Head and Neck Reconstruction
RECONSTRUCTION OF THE HEAD AND NECK WITH FAT GRAFTING
Congenital deformities of the head and neck resulting from injury, surgery, medication or medical treatment, radiation, burns or chemical injury can be devastating, particularly when they involve a child or younger adult. Motor vehicle accidents, dog bites, cancer surgery, defects from injections of steroids or other toxic chemicals and military injuries can leave the head and neck with large defects, holes or dents. Fat is the ideal reparative agent in these cases, because it can be placed wherever it is needed to reshape an area, fill in a hole or dent, make the face more symmetric and improve healing of injured tissues by virtue of its stem cell component. Dr. Coleman has treated many unusual conditions, injuries and cancer-related deformities over the years using fat. He is involved in a research and treatment program using fat grafting to treat injured veterans sponsored by the US Military through the Department of Defense. Autologous fat grafting shows much promise as a treatment for war wounds such as shrapnel injuries, skull and facial bone defects, amputated limbs (including painful ones), and burns.
The team at Tribeca Plastic Surgery is particularly gratified when we can improve the appearance of adults or children treated for cancer, born with congenital deformities, or damaged by accident, radiation or surgery. We have successfully treated congenital facial deformities such as Treacher Collins syndrome, skull deformities from injuries or brain surgery, facial asymmetry caused by surgery, neurologic problems, hemi-facial paralysis, radiation and chemotherapy, and scarring from thermal and chemical burns. We can place fat exactly where it is needed to “sculpt” the facial and skull contours — something an implant could never achieve. Particularly in the younger patient, the transplanted fat continues to grow with the recipient over time, maintaining the corrected contours. As transplanted fat has every indication of being permanent, the corrections are long lasting.
Patient had craniotomy for aneurysm over one year before and was left with a significant dent in his left temple going up into his hairline. He also had strange sensations in the area. 2 ½ years after the second of two procedures, the patient not only has a smoother skull, but also his nerve sensation problems have improved.
Dr. Coleman is associated with the National Foundation for Facial Reconstruction at NYU Medical Center, and enjoys being part of a respected team of surgeons whose goal it is to repair congenital and acquired head and neck deformities. Many of these surgeries may be paid in part by insurance, and our office can help determine if your insurance carrier might cover the costs. Our staff is caring and supportive, and we look forward to working with you.
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