Soft Tissue Reconstruction of the Maxillofacial Region

Abstract

Arguably the greatest challenge within Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is reconstruction following major trauma or oncologic ablative surgery that restores the patient’s pre-morbid quality of life. Satisfactory reconstruction of the maxillofacial region needs to address both cosmetic and often functional concerns beyond those encountered at other sites in the body. Even small facial defects can lead to cosmetic deformity that impacts significantly on a patient’s psychosocial well-being if not reconstructed appropriately. There have been many technological advances over the last few decades, particularly with respect to free tissue transfer and transplantation. In contrast, a number of techniques have ancient origins that have been refined over the years. Many defects will have multiple reconstructive options and a number of factors require consideration to decide which are appropriate for an individual patient. In this chapter anatomical units of the oral cavity (lip, cheek, tongue, floor of mouth and palate), and face (forehead, orbit, nose, cheek and ear) are considered in turn, with reconstructive options presented from simple to complex.