Physicians are often called upon to evaluate and manage a wide scope of soft tissue injuries.

Damage to adjacent structures or organs is sometimes overlooked, even after a thorough evaluation by the initial practitioner.

The prudent practitioner will consider a plastic surgical evaluation, by fully evaluating certain types of trauma.

Neck trauma

Neck trauma is sometimes associated with injury to the maxillofacial skeleton. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to an optimal patient outcome. Injury to the facial bones should be considered when a neck injury is secondary to the facial impact, such as airbag deployment.

Although radiographs are of benefit in the initial triage of facial fractures, a CT scan or MRI may be needed to fully evaluate the injury. Sometimes, a nasal fracture is not well visualized and an early evaluation by an expert witness plastic surgeon in Miami benefits the patient and assists in the overall care. Since radiographs may fail to review a nasal fracture, early evaluation by a plastic surgeon can detect clinical conditions, such as a septal hematoma, laceration of the nasal mucosa, or other findings, which may clinically support the diagnosis of a nasal fracture.

Mandibular trauma

Any impact on the mandible may disrupt the mechanics of the temporomandibular joint. Prompt and thorough evaluation by a colleague familiar with the mandible and its relation to the remainder of the facial skeleton is key to providing an optimal patient outcome. Early clinical findings will assist the patient in ascertaining the sequelae of facial injury.

Chest trauma

Approximately 5-10% of American women have had breast implants and around 400,000 more are added to this number every year. If trauma to the chest is significant, the breast prostheses may be affected. Early evaluation by a plastic surgeon can help establish that diagnosis. It is especially helpful that the patient is evaluated by a physician who is familiar with the patient’s pre-traumatic anatomy.

If this is not possible, then early evaluation would be of benefit to document external contusions, bruises, or subcutaneous fluid collections. Clinical examination, along with an MRI of the breasts, can assist in the understanding of whether the underlying breast implant(s) has been disrupted or ruptured after trauma.

Injury to the skin

Airbag deployment can result in abrasions of the skin. This is the result of the release of noxious chemicals and mechanical disruption of the protective layers of the skin. This may result in the compromise of the protective functions of the skin.

Certain lasers may be of benefit in the management of skin sequelae after mechanical disruption of the deeper layers of the skin. Multiple laser treatments are usually necessary, however, even after optimal management, the patient is commonly left with some permanent scarring. Patients may benefit from the expertise of a surgeon specializing in plastic surgery for scars in Miami to lighten up the scars.

Injury to the soft tissues

Soft tissue impact may result in seromas. Often, these subcutaneous fluid collections resolve spontaneously, however, they can persist, resulting in pseudobursi formation. This condition may require intervention by a physician trained in the various methods of management, which may include surgery. An MRI is of some benefit in the diagnosis of post-traumatic seromas.

Expert witness plastic surgeons are often called upon to evaluate scars after trauma. Something which is often overlooked is “future” scarring, which will result after medically-necessary surgical intervention, such as orthopedic surgery to the shoulder or hip. Any surgical procedure, regardless of the site, technique (open versus closed), or patient, will result in some degree of scarring.

The degree of scarring is, to some extent, unpredictable. However, under no circumstances can any sort of intervention be performed without leaving some evidence of its having taken place.

Who is qualified to be an expert witness plastic surgeon in Miami?

Finally, finding a well-qualified plastic surgeon is key to good patient care. The surgeon should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This is the only plastic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. He or she should have privileges at a local hospital.

Where to find an expert witness plastic surgeon and plastic surgery for scars in Miami

An effective plastic surgeon who produces a good patient outcome is frequently a thorough and compassionate physician, who is comfortable in the evaluation of a wide range of deformities that can result from trauma.

Dr. Thomas Zaydon is a highly qualified expert witness plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is also an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He founded the Plastic Surgery Institute of Miami and has over twenty years of experience in the field.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call (305) 856-3030 or email Dr. Zaydon at tzaydon@gmail.com.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.