Taking the simple approach to facial reconstruction

Facial reconstruction doesn't have to be as complicated a procedure as it might sound, according to Ken K. Lee, M.D., Oregon Health and Science University.

"A simple approach to facial reconstruction procedures often yields the best, most predictable results," says Dr. Lee, who gave examples for several types of procedures. For example, with linear closures for the nose, "The simplest and most direct approach is to use a vertical incision."

He adds, "The surgeon should undermine beneath the muscle-and-fascial layer - similar to a scalp procedure - and re-approximate the muscle layer."

In his discussion of linear closures for the lip, Dr. Lee says that most small to medium-size lip defects can be closed linearly.

"In this procedure, one should try to keep incisions on the cutaneous lip in a vertical/radial direction, and shouldn't be afraid to cross the vermillion border."