It’s a sad truth, but one that needs to be stated nonetheless: nearly 25% of women and 14% of men are victims of domestic violence every year. You probably know at least one person in your life who has dealt with physical and emotional abuse at the hands of their partner, though you may not be aware of who it is. Nearly 75% of domestic violence victims receive injuries to their heads and faces, some of which cause severe damage and leave horrible disfiguring scars.
Cosmetic surgery for post-trauma patients can help repair the damage and improve the look of those scars as a way of helping domestic violence victims recover and move forward with their lives after suffering terrible abuse.
Diagnosis and Physical Examination for Cosmetic Surgery After Domestic Abuse
Dr. Bustillo and other facial plastic surgeons provide consultations to domestic violence survivors who have experienced facial injuries to assess the extent of the damage caused by the abuse. During these consultations, Dr. Bustillo can determine what type of cosmetic surgery is best suited for the individual patient and how much of a difference it can make in their appearance.
After that, patients enter into a process of pre-operative care and post-operative recovery that is tailored specifically to their individual needs, helping them to regain control over their looks and reclaim their self-confidence after suffering from domestic violence.
Types of Post-Traumatic Cosmetic Surgery
Facial plastic surgery is an effective way to restore a person’s cosmetic appearance after they have been affected by domestic abuse. This type of procedure is designed to repair the physical damage that has been done and improve the look of scars or a broken nose that may have resulted from violence. Not only does this help someone regain control over their appearance, but it also helps them to reclaim their self-confidence and move forward with their lives after such a traumatic event.
Post-Trauma Rhinoplasty
As the most prominent feature on the face, the nose is often the first thing that gets injured when the face is struck. The nose is also made up of a number of small pieces of cartilage that are fragile and easy to break when there is enough force behind the impact. That’s why it is a very common injury among professional athletes and domestic violence victims.
Reconstructive rhinoplasty after trauma reshapes the nose internally and externally to restore both function and appearance. Once the inside of the nose has been reshaped, the external shape of the nose can be corrected as well. For victims who suffer from disfigured noses that give them a constant reminder of the abuse, having a new nose can be a very important step in moving forward from their ordeal.
Consequences of a Nasal Trauma
When the bones and cartilage in the nose are damaged and don’t heal properly, the structure of the nose is compromised, which can cause the nose to be disfigured and reduce its function. The nose doesn’t have to be totally broken for problems to occur; damage can occur even with less forceful impacts.
When there is a nasal trauma, even if it is not severe enough, it can still cause some nasal septum deviation and other functional problems. This can lead to difficulty with nasal breathing and blockage of the nasal passages due to swelling or an obstruction in the nose.
It is recommended for individuals who have experienced domestic violence or trauma to promptly seek medical care for their noses to prevent additional harm and enhance functionality.
Post-Trauma Scar Revision
The same can be said for victims who suffer from scars that are the result of a traumatic injury to their face. Victims can suffer truly horrible injuries and be left with disfiguring or unsightly scars that continually bring back memories of the abuse. Cosmetic surgeons can use scar revision techniques to improve or minimize scars so that they are less conspicuous.
Scar tissue forms when the skin is injured through cutting, tearing, or burning. The skin has specific proteins and fibers in it that form the scar tissue so the injury is protected while it heals and to keep the skin tougher and safer afterward. Some scars are as minor as a thin white line, while others are rough, thick, bumpy, and itchy known as keloid scars. No matter what kind of scar a victim has, it isn’t always easy to conceal, especially when it’s on their face.
There are multiple ways to revise scar tissue so that it is less noticeable and easier to hide. One way is to completely remove the scar tissue in such a way that the skin will heal in a much smoother fashion. More severe or extensive scarring can sometimes be concealed using skin grafts or flaps to cover up the tissue. Other times the scar tissue can be stretched a little so that it spreads out and is less visible. The method of improving a victim’s scars varies depending on the extent of the injuries and the scar tissue itself, but different approaches can be chosen by the reconstructive surgeon.
The Healing Process after a Post-Traumatic Cosmetic Surgery
Recovering from post-traumatic nose surgery can be both physically and emotionally challenging. After a Miami nose job, a patient may have to wear a nasal cast or an external splint for anywhere between 1-2 weeks depending on the severity of the fractured nose. During this period, patients can typically expect some swelling and bruising around the eyes as well as some nasal pain. The recovery time is usually longer if more extensive reshaping is necessary. It’s important to follow your rhinoplasty surgeon’s instructions closely during this time to ensure proper healing and avoid any potential complications.
It is essential to take care of your skin and health to ensure proper healing after scar revision. Regularly moisturizing your skin and avoiding sun exposure can help reduce the formation of scars following a cosmetic surgery procedure such as scar revision. Additionally, engaging in healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet and getting plenty of rest is crucial for promoting healthy skin and overall health during the recovery process.
With proper care and attention, one can expect their post-traumatic cosmetic surgery results to last well into the future with minimal scarring or other complications.
Face-to-Face Program
Dr. Andres Bustillo is one of 2600 plastic surgeons around the country who participate in the Face to Face program, a nonprofit organization that provides facial reconstructive surgery to victims of domestic violence free of charge. The doctors involved work closely with domestic violence shelters to ensure that the victims are getting the help they need, both physically and emotionally. Certain conditions must be met before a victim can be helped, including that they have been out of their abusive relationship for at least a year, but the doctors of Face to Face can help victims who suffer from their injuries no matter how long ago the injuries were sustained.
Dr. Bustillo also performs rhinoplasty and scar revision surgery out of his office in Miami, FL. To schedule an appointment for cosmetic or reconstructive plastic surgery from Dr. Bustillo, call (305) 663-3380.
