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| If you are considering cosmetic surgery in Vero Beach, FL, Dr. J. Andrew Colgan offers the highest oral surgery, cosmetic facial surgery and reconstructive surgery care in the Vero Beach area | |
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Closure/Reconstruction of Soft Tissue Lacerations and Defects
Lacerations, or cuts to the skin and underlying tissues, often generate crushed, jagged edges to skin. In rare instances, skin or underlying tissues are lost (avulsion) or blood supply to the damaged tissues is permanently compromised.
Immediately following trauma, Dr. Colgan’s primary goal is to restore the integrity of the protective barrier of the skin in order to prevent infection and further loss of tissue. If Dr. Colgan is not able to primarily repair (immediately post-injury) the area, patients will require reconstructive procedures such as scar revision, dermabrasion or even grafting to repair damaged structures. Dr. Colgan has comprehensive and extensive training and experience in the treatment and reconstruction of complex cranio-maxillofacial injuries.
Management of All Facial Fractures to Include Frontal Sinus, Le Fort Maxillary Fractures, Zygoma Fractures, Mandibular Fractures and Dentoalveolar Fractures
Injuries to the face, by their very nature, impart a high degree of emotional, as well as physical trauma to patients. The science and art of treating these injuries requires special training involving a "hands on" experience and an understanding of how the treatment provided will influence the patient's long term function and appearance.
The Nature of Maxillofacial Trauma
There are a number of possible causes of facial trauma. Motor vehicle accidents, accidental falls, sports injuries, interpersonal violence and work related injuries account for many. Types of facial injuries can range from injuries of teeth to extremely severe injuries of the skin and bones of the face. Typically, facial injuries are classified as either soft tissue injuries (skin and gums), bony injuries (fractures), or injuries to special regions (such as the eyes, facial nerves or the salivary glands).
Soft Tissue Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region
When soft tissue injuries such as lacerations occur on the face, they are repaired by "suturing". In addition to the obvious concern of providing a repair which yields the best cosmetic result possible, care is taken to inspect for and treat injuries to structures such as facial nerves, salivary glands and salivary ducts (or outflow channels). Dr. Colgan is well-trained and proficient at diagnosing and treating all types of facial lacerations.
Bone Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region
Fractures of the bones of the face are treated in a manner similar to the fractures in other parts of the body. The specific form of treatment is determined by various factors, which include the location of the fracture, the severity of the fracture, and the age and general health of the patient. When an arm or a leg is fractured, a "cast" is often applied to stabilize the bone and allow for proper healing. Since a cast cannot be placed on the face, other means have been developed to stabilize facial fractures.
One of these options involves wiring the jaws together for certain fractures of the upper and/or lower jaw. However, certain other types of fractures of the jaw are best treated and stabilized by the surgical placement of small "plates and screws" at the involved site. This technique of treatment can often allow for healing and obviates the necessity of having the jaws wired together. This technique is called "rigid fixation" of a fracture. The relatively recent development and use of "rigid fixation" has profoundly improved the recovery period for many patients by allowing them to return to normal function more quickly.
The treatment of facial fractures should be accomplished in a thorough and predictable manner. Importantly, the patient's facial appearance should be minimally affected. An attempt at accessing the facial bones through the fewest incisions necessary is always made. At the same time, the incisions that become necessary are designed to be small and, whenever possible, are placed so that the resultant scar is "hidden".
Injuries to the Teeth and Surrounding Dental Structures
Isolated injuries to teeth are quite common and may require the expertise of various dental specialists. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons usually are involved in treating fractures in the supporting bone or in replanting teeth which have been displaced or "knocked out". These types of injuries are treated by one of a number of forms of "splinting" (stabilizing by wiring or bonding teeth together). If a tooth is "knocked out", it should be placed in salt water or milk. The sooner the tooth is re-inserted into the dental socket, the better for the survival of the tooth. Therefore, the patient should see a dentist or Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon as soon as possible. Never attempt to "wipe the tooth off", since remnants of the ligament which hold the tooth in the jaw are attached and are vital to the success of replanting the tooth. Other dental specialists may be called upon, such as endodontists, who may be asked to perform root canal therapy, and/or restorative dentists who may need to repair or rebuild fractured teeth. In the event that injured teeth cannot be saved or repaired, dental implants are often now utilized as replacements for missing teeth.
Dr. Colgan has trained at several prestigious Level I Trauma centers and is well versed in the emergency care, acute treatment and long term reconstruction and rehabilitation of the facial trauma patient.
Pediatric Facial Trauma
In addition to the treatment of adult trauma, Dr. Colgan trained at the University of Oklahoma Children’s Medical Center, a Level I Trauma center for injured children. He is well versed in the special needs of the pediatric patient.
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