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AESTHETIC CRANIOFACIAL RECONSTRUCTION: RESTORING APPEARANCE AND REVIVING CONFIDENCE FOR A PATIENT AFTER 21 YEARS OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
Thanks to highly precise surgical techniques and meticulousness in every step, after aesthetic craniofacial reconstruction at AIH patient can communicate normally immediately after recovery, absolutely without impact on neurological function. Within 48 hours of post-surgery, patients can live independently and quickly reintegrate into daily life.
21 years ago, Ms. N.T.K.T (50 years old, from Tien Giang), who was then 05 months pregnant, was involved in a traffic accident. A traumatic brain injury required her to undergo emergency care in critical condition. Fortunately, her life and the fetus were saved, and she successfully underwent skull reconstruction surgery. However, over time, the left side of her skull gradually became deficient and collapsed, causing a noticeable deformation of half of her head. This change in appearance made her self-conscious, carrying a heavy sense of inferiority for more than two decades.
Recently, motivated by her family, and especially her daughter – who was once the greatest source of strength that helped her overcome the boundary between life and death that year, Ms. N.T.K.T courageously faced the situation and regained her appearance and confidence that seemed to have been lost forever.
At AIH, after thorough examination and consultation, Dr. Nguyen Manh Hung – Head of the Neurosurgery and Spine Unit, proposed a treatment plan with the goal of not only restoring the craniofacial form but also ensuring long-term aesthetic factors for the patient.
Based on the patient's anatomical structure and the extent of the skull defect, Dr. Hung performed reconstructive surgery combining several advanced techniques: autologous bone grafting harvested from the iliac crest to restore the missing bone, autologous fat grafting to regenerate soft tissue, and simultaneously utilizing prosthetic materials for precise craniofacial shaping. Simultaneously performing these techniques requires high precision, along with deep expertise in neurosurgery and aesthetic plastic surgery.
"The objective of the method is to reconstruct and ensure the stability of the deficient craniofacial region. We utilize iliac crest bone as a 'seed bone,' with the ability to generate new bone to fill the defect and restore structure, creating a long-term stable bone foundation. Concurrently, autologous fat tissue is grafted as a biological cushion layer, helping to position the entire reconstructive mass, including the bone graft and prosthetic materials. This multi-layered structure both supports natural bone healing and restores the form of the craniofacial region," analyzed Dr. Hung.
Subtle and precise in every detail
A special feature of the surgery was that the entire scalp area was strictly sterilized but not shaved – a rare occurrence in cranial surgery. This was a calculated choice by Dr. Hung to preserve the patient's image and confidence after treatment.
With high professional qualifications and meticulousness, Dr. Nguyen Manh Hung skillfully performed a skin incision hidden within the hairline, ensuring optimal access to the skull defect while maintaining the highest aesthetic standards.
The procedure is performed precisely in every step, helping the incision leave almost no trace after recovery. The meticulousness throughout the surgical process not only demonstrates strong expertise but also reflects the doctor's humane treatment philosophy, always prioritizing the patient's benefits, safety, and aesthetic considerations.
When appearance is restored and confidence is revived
Just a few hours after surgery, Ms. N.T.K.T could communicate normally, with no recorded impact on neurological function. Her facial shape was naturally restored, with no trace of the concave defect that had been present for over 20 years.
The mother of Ms. N.T.K.T shared: "After the accident 21 years ago, even though my daughter underwent rehabilitation, the feeling of inferiority due to a collapsed part of the brain gradually made her lose confidence. The family repeatedly encouraged her to undergo reconstructive surgery, but only today did she truly make the decision. I was treated by Dr. Hung before, so I completely trust him.”
Ms. N.T.K.T's daughter continued: "When the accident happened, my mother was pregnant. Despite everyone's advice against it, my mother still decided to keep me alive, even though her health was critical. Thanks to that resilience and love, I am here today. That's why I always carry an indescribable feeling of torment. After my mother was operated on by Dr. Hung, I was very happy and relieved for her."
"I am truly very grateful to Dr. Hung; besides my family, he gave me more motivation and confidence to feel at ease undergoing the surgery," Ms. N.T.K.T shared.
Perhaps, healing comes not only from the surgeon's hand, but from the love of family. Now, Ms. N.T.K.T can feel at ease because the journey of closing an “old wound” is also the beginning of a new chapter – where confidence is revived, appearance is restored, and hope is rekindled.
According to Dr. Nguyen Manh Hung, sometimes the changes in appearance, communication ability, and self-confidence after surgery have an even greater impact than helping a physically weak person stand up. This is because if feelings of inferiority persist, the patient will gradually lose themselves. This factor is the key reason for doctors and patients to decide on surgery: not only to heal physical wounds, but also to "liberate" a psychological wound that has lasted for many years.
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Nguyen Manh Hung – Head of the Neurosurgery and Spine Unit at AIH – is a highly experienced expert in the field of Neurosurgery, particularly in spinal and cranial surgery. Furthermore, Dr. Hung also excels in reconstructive and aesthetic plastic techniques post-trauma.
Under the leadership of Dr. Nguyen Manh Hung, the Neurosurgery and Spine Unit at AIH pioneers the application of modern craniofacial reconstruction techniques, combining the precision of neurosurgery with high aesthetic demands. This approach effectively treats complex lesions in the craniocerebral, head, face, and cervical spine regions. For cases of tissue loss or deformities in the craniofacial area due to trauma or previous surgeries, the unit simultaneously treats neurological injuries and reconstructs anatomical structures. This comprehensive solution not only restores function but also helps patients regain their appearance, improving both physical and mental quality of life.
To register for examination and treatment with Dr. Nguyen Manh Hung - Head of Neurosurgery and Spine Unit, please contact the hotline (028) 3910 9999 or inbox the Fan page at https://m.me/aih.com.vn.
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