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Facial Reconstruction Table of Contents

Transforming Faces: Innovative Facial Reconstruction

When we initially meet a person, the first area we look at is their face. If the face has deformities or flaws due to congenital abnormalities, injury, or trauma, it can cause a person to lack confidence and become insecure about their facial appearance. At the Aesthetic Facial Plastic Surgery Center, we offer the latest and most innovative facial cosmetic surgery techniques to rebuild the contours and improve the function of the face.

Why Choose Dr. Pontell?

Dr. Jonathan Pontell is a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who is honored to assist patients with facial damage to achieve a more natural appearance and improve their confidence and quality of life. With 27 years of experience in the medical field since graduating with his Doctor of Medicine degree from Jefferson Medical College, Dr. Pontell is highly trained in the latest advancements in reconstructive and cosmetic procedures.

Dr. Pontell’s practice, the Aesthetic Facial Plastic Surgery Center, provides patients with a comfortable, high-end atmosphere where they can experience a truly transformative aesthetic alteration. Known for his expertise, Dr. Pontell ensures patients are delighted with their results and surgical experience, which is why he has received Vital Magazine’s Patients’ Choice Award for the last five years.

What Is Facial Reconstruction?

Any trauma to the face or congenital abnormality offsets the natural balance and proportion of the facial features. These facial asymmetries and imperfections can affect the aesthetics and function of the face, which then impacts how confident a patient feels in their personal or professional life.

Thankfully, there is a solution that can inspire a renewed connection to align the patient's physical appearance with how they feel inside. With several facial reconstruction procedures available, we can help a person restore their facial appearance and enhance their natural beauty and function.

Facial Reconstruction Before & After

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Achieved with Facial Reconstruction

Improved Facial Scars and Defects

Scarring can develop due to acne, genetic defects, severe burns, skin cancer, or trauma. A person may feel that their scars make them appear unattractive and unappealing. Dr. Pontell utilizes scar revision therapy to treat many types of scars, such as contracture burn scars that can affect the muscles in the face and neck, keloid scars that appear as growths on a trauma site, depressed scars, and hypertrophic scars. There are many different procedural options to eliminate scarring and deformities that meet every patient’s particular needs and circumstances.

Correction of Facial Nerve Paralysis

Trauma, cancer removal, and stroke can often result in nerve and tissue damage in the face. Facial nerve paralysis can cause the face to sag or droop on one side. This unbalanced appearance can be unflattering and functionally disturbing to natural facial movements. Some patients who have facial nerve paralysis have problems with blinking, eating, drinking, and smiling. After undergoing facial reconstruction, they can expect to achieve an improvement in aesthetics and an overall better-functioning face.

Regained Confidence

Scarring or nerve paralysis of the face can put a massive dent in someone’s self-confidence. They may avoid social interactions or having pictures taken of them due to their facial appearance. After undergoing one or a combination of facial reconstruction procedures, patients no longer feel self-conscious about how they look. Many will feel happy to show off their newly rejuvenated look and no longer shy away from the camera and attending social events.

Your Initial Consultation

During your consultation with Dr. Pontell, you will discuss your goals, and he will evaluate your facial anatomy. He will examine your facial tissues to determine what changes can be made to improve the structure of the face by diminishing the appearance of facial flaws and deformities. Dr. Pontell offers computer imaging to give patients a better idea of their potential results. After reviewing the procedure and your goals, he will suggest the best surgery plan for your individual needs.

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Facial Reconstruction Procedure

Dr. Pontell offers a variety of techniques and options to provide a personal facial reconstruction experience. Depending on the patient, Dr. Pontell will either perform facial reconstruction utilizing skin grafts or flap surgery. During skin graft surgery, skin is harvested from another area of the patient’s body and used to improve the form and function of the open wounds on the face and neck.

The graft donor site usually heals as a straight-line scar and is taken from an inconspicuous area. We perform three different types of skin grafts: a split-thickness skin graft made only of surface skin cells, a full-thickness skin graft of all the skin layers, and a composite graft that requires the cartilage and support structures to be harvested.

Patients who have had an accident or injury, have experienced developmental deformities, or have other facial and neck conditions such as skin cancer are ideal for flap surgery. The adjacent skin and tissue connected to the blood supply cover a wound on the face or neck.

Recovery Process

Patients must designate a person to drive them to and from surgery and care for them during recovery. Some common after-effects of surgery involve swelling, discoloration, or discomfort for up to two weeks. Initial healing will take several weeks as the new scar heals and slowly fades and refines. Patients should avoid sun exposure and follow the post-surgical instructions provided by the doctor.

Will There Be a Scar?

Scarring will vary depending on the facial cosmetic surgery technique employed and the patient’s level of healing. Dr. Pontell makes incisions as inconspicuous as possible, and they will slowly fade over time.

Is the Recovery Painful?

There will be some pain and discomfort that can be controlled with TYLENOL® or prescribed medication. Most patients only report minimal pain that subsides within a few days to a week.

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Am I a Good Candidate for Facial Reconstruction?

A good candidate for facial reconstruction has a facial scar, deformity, or congenital disability that they would like correct to create more pleasing facial aesthetics and to achieve better facial function. It is vital that patients are physically healthy, do not smoke, do not have any active acne or skin diseases, and are realistic in their expectations.

Revision Facial Reconstruction

Dr. Pontell sees a significant number of patients who have had facial reconstruction with another doctor and are not happy with the results. It is advisable to wait at least six months after the initial surgery to assess the final results. After this period, a revision reconstruction can be done.

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FAQ

Will I still look like myself after facial reconstruction?

Will I have to stay overnight in a hospital?

How long will my facial reconstruction results last?

Can I undergo additional procedures along with my facial reconstruction?

Will I still look like myself after facial reconstruction?

Facial reconstruction will not dramatically alter your look, but it will correct facial deformities and flaws while creating a natural-looking appearance. Although some scarring is involved, once healing is complete, patients will notice a fresher look that is rejuvenated and refined.

Will I have to stay overnight in a hospital?

Facial reconstruction is an outpatient procedure performed in a hospital, surgicenter, or office, but patients can return home after their surgery.

How long will my facial reconstruction results last?

Patients who avoid sun exposure, avoid smoking, and maintain healthy habits are more likely to achieve lasting results that they can enjoy for many years. However, the face may change due to the natural aging process and environmental factors.

Can I undergo additional procedures along with my facial reconstruction?

Many patients who want an overall rejuvenated appearance often undergo complementary procedures, such as laser skin resurfacing and injectable treatments.

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