INTRODUCTION
Facial deformities often impose a greater psychological burden on patients compared to deformities in other body regions, due to their conspicuous nature and integral role in social interactions [1]. The restoration of both aesthetics and functionality in these cases is not just a medical necessity, but also a critical component in improving the overall quality of life for these individuals.
In plastic surgery, a key principle is to reconstruct using tissue that closely resembles the original. Therefore, bone deformities are conventionally treated with bone surgery [2]. However, in certain situations, correcting soft tissue may offer a more feasible and effective method for addressing bone deformity.
A particularly challenging field of facial plastic surgery is the delayed correction or re-correction of post-traumatic facial deformities. These cases are challenging due to the intricate nature of the facial structure and the need for precise surgical interventions, especially when addressing orbital volume deficiencies and other complex craniofacial deformities [3].
In this paper, we aim to introduce the innovative application of hydrated acellular dermal matrix (ADM), particularly CGDerm One-Step, in a secondary reconstruction case of zygoma malposition and orbital floor fracture resulting in enophthalmos and facial contour depression.
CASE REPORT
A 27-year-old woman presented with right lower eyelid area depression, enophthalmos, diplopia and limited eye movement during downward gaze. These symptoms had persisted since a traumatic incident 5 years earlier, after which she underwent orbital wall reconstruction and open reduction and internal fixation for a right tripod fracture, 6 days after the injury. After the trauma, the patient underwent multiple procedures, including fat grafting and double eyelid revision surgery, to correct aesthetic issues. However, she still experienced discomfort from sunken eyelids, leading to the consideration of additional surgical intervention. Exophthalmometer measurements indicated a 2 mm discrepancy between both eyes, and facial computed tomography (CT) imaging confirmed a depressed fracture with downward displacement of the right orbital floor and zygomatic malposition (Fig. 1).
Immediately after surgery, the facial CT scan revealed that the height of the hydrated acellular dermal tissue applied to the sunken maxilla was approximately 6.08 mm, effectively filling the soft tissue. A subsequent facial CT scan performed 6 months later showed that the height was maintained at 4.71 mm. The initial measurement of the hydrated ADM placed on the orbit floor was around 3.86 mm, and in the follow-up image taken 6 months later, it was observed to have remained at 3.02 mm, showcasing the long-term effectiveness of the procedure. These findings were corroborated by a comparison of the operated side to the normal side, indicating negligible height discrepancies and thus a symmetrical facial appearance (Fig. 3).
Six months post-surgery, the patient reported a notable improvement in her condition. The previously depressed area on the patient’s infraorbital rim had undergone significant improvement (Fig. 4). Additionally, the discrepancy in exophthalmometer readings, initially recorded at 2 mm preoperatively, was markedly reduced to 0.5 mm. The diplopia experienced during downward gaze had completely disappeared. This favorable outcome resulted in a high level of satisfaction on the part of the patient, underscoring the successful nature of the intervention.
DISCUSSION
The complexity of post-traumatic enophthalmos and secondary repair requires a multifaceted approach. The primary goal in such cases typically involves the restoration of the skeletal structure, followed by addressing soft tissue complications [4,5]. However, as patients’ experiences indicate, traditional methods like fat grafting, while commonly employed, can have limitations including low engraftment rates and complications at the donor site [6]. This was particularly evident in our patient’s case, where repeated attempts at fat grafting failed to provide satisfactory outcomes.
While bone reshaping, flap coverage, and filler injections are still viable options, we have shifted our focus towards leveraging the unique properties of ADMs and metal implants for reconstruction. This approach was chosen due to the precision and ease of placement offered by hydrated ADM, alongside its capacity to achieve the desired volume and shape.
Understanding the critical role of the extracellular matrix in wound healing has led to the development and application of ADMs [7,8]. Their successful use in breast reconstruction for reinforcing soft tissue and minimizing complications, such as capsular contracture, provided a strong rationale for their application in facial reconstructive surgery [9]. Our study leveraged the strengths of ADMs, particularly the hydrated form, to augment volume and provide structural integrity in critical areas, offering an alternative to more traditional methods like fat grafting [10].
A review of literature on enophthalmos reconstruction reveals various methodologies [3-5], yet our approach is notable as it introduces a case involving the use of ADMs combined with metal implants [11]. Metal implants provide immediate, solid structural support, while ADM acts as a scaffold for new tissue formation, enhancing both volume and mechanical strength in the reconstructed area. The combination of ADMs and metal implants effectively compensates for volume deficits and ensures long-term stability, thereby reducing the likelihood of enophthalmos recurrence.
Given the challenges associated with secondary facial bone deformities, our study indicates that soft tissue correction may offer a less invasive, safer, and more effective treatment option. This approach addresses immediate aesthetic and functional concerns and highlights the potential for continued research and innovation in facial reconstructive surgery. As the field continues to evolve, it is imperative that we keep exploring and refining these techniques to enhance patient outcomes and overall quality of life.
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