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Reconstructive Facial Plastic Surgery

Dr. Mabrie specializes in plastic surgery of the face and neck, which includes both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Having trained at some of the top medical and surgical centers in the U.S., Dr. Mabrie decided to focus his surgical talents on the face, a small but highly sensitive and sophisticated part of our anatomy. He understands that facial deformities can cause his patients both physical and emotional suffering, and he works hard to achieve perfection in his techniques and excellence in his outcomes. If you are considering surgical correction of a facial abnormality, trust Dr. Mabrie to provide you the highest level of care and the latest innovations in the field.

About Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstruction involves much more than cosmetic improvement. The central focus of any reconstructive surgery is improved functionality of an area impaired by birth defects or developmental deformities caused by accidents, infection or disease. But cosmetic concerns are also important, and like Dr. Mabrie, the best reconstructive surgeons are able to increase functionality while also delivering an aesthetically-pleasing result. Common face and neck abnormalities include cleft lip and palate deformities and excess cranial tissue. Developmental deformities might include burn wounds, large cuts or abnormal skin growths that limit facial function.

For instance, the 14 year old patient below suffered from extensive facial paralysis after a dog bite wound on the face. After a surgeon at Stanford University attempted surgical repair, the boy was still unable to move the right side of his mouth and give a full smile. By revising the boy's muscle flap, Dr. Mabrie was able to improve the patient's facial range of motion, giving him new reason, and new ability, to smile.

If you suffer from a facial deformity that is unsightly or causes limited range of motion, consult with Dr. Mabrie to learn more about the techniques he can use to give you better functionality and a more normal appearance.

Performing Facial Scar Revision

In spite of extensive research on wound healing, scar formation remains unpredictable. After a cut, wound or other trauma, the amount and appearance of scarring will depend on such factors as the depth of the wound, the blood supply to the area and the thickness and color of your skin. When serious trauma occurs, scarring can be widespread and can create a very unappealing look. Facial scars in particular, because they are so hard to conceal, can undermine a person's self confidence. In fact, facial scars can remind a person of the traumatic experience and even give the impression that a person is violent.

While facial scars cannot be removed completely, Dr. Mabrie is able to make them straighter, flatter or more even, helping to minimize the traumatic appearance and dissociate the scar and the event. For instance, wide areas of scar tissue can be narrowed, as seen with the young man below who was left with extensive scarring on his forehead after an automobile accident. Dr. Mabrie was able to excise a substantial portion of the scar tissue, leaving a scar that is thinner and much less visible. Generally, facial scars wider than 4 mm (a little over 1/8th of an inch) may be excised and the wound edges drawn together, with the goal of making the new scar only 1 to 2 mm wide.

Also, Dr. Mabrie is able to treat "jagged" or "lumpy" scars that formed after a wound failed to heal properly. Through careful surgical technique, he can give this type of scar a more even and flat texture. Facial scars with irregular or raised borders are excised and re-closed. For example, look at how I was able to minimize the appearance of the dog bite scar on the face of the man below. As this scar healed initially, it became raised with uneven edges. After surgery, I was able to flatten the scar and make it appear less conspicuous, improving the patient's look and self assurance.

The success of any facial scar surgery will depend on such factors as existing scar texture, size, location and the laxity of surrounding skin. While not all scars can be improved surgically, Dr. Mabrie will work hard to find a surgical option that's right for you. If you think there's no way to improve the appearance of your facial scar, don't give up–call 415-445-9513 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mabrie to get his personalized professional opinion. As an expert, he knows how to help, and will be honest with you about what surgery can achieve. Before your consultation, don't forget to print out your $50 savings certificate.

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