Every person's anatomy is a little different, so the facial reconstruction surgeons at Washington University Department of Otolaryngology take a unique, individualized approach for each patient. Skillful reconstruction is critical because the face, head, and neck are high-impact areas and they contain most of our sensory systems. Even beyond function, our face is also the primary way that people recognize us. Reconstructive surgery can range from the very complicated resulting from trauma, accidents and cancer, to the more minor, such as remediating acne scarring. At times, it may include revision and camouflage procedures done to correct prior surgeries done elsewhere.

Soft tissue and skeletal injuries to the face, head and neck are not uncommon occurrences and they take an emotional as well as a physical toll on the individual. Daily living offers many opportunities for such injuries to occur, such as automobile accidents, accidental falls, sports injuries, cancer surgery, birth disfigurements, and work related injuries. Fortunately, many of the effects of these injuries can be improved with facial reconstruction surgery.

Treatment Specialists
Gregory H. Branham, M.D.

Patients seen at:
West County Office
605 Old Ballas Road, Suite 100
Creve Coeur, Missouri 63141

TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL 314-996-3880

Facial Trauma Reconstruction
Specific methods of facial reconstruction will depend largely on the type of injury and the kind of tissue that needs to be replaced. Many injuries that only involve the skin and soft tissues may just require scar revision or scar camouflage techniques.

More complex trauma may involve bony (hard tissues) or a combination of bony and soft tissue injuries. These reconstructions often require multiple operations to achieve the ultimate desired goal for both function and appearance. They may sometimes require a team approach with other specialists in areas such as eye plastic surgery, dermatology, head and neck reconstructive surgery or general plastic surgery. The ultimate goal for these specialists is the best possible outcome for the patient. That means restoring both an aesthetic appearance without sacrificing long-term functionality of the anatomical organs and structures of the face, head and neck.

Facial Implants
Placed in the chin, jaw, or cheek, facial implants can produce a more contoured, and normal looking face. Facial implants can improve your appearance by balancing the symmetry of the face or by filling in defects caused by the trauma or as part of the whole reconstructive process.

When complicated facial reconstruction is needed, facial implants (link to new facial implant page) are part of the arsenal surgeons have to recreate both an aesthetically pleasing and functional face.

Mohs Surgery and Skin Cancer Reconstruction
Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized surgical treatment that is designed to remove skin cancer while saving as much healthy tissue as possible. It offers a high five-year cure rate - up to 99 % for basal cell carcinomas and up to 97 % for squamous cell carcinoma. Mohs surgery for facial cancer sometimes causes scarring or indentations in the facial skin. Sometimes the cancer excision involves significant soft tissue loss and structural defects, causing the disfigurement of natural features.

Patients are seen by the cosmetic reconstructive specialist after a malignant lesion has been removed from their face or neck by a Mohs specialist. Many new techniques have been developed to deal with these defects, including skin grafting and complex facial flaps. Because each region of the head and neck presents its own challenging and unique anatomy, this surgery demands a skilled specialist with years of experience to preserve functionality and restore a patient’s natural appearance.

The reconstructive surgery may be done the same or following day as the Mohs surgery. On larger cases that are performed under general anesthesia, reconstruction may be completed in tandem with the Mohs surgeon as part of a single procedure in the operating room.

Following the initial reconstructive surgery, many things can be done to help camouflage scars and enhance overall appearance and function. Such procedures include scar revision, dermabrasion and laser resurfacing. The goal is to have a scar or reconstruction that does not draw attention to you as you carry out your daily activities.

Scar Revision / Camouflage
Most people are self-conscious about facial scars. Although scars cannot be removed completely, it is possible to minimize, camouflage or hide them through facial plastic surgery. Scars can result from trauma or surgery to the face, burns, infections, and acne. Often the type of scar determines which technique will provide the best result. Scar revision (link to new scar revision page) is done using a variety of techniques.

The Washington University Advantage
The facial plastic surgeons in the Department of Otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat) at Washington University Physicians, brings patients a unique blend of extensive training and experience in surgery of the head and neck as well as plastic and reconstructive surgery. This combination provides patients with a thorough understanding of the functions and structures of the mouth, throat, ears and nose, as well as the plastic surgery aspects of facial skin and musculature, scalp and neck. Well known for success with very complicated reconstructive surgeries due to cancer, trauma and accidents, our surgeons also offers a full range of cosmetic procedures. Facial plastic surgeons work exclusively on the face, head and neck, and develop a special expertise from the concentrated experience.

For more information on cosmetic enhancements and to view before and after photos of reconstructive surgery, facelifts, brow lifts, blepharoplasty (eye surgery), rhinoplasty (nose surgery), chemical peels or skin resurfacing, cosmetic facial fillers, and facial implants, visit the Facial Plastic Surgery Center web site.

About Us

Cosmetic Surgery - Facelifts (Rhytidectomy)

Cosmetic Surgery - Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Cosmetic Surgery - Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

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Cochlear Implants in Children

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Cochlear Implants in Adults - Patient Stories

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