What is Facial Plastic Surgery and How Does it Work?

Facial plastic surgery is a surgical specialty focused exclusively on the reconstruction, restoration, and rejuvenation of the face, head, and neck. A qualified facial plastic surgeon is typically a board-certified otolaryngologist (ENT) who has completed additional, rigorous fellowship training in plastic and reconstructive surgery of the face. This extensive training provides an unparalleled understanding of the delicate interplay between the skin, muscles, cartilage, and bone that define our facial structure and function. The field is broadly divided into two areas: reconstructive surgery, which corrects defects from trauma, disease, or birth, and cosmetic surgery, which enhances aesthetic appearance.

At Pittsburgh ENT and Allergy Partners, our approach to facial reconstructive surgery works by first conducting a meticulous evaluation of your condition. We use advanced diagnostic tools to assess the extent of the damage or the nature of the growth. From there, we develop a precise surgical plan tailored to your specific needs. Our primary objective is to restore normalcy in both appearance and function. This could mean repairing a fractured bone, carefully excising a tumor while minimizing scarring, or reconstructing tissue to achieve a natural-looking result. We blend technical skill with an artistic eye to achieve outcomes that help you move forward with confidence.

What is Involved in Facial Trauma Treatment?

Facial trauma refers to any physical injury to the face, including soft tissue injuries like lacerations and deeper injuries involving facial bones, such as a broken nose or jaw. These injuries are often the result of accidents, falls, or sports injuries and require immediate, expert care. Effective facial trauma treatment is critical not only for cosmetic reasons but also to ensure that vital functions like breathing, sight, and chewing are not compromised. The complexity of the face means that even a minor fracture can have significant long-term consequences if not treated correctly.

Our surgeons at Pittsburgh ENT and Allergy Partners are experts in managing acute facial injuries. Treatment varies depending on the severity and location of the trauma. For complex lacerations, we use specialized suturing techniques to minimize scarring. For facial fractures, we may need to perform a surgical procedure to realign and stabilize the broken bones using small plates and screws. As ENT specialists, we pay close attention to associated structures like the sinuses and nasal passages, ensuring your recovery restores both your appearance and your ability to breathe freely. Our goal is to provide comprehensive care that addresses every aspect of your injury.

How Do You Perform Removal of Skin Lesions and Soft Tissue Tumors?

The removal of skin lesions and soft tissue tumors from the face is a common procedure that requires a high degree of precision. These growths can range from benign moles and cysts to malignant skin cancers like melanoma or basal cell carcinoma. Given the visibility of the face, the primary goals of removal are twofold: to completely excise the abnormal tissue and to leave behind the most minimal and aesthetically pleasing scar possible. A facial plastic surgeon is uniquely qualified to achieve both objectives.

Our process for soft tissue tumor removal begins with a thorough diagnosis, which may involve a biopsy to determine if the lesion is cancerous. During the surgical removal, we carefully plan our incisions, often placing them within natural skin creases to hide future scars. For cancerous lesions, we ensure a clear margin of healthy tissue is removed to reduce the risk of recurrence. We then use advanced closure techniques to repair the wound layer by layer, meticulously realigning the skin edges. This approach provides the best possible cosmetic outcome while prioritizing your long-term health.