Forehead flap surgery

[Tferrn93]

On the 31st October 2020 it was an ordinary day . At approximately 12:20 pm I had come home from work and went to greet my deaf dog on the stairs , unfortunately as he didn’t hear me come home I had startled him, he went for my face and the next thing I new he’d bitten the bottom half of my nose off and had to scoop it up . It was traumatic! Fast forward to surgery they weren’t very hopeful of reattaching it but did so anyway to see the outcome . All was well until the graft didn’t take and had to be removed. It has healed quite well but I’m still missing a large part of my nose . I’ve recently been for a consultation and the only option they have is to perform a forehead flap surgery which I’ve researched about a lot !

I’d love to connect with someone who’s been through the same kind of operation and put me at ease

I’d like to thank anyone who reads this and please reach out

[Hidden]

Hello Tferrn93 and welcome to the Changing Faces Community. Thank you for sharing your story, that sounds like a very traumatic experience you've been through. It's really positive that you're reaching out to connect with people here and hopefully if anyone has gone through a similar kind of operation they'll respond. It's good that you've done lots research too. I wonder, have you had a second opinion from another medical professional regarding the surgery? Perhaps that might help useful if you haven't sought one already.

Take care

Tiffany

[younique]

Hi Tferrn93, I'm sorry you had to experience that. It sounds like you are on a path towards recovery and reconstruction. I haven't had anything similar happen to me, but I have had major surgery and all went well. I've discovered that there is a whole team of specialists who each have a role in medical procedures, so you don't have to worry that your surgery will be in the hands of one doctor. I think flap surgery is pretty common so as long as you take it easy and follow the post operative care they prescribe you, all should go well. What have you learned in your research? Do you look at before and afters? I think really understanding the procedure can help you feel empowered to ask questions and to be sure you're getting the best treatment for your condition.

[vivvy1985]

Hi, I am in hospital just recovering from nose reconstruction, following a nasal cancer diagnoses beginning of February this year. While this is different to your experience, my MD Team did discuss the flap procedure. As I understand it, as I also researched it, it is a two part procedure and can leave some scarring. In my case this wasn’t necessary as during the operation they discovered that my nose skin was healthy to use. I appreciate how you must be feeling, I went through hell not knowing if I would have a nose at all at one point. But just remember your consultants will always give you worse case scenario and work back from that. Also research your plastics team ask direct questions of them, if they can’t answer they will tell you. Rest assured they are skilled technicians and it is in everyone’s interest for them to produce the best possible outcome. Best of luck and if you need an ear I am happy to listen.