Category Plastic Surgery

Nasal Reconstruction

Synopsis Nasal defects pose a unique set of challenges for the reconstructive surgeon given the significance, both functionally and esthetically, and nuanced anatomy of the nasal framework. The character of the defect, including the size, location, depth (layers of tissue…

Ptosis Repair

Synopsis Blepharoptosis or ptosis describes the descent of the upper eyelid below the normal anatomical position, which can result in reduced visual function or, in children, amblyopia. The upper eyelid margin normally lies 0.5 to 2 mm below the superior corneal…

Scalp Reconstruction

Synopsis Scalp defects arise from a variety of etiologies and often have complex presentations. The reconstructive process begins with a thorough defect analysis, including size, location, wound conditions, and possible exposure of underlying structures. Reconstructive options follow the tenets of…

Alveolar Bone Grafting

Synopsis Cleft lip and palate provides a four-dimensional reconstructive challenge, encompassing all tissue types and extending across the age spectrum from infancy into adulthood. This chapter focuses on alveolar bone grafting, a component of cleft reconstruction typically performed in early…

Primary Cleft Palate Repair

Synopsis A cleft palate represents a developmental failure in separating the oral and the nasal cavities. The communication allows for uncontrolled passage of air, liquid, and food between the two cavities, thus significantly impairing feeding and normal speech development. Anatomically,…

Common Free Flaps

Synopsis Free tissue transfer (“free flap”) reconstruction is commonly used to address defects of the body after trauma or tumor resection. A wide variety of tissue flaps exist, and flap selection should be based on requirements for coverage at the…

Microsurgery Essentials

Synopsis Microsurgical techniques are performed with an operating microscope and specialized instruments. They are useful when a skin graft or local flap(s) cannot adequately achieve reconstruction and in replantation surgery or nerve repair. The goal of microsurgical procedures is to…