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Head and face reconstruction - Risks

Alternative Names

Craniofacial reconstruction; Orbital-craniofacial surgery; Facial reconstruction

Risks:

Risks from any anesthesia are:

  • Problems breathing
  • Reactions to medications

Risks from any surgery are:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection

Other risks from surgery of the head and face are:

  • Nerve (cranial nerve dysfunction) or brain damage
  • Need for follow-up surgery, especially in growing children
  • Partial or total loss of bone grafts
  • Permanent scarring

These complications are more common in people who:

  • Smoke
  • Have poor nutrition
  • Have other medical conditions, such as lupus
  • Have poor blood circulation
  • Have past nerve damage
  • Reviewed last on: 5/6/2011
  • Shabir Bhimji, MD, PhD, Specializing in General Surgery, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Midland, TX. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

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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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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