Facial reconstruction after a complicated gunshot injury

Facial gunshot injuries are unusual and complicated clinical entities. Because of the mechanism of injury, early aggressive primary reconstruction might not be ideal. Initial conservative management followed by staged secondary reconstruction could be performed to obtain satisfactory functional and aesthetic results. Reconstruction of the cranio-maxillo-facial deformities requires a multi-disciplinary approach, the same way as for patients with cleft lip/palate deformities. We present a male patient with severe facial gunshot injuries. A team approach revealed maxilla recession, dental malocclusion, a large oronasal fistula over his hard palate, velopharyngeal insufficiency, and a stable psychosocial status. His main concern was facial appearance, which included the nose, lip, and scars. Staged reconstructions were performed, consisting of orthognathic surgery, rhinoplasty, lip-switch flap, and revisions of scars. A satisfactory outcome was obtained. The results indicated the importance of preoperative evaluation and treatment planning for this uncommon problem.