Abstract
The management of soft tissue injury after facial trauma poses unique challenges to
the plastic surgeon, given the specialized nature of facial tissue and the aesthetic
importance of the face. The general principles of trauma management and wound care
are applied in all cases. The management of severe injuries to the face is discussed
in relation to the location and the mechanism of injury. Facial transplants have arisen
in the past decade for the management of catastrophic soft tissue defects, although
high morbidity and mortality after these non-life-saving operations must be considered
in patient selection.
Keywords
facial trauma - soft tissue reconstruction - facial animal bites - facial transplants
