Facial Reconstruction Surgery Beverly Hills & Los Angeles, CA

Facial Reconstructive Surgery Benefits

Facial Reconstructive Surgery performed by Dr. Swartout, is a pivotal procedure for those who have suffered facial trauma or defects from cancer removal. It focuses on restoring both the natural appearance and functionality of the face, significantly improving the patient’s quality of life.

Restoration of Natural Appearance

Tailored techniques ensure the facial area looks as natural as possible post-surgery.

Improved Functionality

Beyond aesthetics, the surgery aims to restore the functional aspects of the face, such as movement and sensation.

Enhanced Quality of Life

The combined aesthetic and functional improvements significantly boost the patient’s confidence and daily living experience.

What is Facial Reconstructive Surgery?

Facial reconstructive surgery is a specialized surgical field focused on restoring the function, structure, and appearance of the face after trauma, congenital defects, disease, or previous surgeries. Procedures may address facial fractures, cleft lip and palate, skin cancer removal, nerve damage, or deformities from burns or accidents. Surgeons use techniques like bone grafts, tissue flaps, and microsurgery to rebuild facial features while preserving or improving function. The goal is to enhance both aesthetics and quality of life, helping patients regain confidence and proper facial movement. Each procedure is highly personalized based on the patient’s unique needs and medical history.

Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgery is proud to offer Facial Reconstructive Surgery to correct injuries following facial trauma and to correct defects created with the removal of cancer. Like with any plastic surgery procedure, the goal of this cosmetic surgery is to restore the natural appearance of the area involved and to restore function.

Consultation for a facial reconstructive procedure. — Dr. Swartout will carefully review all your treatment choices

Many patients come to the office after skin cancer has been removed from the face or neck by a dermatologist using Mohs micrographic surgery. This leaves a defect in the face that may need reconstruction by a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, like Dr. Swartout. Many reconstructive options are available and they are specially tailored to the individual patient depending on the size and location of the skin defect and the patient’s desires.

Reconstructive Surgery Patient Testimonials

I went to 4 of the top facial plastics rhinoplasty docs in Southern California. All were great but Dr. Swartout was the best. I had my primary (open) rhinoplasty 3 years ago and was very unhappy with the results. Dr. Swartout spent an hour with me and we both agreed upon a digital image of what I wanted my nose to look like. He told me it’s important that we’re on the same page and that’s why the digital image is so important…it’s his goal to achieve that result while doing the surgery. It’s been 2 months and my nose looks fabulous.

Am I a Candidate for Face Reconstruction Surgery in Beverly Hills?

Patients who have experienced facial injuries, cancer removal, or genetic irregularities are often candidates for a reconstructive procedure. You may be a candidate if you suffer from any of the following:

Facial trauma such as broken or shifted cranial, cheek, or mandible bones
Facial lacerations
Burns
Cancer surgery that has affected the movement or appearance of your face
Genetic malformations

Cancerous tissue on a patient's face that must be removed. — Advancement in surgical technique has made it possible for surgeons to reconstruct faces.

Call our Beverly Hills office, and we will be happy to help you.

(310) 275-0704
or
(310) 274-3570

Woman with natural features and curly hair showcasing subtle cosmetic enhancement and smooth skin tone.

Types of Facial Reconstruction Surgery in Beverly Hills & Los Angeles

Burn Reconstruction

After the initial healing period, Dr. Swartout often performs facial plastic and reconstructive procedures to reduce the scar tissue left by the burns.

Reconstructive skin grafting surgeries aim to improve the function and appearance of scarring caused by burns. Scar tissue treatments usually require several months before they start working, and new contracture scars may form even years later.

Mohs Reconstruction

Reconstructive skin cancer surgeries are procedures where cancerous tissue is removed from the body without causing any additional scars.

If the cancer is small, then the operation may be difficult due to its proximity to the eyes, nostrils, and mouth, so this closure combines skin grafting and flap surgery. Advancement in surgical technique has made it possible for facial plastic surgeons with the right board certification to reconstruct faces so they look just like their natural counterparts.

Ear Injuries

Ear lacerations can be tricky for any doctor. Reconstructing ears requires working with multiple layers of cartilaginous tissue that can be difficult to recreate, and are always risky because an imperfectly formed eardrum can affect the patient‘s overall hearing. If ears are asymmetrical, an Otoplasty would be required.

If an earlobe gets cut off, it needs to be fixed immediately so that it doesn’t get infected, turn into a cauliflower ear, or cause any other complications.

Lip Injuries

A facial flap procedure is used to heal a lip injury by repairing the skin and underlying tissue. It heals both aesthetically and functionally. Effective surgical procedures for lips involve helping patients speak again after they’ve had their lips injured.

The complicated surgery involves the lips, which are made up of muscles that get their nourishment from the facial artery, so additionally, fillers can also be used to repair lips damaged by injuries or lost tissue.

Skin Flaps and Local Tissue Repair

Reconstructive cosmetic surgery before and after pictures. — Reconstructing facial features successfully requires extensive experience.

When a surgical reconstruction involves soft tissue, the surgeon usually uses local skin flaps so they can blend with skin of a similar color, thickness, and texture.

Reconstructing facial features successfully requires extensive medical experience and an expert understanding of blood vessel structure, the mechanics of the human face, and the properties of different types of tissues.

Dr. Swartout meticulously analyzes the patient’s condition before making a detailed plan for surgery. He then decides which type of procedure he will perform.

The Recovery from Facial Reconstruction in Beverly Hills & Los Angeles

Surgical reconstruction being performed. — Reconstructive procedures are performed to correct injuries following trauma.

It’s impossible to say exactly when someone will be able to return to their normal activities after having this cosmetic procedure done. Depending on which type of surgery you need, some outpatient procedures can be performed at Dr. Swartout’s practice, while others may necessitate a hospital stay and/or overnight stay.

If you want to rebuild parts of your facial structure, you might use tissue from another part of your body, if these options aren’t available, then implants may be an option, and each one of these options comes with its own recovery time. During the consultation, Dr. Swartout will carefully review all your treatment choices and will be able to provide you with an estimate for your recovery time.

Why Choose Dr. Swartout
for Your Facial Reconstruction

Fellowship trained sub-specialist in Facial Plastic surgery who attended college at Harvard University.
Attended medical school at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York.
Interned in general surgery at New York University, followed by a specialty residency in Otolaryngology – Head & Neck surgery at New York University.
Completed a fellowship in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago where he worked with Dr. Dean Toriumi.
A member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery and the American Rhinologic Society.
Teaches nasal surgery to residents at Harbor UCLA both to contribute to the education of future doctors and to give back to an underserved community.

More about Dr. Swartout

Frequently Asked Questions About
Reconstructive Surgery

I have been diagnosed with cancer on my lip and am scheduled to have it removed using Moh’s technique. When should I see a plastic surgeon for the reconstruction?

Your dermatologist may be perfectly skilled at reconstructing the defect. Discuss this with your doctor to see if a cosmetic surgeon’s input could be beneficial. If possible, visit the plastic and reconstructive surgeon before the tumor is removed so your lip can be examined and photos can be taken. Frequently, the reconstruction can be done on the same day as the resection.

I think I broke my nose. Do I need rhinoplasty or facial reconstruction, or what should I do?

It is important to have your nose examined by a doctor within the first few hours. It is possible that when you injured your nose, you developed a blood collection under the mucosa covering the septum. This is called a septal hematoma and must be drained right away. The next step is to determine if the bones or cartilage have been broken and if they should be corrected. The correction sometimes is done immediately, but frequently is best done 7 to 10 days after the injury. This allows enough time for some improvement in the skin swelling but does not allow the bones to heal together in the new, crooked position.

I cut my face yesterday, and I think I need stitches. What type of treatment do I need?

If more than 12 hours have passed it may be too late for sutures. You should see a physician to have the area cleaned and examined. Depending on the location and depth of the injury, there may be damage to deeper structures and this needs to be addressed. You may also need to be on an antibiotic to treat or reduce the chance of an infection.

What are the risks associated with facial reconstruction surgery?

As with any plastic surgery such as brow lift, chin augmentation, blepharoplasty, or buccal fat removal, facial reconstruction risks include infection, scarring, and anesthesia complications. Dr. Swartout takes every precaution to minimize risks and ensures a personalized approach to each patient’s care.

How much does facial reconstructive surgery cost?

The cost of facial reconstructive surgery varies widely, typically ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on factors like the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon’s expertise, and the location. Basic reconstructive surgeries, such as scar revisions, may be on the lower end, while complex procedures, like jaw or cheekbone reconstruction, can be much higher. Insurance may cover some costs if the surgery is deemed medically necessary, such as for trauma recovery or congenital defect corrections. Additional fees for anesthesia, hospital stays, and post-operative care can further increase the overall expense.

What materials are used for facial reconstruction?

Facial reconstruction often involves a variety of materials to restore structure, function, and aesthetics. Common materials include:
–Autologous Tissue: The patient’s own bone, cartilage (often from ribs or ears), and skin are preferred for compatibility and reduced rejection risk.
-Alloplastic Implants: Synthetic materials, such as titanium, porous polyethylene (Medpor), and medical-grade silicone, are used for structural support in areas like the jaw, cheeks, or orbital regions.
-Bone Grafts: Bone from other body parts or cadaveric bone may be used to repair or reconstruct facial bones.
–Soft Tissue Fillers: Collagen or hyaluronic acid-based fillers provide volume restoration in soft tissues.
-Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering: Emerging techniques use bioengineered scaffolds and growth factors to enhance healing and tissue regeneration.
These materials are chosen based on the specific needs of the reconstruction, with emphasis on biocompatibility, stability, and durability.

How long does it take to recover from facial reconstruction surgery?

Recovery from facial reconstruction surgery can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the procedure, but generally, initial recovery takes about 2 to 6 weeks. During this time, swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common, and patients may need to limit physical activities. Full healing, especially for more extensive reconstructions, can take 6 months to a year as tissues fully settle and scars mature. Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor healing, and additional procedures, like scar revisions or adjustments, may be needed. Adhering to post-operative care instructions, such as avoiding sun exposure and managing swelling, can optimize recovery outcomes.

What makes facial reconstruction surgery different from facial plastic surgery or facial rejuvenation?

Facial reconstruction surgery, facial plastic surgery, and facial rejuvenation differ primarily in purpose and technique:
-Facial Reconstruction Surgery: Aimed at restoring form and function after trauma, birth defects, disease, or surgeries like tumor removal. It involves rebuilding facial structures (bones, soft tissues) to restore essential functions (breathing, eating) and appearance. Techniques include bone grafting, implants, and soft tissue repair.
-Facial Plastic Surgery: Focuses on elective cosmetic enhancements, such as rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) or chin augmentation. It aims to alter features for aesthetic reasons rather than medical necessity. Procedures are typically less complex than reconstructive surgeries.
-Facial Rejuvenation: Primarily involves anti-aging procedures, like facelifts, Botox, or skin resurfacing, to restore a youthful look. This category focuses on soft tissue adjustments rather than structural changes, targeting wrinkles, skin laxity, and volume loss.
While all can overlap in technique, like revision rhinoplasty, reconstructive surgery is medically essential and is usually covered by insurance, while plastic surgery and rejuvenation are often elective and appearance-focused.

Who provides facial reconstructive surgery near me?

If you live in Beverly Hills or Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Benjamin Swartout is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial reconstruction surgery and he is conveniently located at 414 North Camden Drive, 8th Floor, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.

Facial Reconstructive Surgery in Beverly Hills & Los Angeles, CA