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Craniofacial reconstruction; Orbital-craniofacial surgery; Facial reconstruction
You may have to spend the first 2 days after surgery in the intensive care unit. Without complications, most patients are able to leave the hospital within 1 week. Complete healing may take up to 6 weeks.
These surgeries usually lead to a much more normal appearance, even though they can have risks. It is important that people who have face reconstruction avoid contact sports for 2 to 6 months after surgery.
Often some people need to have another surgery. Several procedures may be needed over a period of 1 to 4 years.
People who have had a serious injury often need to work through the emotional issues of the trauma and the change in their appearance. Both children and adults who have had a serious injury may have posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders. Talking to a mental health professional or joining a support group can be helpful.
Parents of children with deformities of the face often feel guilty or ashamed, especially when the deformities are due to a genetic condition. As younger children grow and become aware of their appearance, emotional symptoms may develop or get worse.
Burns JL, Blackwell SJ. Plastic Surgery. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008: chap 73.
Baker SR. Reconstruction of facial defects. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2010:chap 24.
Urken ML, Buchbinder D, Genden EM. Reconstruction of the mandible and maxilla. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, Robbins KT, Thomas JR, eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2005: chap 71.
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