Head and face reconstruction

Injury	Diseases	Nutrition	Poison
Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Skull

(Page 2)

After the Procedure

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.

Outlook (Prognosis)

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.

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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.

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Review Date: 05/06/2011
Reviewed By: 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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).