Semin Plast Surg 2017; 31(02): 073-079
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1601381
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA

Soft Tissue Management in Facial Trauma

Tara L. Braun
1   Division of Plastic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
,
Renata S. Maricevich
1   Division of Plastic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
09 May 2017 (online)

Abstract

The management of soft tissue injury after facial trauma poses unique challenges to the plastic surgeon, given the specialized nature of facial tissue and the aesthetic importance of the face. The general principles of trauma management and wound care are applied in all cases. The management of severe injuries to the face is discussed in relation to the location and the mechanism of injury. Facial transplants have arisen in the past decade for the management of catastrophic soft tissue defects, although high morbidity and mortality after these non-life-saving operations must be considered in patient selection.