Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery
1-713-791-0700
Reconstructive Surgical Procedures available in Texas Leading AAAASF-accredited plastic surgery centers in Texas offer safe and effective reconstructive surgery. Reconstructive surgery is performed to correct abnormalities in structures of the body caused by congenital defects, developmental issues, infection, trauma, tumors or disease. These procedures are aimed at improving functionality as well as aesthetics. Conditions that reconstructive procedures can resolve Craniosynostosis Craniosynostosis is a birth defect in which the bones of the skull fuse together prematurely. This prevents the brain from growing in its natural shape, resulting in an abnormally-shaped skull. There are various types of craniosynostosis such as Sagittal Synostosis, Coronal Synostosis, Metopic Synostosis, and Multiple Suture Synostosis. Two common surgical procedures used to correct this condition are: • Endoscopic Synostosis Repair: This type of surgery is usually performed when the baby is much younger (less than 3 months old). The procedure is done with
Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery
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the help of an endoscope, which is used to look up through two tiny incisions made on the top of the head. Then, through these small incisions, a segment of bone is removed near the fused bone and also in a few other places to release the fusion. Cranial Vault Remodeling: Cranial vault remodeling is usually performed on older children. In this surgery, the bones of the skull are reshaped by expanding and enlarging the space within the vault, allowing the brain to grow more naturally.
Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Cleft lip and cleft palate are common birth defects that occur at the very early stages of pregnancy. Cleft lip, characterized by split in the upper lip, occurs when the tissue that makes up the lip does not join completely. On the other hand, a cleft palate occurs when the tissue that makes up the roof of the mouth does not join completely and is characterized by openings in the upper lip. Treatment for cleft lip and cleft palate include one or more surgical processes. Usually some type of orthodontic treatment like nasal alveolar molding (NAM) is performed prior to surgery to guide the growth of the mouth in the
Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery
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right direction. With NAM, it is possible to reduce the number of surgeries. The technique offers many benefits: • Accurate repair of cleft lip by bringing the edges closer • Correction of nasal deformity, by creating a natural looking nose • Repositioning of the infant’s alveolar ridges and restoring its normal anatomic alignment • Improving the results of surgery Microtia/Ear Reconstruction In microtia, pinna or outer ear is underdeveloped. It is characterized by a smaller outer ear or its complete absence. This rare condition happens only in 1 in 7000 babies. Ear reconstruction surgery using a rib graft is the appropriate and most common procedure used to correct this deformity. The procedure involves the creation of a new ear from the child’s own tissue. The framework for creating the new ear is taken from child’s ribcage. The stages involved in reconstructive ear surgery are: • Attachment of this rib graft to the ear opening using fine sutures • Attachment of the earlobe • Elevation or lifting of the external contours of the ear • Forming of the tragus and external canal
Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery
1-713-791-0700
This procedure is also used to correct other conditions such as an incomplete ear with closed off external ear canal, anotia (non-existence of the whole ear), the non-existence of the external ear, ear drum, and external ear canal. Obstructive Sleep Apnea In obstructive sleep apnea, breathing is interrupted by physical obstruction of airflow. It is characterized by complete or partial blockage in the upper airway during sleep. Common symptoms of the conditions include difficult breathing, habitual snoring, observed apneas, restless sleep, and daytime neurobehavioral problems. Though various treatments are available to correct this disorder, mandibular distraction is considered an ideal option. The procedure widens the lower jaw bone to enhance airway functioning. Conditions of the Jaw Orthognathic jaw surgery is often performed to correct any discrepancy between the size of jaws (lower or upper or both) and to improve patient’s facial appearance. The procedure corrects any differences between the size of jaws in relation to each other and the base of the skull. It also eliminates functional problems associated with misalignment of teeth while chewing, eating, breathing, and speaking. The surgery involves three stages. • Stage I: Proper positioning of teeth with orthodontic braces
Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery
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• Stage II: Moving jaw fragments to a pre-planned position, where they are fixed using bone plates and/or screws • Stage III: The braces are removed and during this stage the patient can feel the best possible ‘fit’ of their teeth Brachial Plexus Injury The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that conducts signals from the spinal cord. Injuries caused to these nerves are simply referred to as brachial plexus injury. As these nerves are responsible for providing movement and sensation to the shoulder, arm and hand, any injury to these nerves may cause severe pain in shoulders or arms and often limit movement or decrease the sensation in these areas. The extent of injury determines the treatment for brachial plexus injury. • For small injuries --- Therapies or non surgical treatment procedures • For severe injuries --- Scar removal and/or direct nerve repair Breast Reconstruction Those who have undergone mastectomy form the majority of the candidates for breast reconstruction. In this
Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery
1-713-791-0700
procedure, the normal shape and fullness of breast can be restored with either of the following techniques. • Implants: - Reconstruction with breast implants filled with saline or silicone gel • DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction: - In this method, the patient's own abdominal skin and fat is used to recreate natural, warm, and soft breasts. Regardless of the issue, it is essential to consult a Texasbased plastic surgeon experienced in reconstructive procedures to achieve optimal results.