Dr. Radoslav SlavchevOral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
BGENRU
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Areas of practice

Reconstructive Surgery of the Face and Neck

Restoring the form and function of the soft tissues and facial bones after injury, surgery or in congenital conditions.

Overview

Reconstructive surgery of the face and neck aims to restore the form, function and proportions of the facial region. It involves both the soft tissues — skin, muscle and mucosa — and the facial bones.

The face is a group of structures that work together in eating, speaking, breathing and expression. Reconstruction is therefore planned from an overall assessment of the patient rather than from the individual defect alone.

Topics in this area

Who may need an evaluation

  • Soft-tissue or bone defects after tumour removal.
  • Consequences of facial injury — deformity, scarring or impaired function.
  • Congenital features of the facial region that affect function or contour.
  • The need for secondary correction after previous surgery.

What the consultation may include

  • A discussion of your concerns, the history of the problem and any previous treatment.
  • A clinical examination of the affected area and assessment of function.
  • Review of existing imaging and, where needed, a request for further studies.
  • A discussion of whether reconstruction is appropriate, the possible approaches and what can realistically be expected.

What to bring

  • An identity document and, where applicable, a referral from your GP or specialist.
  • Existing medical records: discharge summaries, outpatient notes and test results.
  • Imaging studies (X-rays, CT, MRI) on a disc or other digital medium, together with the written reports.
  • A list of your current medicines, known allergies and chronic conditions.

Treatment planning principles

  • Function comes first — breathing, eating, speech and protection of vital structures.
  • The plan considers the face as a whole, including its proportions and symmetry.
  • More complex cases may be treated in stages and may involve other specialists.

Risks, alternatives and individual variation

Reconstructive procedures vary widely in extent. Some require more than one operation and a longer recovery period.

Every surgical procedure carries general risks — for example those related to anaesthesia, bleeding, infection, delayed healing or scarring. The specific risks depend on your health, and on the type and extent of the procedure.

Possible alternatives — including observation, non-surgical treatment or referral to another specialist — are discussed openly during the consultation.

Outcomes and recovery time vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed in advance.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral for a consultation?

Referral requirements depend on the type of visit and how it is paid for. Please check the current terms with the hospital registry when booking.

How long is recovery?

It depends on the type and extent of the procedure and on your general health. An approximate timeframe can only be discussed after an examination and once a plan has been agreed.

Can reconstruction be done in stages?

Yes, a staged approach is more suitable in some cases. This is decided individually.

This information does not replace a medical examination. Whether a treatment is suitable for you, and who will perform it, is determined after an individual consultation.