Physical trauma can change a person’s life, and appearance, in an instant. Whether the trauma occurs as a result of a car accident, burn, attack or another injury, the effects can be disfiguring and long-lasting.
Fortunately, several plastic surgery procedures are available to help restore the appearance and confidence of victims of physical trauma. The type of surgery that is best for a person depends on the source of the trauma and the location of the disfigurement. Whether you or someone you love has been a victim of trauma and is looking to rebuild their life, learn more about the possible treatments available.
Septoplasty
The septum is the piece of cartilage and bone that divides the nostrils. If the septum leans too far to one side or the other, it can block the nasal passages, making it difficult to breathe. Some people are born with a deviated septum. Others can develop a deviated septum after an injury or trauma.
If the deviated septum interferes with the function of the nose excessively, surgery to correct it, known as a septoplasty, can help. During a septoplasty, a plastic surgeon will adjust the position of the septum, so that it is more balanced and so that it doesn’t block one side of the nose or the other.
A septoplasty can improve the function of the nose after physical trauma. It doesn’t change the appearance of the nose, though. If a person hopes to improve the look of the nose as well as its function, they might consider a combined septoplasty and rhinoplasty.
Rhinoplasty
Although many people consider rhinoplasty to be a purely cosmetic procedure, it can be performed for reconstructive purposes or to help improve the function of the nose. After an accident or physical trauma, a person might choose to have rhinoplasty to correct a nose that leans too far to one side, that is sunken in on one side or another or that is otherwise deformed.
If the physical trauma has only affected the appearance of the nose and not its overall function, then rhinoplasty on its own might be sufficient for restoring a person’s confidence and appearance.
Earlobe Repair
In some cases, the ears are the first thing people notice when they look at another person. Ears that are uneven or that protrude from the sides of the head are likely to call more attention to themselves than ears that are balanced or that sit closer to the sides of the head. Another factor that can make the ears stand out is damage to the earlobe.
Earlobe damage can develop for a variety of reasons. A person might have willfully caused damage to the earlobes by wearing heavy earrings or by stretching out the piercings. An accident or trauma can also damage the earlobes. Damaged earlobes might be split or torn.
Luckily, earlobe repair surgery can correct issues, such as tears, splits or oversized piercings. The surgery can also reshape earlobes that might have become deformed as a result of injury or trauma.
Earlobe repair surgery is relatively straightforward. Depending on the issue, a plastic surgeon will remove the damaged tissue or otherwise rearrange and reposition it. After the surgery is over, a person can expect to have earlobes that are intact and that look natural.
Scar Revision
Victims of physical trauma often develop scars as a result of the injuries they’ve experienced. Depending on the location of the scars, they can be a source of shame and an ongoing reminder of the pain a person experienced.
Fortunately, there are several scar revision procedures available to minimize the appearance of scarring. The best method of removing or revising a scar will depend on the type of scar and its location. In some cases, a surgeon might use dermabrasion or laser skin resurfacing to remove the top layer of skin and to encourage the production of new, healthy skin cells to replace the scar.
Dermabrasion is typically the preferred resurfacing technique for scar removal. During it, a surgeon uses a tool with a rotating brush attachment. The brush sloughs off the top layer of skin, allowing new skin cells to form.
Surgical techniques might also be used to remove a scar or to make it less visible. Geometric Broken Line Closure and Z-plasty are two examples of surgical methods used to reduce or change the appearance of scars. In some cases, surgery might be combined with a resurfacing procedure to produce the best results.
Reconstructive surgery can help you look better and feel better following physical trauma or injury. If you’re not sure whether surgery would be right for you or what surgical option would best meet your needs, the plastic surgeons at the Naderi Center can help. Our team of board-certified plastic surgeons specializes in distinct areas, such as nasal surgery, facial surgery, and body/ breast procedures. If you’re ready to rebuild your life and your looks after a trauma, contact our practice to schedule a consultation today.
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