Disfiguring trauma to the nose can be markedly improved with reconstructive rhinoplasty. Whether the nasal deformity is a result of cancer surgery or a traumatic accident, a successful outcome depends upon your surgeon's skill and artistic eye. In reconstructive rhinoplasty, the surgeon must return the nose to a more normal state, both aesthetically and functionally. Often this requires reshaping the nose and replacing missing skin and cartilaginous support tissue.

Reconstruction Rhinoplasty After Cancer Surgery

Patients coming to Dr. Lampert with nasal skin cancer often will require a noticeable portion of skin tissue removed along with the cancerous cells. This very visible disfigurement often leaves them self conscious and emotionally stressed.

Accepted treatment involves a surgical procedure to excise the cancer. The margins (or edges) of the excision are checked under a microscope to ensure that all of the tumor has been excised. Most skin cancer excision is typically done by a plastic surgeon or surgical oncologist. A separate expert pathologist is able to look at the slides immediately, determining if more cancerous skin must be removed.

The cancer surgeon will continue to remove thin layers of tissue until there is no evidence of cancer cells under the microscope. Skin cancer excision can leave a large depression in facial tissue or a complete absence of part of the nose, such as the nostrils.

Patients in Mami who are planning to undergo skin cancer excision should arrange to see a board certified plastic surgeon immediately after their cancer excision procedure with their dermatologist. If a large defect is created with cancer excision, patients typically want to have their reconstructive surgery done immediately. Sometimes, it is very difficult to determine the actual size and depth of the subsequent facial defect after cancer removal. Seeing a fully capable and experienced board certified plastic surgeon with further specialty training in reconstruction of the nose and face is very important for skin cancer patients. This will allow the highest chance for a successful surgery to restore a normal appearance to the nose and face in general. Dr. Lampert coordinates his surgical plan with the patient’s cancer surgeon in order to afford patients the least amount of stress and healing time. This also allows patients a faster return toward a normal appearance and their regular daily lives.

What is Involved in Reconstructive Rhinoplasty?

Reconstructive rhinoplasty can involve scar revision, the use of skin flaps or skin grafts to replace missing tissue, and also functional rhinoplasty to reopen airways. If cartilage has been damaged or removed, reshaping of the nose will be done frequently using cartilage from the patient’s ear, septum, or rib.

In an accident or sports injury, the nose, by virtue of its prominent location on the face, tends to receive the brunt of the destructive force. There can be severe loss of functionality as well as a cosmetic disfigurement with such nasal trauma. It is crucial that nasal function is fully restored to assure the patient’s future health. While aesthetics are almost as important, impaired breathing can have far reaching impacts on a patient’s and overall health.

Consult a Rhinoplasty Reconstructive Surgeon

Dr. Lampert’s goal is to create a nose that functions properly and looks aesthetically pleasing, thereby restoring self confidence to his patients. This may take several surgeries, depending on the extent and severity of the damage. For the most severe situations, such as nasal amputation, staged surgeries must allow adequate healing in between stages before continuing with the reconstruction. Patients who elect to have cosmetic aspects of their nose changed, in combination with the reconstructive surgery, can discuss this with Dr. Lampert as this is an excellent time to deal with any such issues.

During your consultation in Miami, Dr. Lampert will discuss your concerns and image goals and will get a general health profile. He will then discuss the options available for reconstruction and any additional procedures that may be desired. By the end of the consultation, you should fully understand the process and the timeline for achieving your surgical goals. Restoring balance and symmetry to the face is possible after injury or cancer surgery when being treated by an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon.