Craniofacial surgery
What is craniofacial surgery?
Risks
About the Penn program
What is craniofacial
surgery?
Penn’s plastic surgeons are internationally
recognized experts in craniofacial reconstructive
surgery. This type of surgery to the head or
face can correct a birth defect or restore normal
appearance after an accident or cancer treatment.
In some cases, surgeons will move soft tissue
and bone from one part of the body to restore
symmetry and normal appearance in the head or
face. In other cases, man-made materials, like
cheek or chin implants, are used.
Because birth defects and the effects of trauma
and cancer are unique, the results of craniofacial
surgery vary. Even after several surgeries,
your appearance may still be different, though
almost certainly improved. However, most imperfections,
ranging from the smallest to the most severe,
can be improved or concealed.
Risks and recovery
Surgery has risks, but you can help minimize
complications by carefully following your physician's
instructions both before and after surgery.
Talk with your plastic surgeon to be sure you
understand the potential risks and complications.
If you don't understand something, ask!
After craniofacial reconstruction, a patient
can expect to have some swelling for up to three
months while the wound heals. Carefully following
your doctor’s postoperative orders will
help speed recovery.
About the Penn program
The University of Pennsylvania Health System
Division of Plastic Surgery is recognized for
excellence in craniofacial surgery. Penn doctors
treat patients from around the world with the
most problems from the most routine to the most
complex.
The craniofacial reconstruction program has
an exemplary safety record. This is due in part
to the experience of Penn’s world-class
doctors, infrastructure of excellence and its
entire specialty and
support staff.
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