Although most people who seek facial plastic surgery do so because they want to look better, some people have a much more basic need: to look normal. Injury, birth defect, or cancer surgery can have a devastating impact on facial appearance. Often the function of facial structures may be compromised as well. In such cases, specialized reconstructive techniques are needed to repair functional deficits and restore a more normal appearance.

Facial reconstructive surgery focuses on repairing muscles, cartilage, bone and soft tissues of the face. Reconstructive procedures may be needed to correct conditions that have resulted from:

• Skin cancer
• Head & neck tumors
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Cycling mishaps
• Serious falls
• Violent assaults
• Infections
• Birth defects

The goal of facial reconstructive surgery is to restore normal function and appearance. Because every facial injury or defect is unique, reconstructive procedures are highly individualized. The treatment plans are customized for the specific facial deformity.

Facial reconstructive surgery often must be done in several stages. Soft tissue repair may involve replacing damaged tissue with grafts (healthy tissue taken from another part of the body) or flaps. Depressed, volume-deficient areas of the face may require augmentation with surgical-grade synthetic implants or dermal fillers. Broken or shattered facial bones may be repaired and stabilized with screws or plates. Where bone is missing or damaged beyond repair, bone may be taken from the skull, hip or leg and grafted into place. Highly specialized techniques are required to restore normal appearance and function when a patient's face has been paralyzed from injury or unusual medical conditions.

Dr. Morrow is not able to completely remove a scar and make it invisible. Scars, however, can be made less conspicuous by scar revision techniques involving direct excision, reorientation with flaps, replacement with grafts, or resurfacing with the laser.

Since he began his private practice in 1993, Dr. Morrow has used his skills in reconstructive plastic surgery in the Face-to-Face Program: The National Domestic Violence Project. Through the program, Dr. Morrow provides free care to victims of domestic abuse. More recently, Dr. Morrow has joined the Veterans Initiative, providing pro bono services to our veterans who have sustained facial injuries during combat. By repairing facial damage and diminishing external scars, Dr. Morrow plays a role in helping victims heal and begin to rebuild their lives.