Facial rehabilitation: surgical reconstruction following temporal bone resection

Facial reconstruction and cosmetic surgery following extensive bone and soft tissue resection for carcinoma of the ear has not been emphasized in the past. Poor long term survival and local recurrence rates previously recluded considering extensive rehabilitative effort. A patient is presented, illustrating the problems resulting from major ablative surgery of the temporal bone. The surgical concepts and techniques used in this patient's facial rehabilitation are enumerated and described from both the functional of the principles used to other aspects of facial reconstruction are mentioned.