are required to discontinue the use of any drug (such as Aleve, Excedrin, Ibuprofen, and Aspirin) that prevents normal blood clotting.

In addition, patients are responsible for making transportation arrangements to and from the hospital, as they will not be able to drive themselves home after they are released.

The Skull/Facial Bone Reconstruction Procedure

Skull/facial bone reconstruction is often performed under general anesthesia and takes between 4 and 12 hours to complete. The particular steps of the process can vary greatly depending on the location of the treatment, as well as the degree to which the deformity or injury has been exacerbated.

While the skull/facial bone reconstruction surgery is being performed, some of the facial bones will be removed and relocated, and bone transplants will also be incorporated from various other parts of the body. After that, screws and metal plates will be used to secure the bones in their new positions.

Skull/Facial Bone Reconstruction Recovery

The recovery process after skull/facial bone reconstruction can take between 6 weeks and 6 months, depending on the extent of your surgery. During this time, you’ll need to be careful not to move your head too much so as not to risk damaging your newly constructed skull and facial bones.

You should also avoid doing any vigorous exercise, heavy lifting, or anything that might put pressure on your face or head.

Once you’ve recovered from skull/facial bone reconstruction surgery, you’ll begin making small movements with your head every day under the supervision of a physical therapist. This will help restore mobility in your jaw and neck muscles so that you can eat normally again without feeling discomfort from exercising them too strenuously or often.