TraumatologyP-34095537-322The importance of soft tissue adjustment in midface trauma sequelae

Abstract

<h3>Purpose</h3> The aim of this study is to investigate the contribution of soft tissue adjustment surgery in reestablishing contour, volume, and function in cases with different posttraumatic midface defects. <h3>Materials and Methods</h3> We reviewed 19 patients with deformities of the midface following trauma in which soft tissue surgery was performed. We documented the type of posttraumatic sequelae and the surgical results. The surgical outcomes were evaluated clinically and by photographic measurements and were related to the type of residual posttraumatic defect. <h3>Results</h3> Considering the defect's structure, in 8 of the patients the sequelae involved strictly the soft tissues, in 5 cases strictly the skeletal frame, while in the other 6 cases both the soft tissues and bone were affected. Fourteen of the patients had primary surgery in the acute trauma setting. The other 5 cases presented late due to associated lesions that delayed primary repair. The procedures consisted of lipostructure in 9 patients, silicone implant placement in 3 patients, suture suspension in 7 cases, canthoplasty in 5 cases, scar revision in 7 patients. Eight patients had multiple corrective procedures. From the total, 5 cases had purely aesthetic complaints, while in 14 of them, there were associated functional disturbances. Following corrective surgery there were aesthetic improvements in all the included cases. Twelve of the patients also noticed an important benefit regarding functional improvement. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The results of this study underline the importance of modelling the soft tissues for optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes in the management of midface trauma sequelae.