Cranioplasty Trauma from motor vehicle accidents and infection may often leave large defects in the skull creating significant irregularities and deformities in the scalp. Working with Neurosurgeons, Plastic Surgeons can utilize bone grafts, titanium or plastic implants to recreate the normal contour of the skull and protect the underlying brain. Tissue expanders (balloons) may need to be placed to stretch the scalp skin to accommodate the implant prior to the final reconstruction. Customized implants may be used designed based on 3D CT scans to personalize your reconstruction needs. Dr. Nicholas Bastidas is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in the treatment of pediatric and adult craniofacial, cleft and vascular abnormalities. Dr. Bastidas is a leader in craniofacial surgical procedures and serves the Long Island and greater New York region. Call us today at (516) 497-7900. We are looking forward to serving you and your...
Read More » Chin Surgery Chin projection is important in the facial profile, and the lack of adequate projection can lead to a sagging neck and the appearance of a larger than normal nose. The projection can be augmented using either a silicone implant or by cutting and moving the chin bone anteriorly. A small incision inside the mouth or under the chin can be used to achieve either purpose. Through a similar approach, removing the prominent bone can reduce a large chin. Dr. Nicholas Bastidas is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in the treatment of pediatric and adult craniofacial, cleft and vascular abnormalities. Dr. Bastidas is a leader in craniofacial surgical procedures and serves the Long Island and greater New York region. Call us today at (516) 497-7900. We are looking forward to serving you and your...
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FACT: Any break in the skin that penetrates to the deep dermis will leave a scar As mere mortals, there is almost nothing we can do to prevent scar formation, but we do have techniques that allow us to minimize the amount of scars formed. How much scar we form is based on many things, most importantly: genetics, tension on the skin when closed, anatomic location, and surgeon’s ability. As a plastic surgeon, we are trained in techniques to help minimize scarring by manipulating the tissues to achieve tension free closure and skin edge eversion. Scars take 6 months to 1 year to fully mature (permanent result) and sometimes steroid injections and silicone tape may be needed to help soften these scars. Plastic surgeons are often called to the emergency room to treat patients with complicated cuts (lacerations). Patients who are unhappy with their existing scars may benefit from a scar revision, where the old scar is removed and the tissues closed with plastic surgery techniques. Dr. Nicholas Bastidas is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in the treatment of pediatric and adult craniofacial, cleft and vascular abnormalities. Dr. Bastidas is a leader in craniofacial surgical procedures and serves the Long Island and greater New York region. Call us today at (516) 497-7900. We are looking forward to serving you and your...
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Facial Fractures Nasal bones are the most common facial fracture, usually resulting from falls or altercations. In the first 2 weeks after the injury the bones can often be reset without making any incisions under anesthesia. Late presenting injuries require osteotomies (re-breaking the bone) to restore the normal bony architecture of your nose. ZMC (zygomasticomaxillary complex) fractures are probably the second most common fracture. This fracture usually involves the orbital rim (lower eye socket), cheek bone (zygoma) and may also be associated with an orbital floor fracture. Displaced fractures can cause cheek asymmetry as well as sunken in appearance to the eye due to the abnormal eye socket anatomy. Unrepaired or inappropriately fixated fracture may require osteotomies (re-breaking the bone) to move the ZMC unit into anatomic position. Numbness of the cheek is quite common with these injuries. Orbital floor fractures can cause sinking in of the eyeball and even affect the ability to move the eye normally causing double vision (diplopia). The orbital floor can be reconstructed using an implant (titanium, medpor) or a bone graft. The incision can be placed inside the eyelid to avoid visible facial scars. Mandible fractures are also very common and may require surgery to fixate the mandible in the anatomic position using plates and screws. Frequently arch bars (wires around the teeth) are necessary to help obtain superior outcomes as well as better occlusion (ability of your teeth to meet together when you chew). Infection and poorly healed fractures may require osteotomies as well as bone grafts to properly heal the fracture. Dr. Nicholas Bastidas is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in the treatment of pediatric and adult craniofacial, cleft and vascular abnormalities. Dr. Bastidas is a leader in craniofacial surgical procedures and serves the Long Island and greater New York region. Call us today at (516) 497-7900. We are looking forward to serving you and your...
Read More » Bell’s Palsy Bell’s palsy is form of facial paralysis related to dysfunction of the facial nerve. Most cases are one-sided (unilateral) and the source is often unknown (idiopathic). It may be associated with lyme disease as well as with the herpes simplex virus. Treatment is aimed at restoration of facial symmetry and regaining the ability to smile. Instances involving paralysis of the eyelid may require placement of a gold weight to help protect the cornea. Dr. Nicholas Bastidas is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in the treatment of pediatric and adult craniofacial, cleft and vascular abnormalities. Dr. Bastidas is a leader in craniofacial surgical procedures and serves the Long Island and greater New York region. Call us today at (516) 497-7900. We are looking forward to serving you and your...
Read More » Scalp Reconstruction Cancers or trauma can leave large defects in the scalp or areas of missing hair (alopecia). Large rotational flaps or sometimes tissue expanders (balloons) are needed to re-establish the hairline (remove areas of alopecia) and close complex scalp wounds. Dr. Nicholas Bastidas is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in the treatment of pediatric and adult craniofacial, cleft and vascular abnormalities. Dr. Bastidas is a leader in craniofacial surgical procedures and serves the Long Island and greater New York region. Call us today at (516) 497-7900. We are looking forward to serving you and your...
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