GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Reconstructive surgery for facial and palatal clefts is intended to restore "normalcy" to the facial appearance and to restore normal function to the face and palate.
• Realistic expectations are the key to success.
• Safety is paramount
• Natural results are the goal of any purely cosmetic surgery or procedure.

PROBLEM:

• Any abnormality of the face or neck, whether from the birth defect itself, or from the trauma of previous surgery.

GOALS:

• Restore normal function and appearance.

LIMITATIONS:

• Cannot recreate undamaged skin
• May not completely alter developmental asymmetries
• Cannot prevent changes that occur with development
• Cannot solve personal problems of patients or parents

GOALS MAY ONLY BE PARTIALLY MET

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

• Aging and development will continue

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE / ANESTHESIA/ FACILITY:

• General anesthesia may be necessary for some deformities, although local may be used in certain cases.

POST-PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS:

• Ice packs are generally applied to the area of surgery immediately after procedure.
• Continue ice packs until sleep on day of procedure.
• Continue ice packs intermittently as much as possible on day 2.