Facial Reconstruction Surgery in Houston, TX

Having such a deformity, especially on the face, is both psychologically and emotionally traumatizing, but facial reconstructive surgery corrects the damage and restores the face to a more normal appearance for more confidence in your appearance. Reconstructive surgery alters the appearance of abnormal facial structures, as opposed to cosmetic surgery that enhances one’s normal appearance. Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene "Gene" Alford is one of the few doctors with experience in Total Facial Reconstruction, which means he’s capable of replacing the entire face of a patient disfigured by a severe burn, accident, cancer of the head and neck, or other reasons. After the primary treatment for the cause behind the physical deformities, facial reconstructive surgery at Alford Facial Plastic Surgery in Houston, TX can help improve your appearance.

In one of Dr. Gene’s most famous facial reconstruction cases, he led a team of surgeons at Methodist Hospital to re-build Carolyn Thomas’s face after she was shot in the head. Dr. Gene and the other surgeons had to replace most of her face, including the jawbone, left eye, nose, and lips. To learn more about this story, please visit:

http://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/2006/06/22/3173/doctors-construct-a-new-face-for-domestic-abuse-victim/

Over the 20 years that Dr. Gene has been in practice, there have been amazing advances in facial reconstructive surgical techniques. As a specialist in both facial and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Gene uses the most advanced equipment and techniques to create the best results for his patients. Facial reconstruction patients will be put under general anesthesia at Houston Methodist Hospital, and the length of the surgery will depend on your case.

Since facial reconstruction surgery is such a delicate procedure, you will need to spend at least 1 night in the hospital after your surgery. Dr. Gene will perform a follow-up exam the day after your surgery to determine when you are able to leave and finish your recovery at home. Your recovery time depends on complexity of case, the areas treated, and your incision care at home.

Dr. Gene created the 10-foot test to determine when his facial reconstruction is finished: a person standing 10 feet away should not be able to tell that the patient has had reconstructive surgery. Results will vary based on each patient, but Dr. Gene makes every effort to restore the appearance and confidence of his patients. During the consultation, Dr. Gene will talk to you about your concerns, goals, and expectations.

The cost of facial reconstruction will vary widely to reflect the extent and complexity of the surgery. Most reconstructive surgeries are considered medically necessary, so health insurance will typically help with part of the expenses. Dr. Gene participates in the Face to Face program and other charitable organizations that connect patients in need with surgeons and facilities that are willing to donate their time and services.

• Accidents to the face
• Congenital (birth) defects
• Facial disfigurement
• Head and neck cancer
• Injuries to the face
• Severe facial burns
• Side effects of diseases

Most patients who undergo facial reconstructive surgery suffer from either congenital deformity (birth defect) or a developmental deformity due to an infectious disease, cutaneous neoplasm, congenital anomaly, accident, or injury.

Dr. Gene makes every effort to place surgical incisions in areas of the face that cannot be seen or can be easily concealed, but proper scar care after surgery is important for your best results. Dr. Gene or his staff will go over the best ways to care for your scars after surgery so they will heal as flat, smooth, and normal as possible.

Other reconstructive surgeries that may be combined with facial reconstruction surgery include facial paralysis surgery, MOHS reconstruction surgery, orbital decompression surgery, or head and neck reconstruction surgery. A cosmetic surgery or procedure may also be included with the reconstructive surgery to enhance your results.