Primary Repair of Soft Tissue Injury and Soft Tissue Defects

Abstract Reconstruction of soft tissue craniofacial trauma represents a challenging and common problem. The soft tissue structures of the head and neck contain complex 3-dimensional geometry spanning across multiple subunits and structures. Each anatomic region requires careful attention in its repair to meet exacting aesthetic and functional demands. No other region of the body is as scrutinized during social interaction as the face, where even minute deformity is readily detectable at conversational distance. This chapter outlines the proper evaluation and treatment of soft tissue injury across the several subunits of the head and neck. Multiple cases are presented to demonstrate the variety of reconstructive options from simple closure to microsurgical techniques.