Gunshot wounds to the face. Current concepts.

The primary goal in reconstructing a gunshot wound to the face is identical to that for a major injury of the hand or lower extremity: primary healing of the soft tissue. This prevents the cascade of soft-tissue infection, further delay in healing, bone graft infection, and soft-tissue contracture. Current craniofacial techniques and methods of fixation allow for concomitant bony reconstruction without compromising primary healing of the soft tissues. The result is not only that the soft tissue is healed but also that the original contour, stretch, and pliability are maintained. Once the soft tissue collapses around inadequate bony reconstruction, it is difficult to restore the original situation. Despite the techniques outlined, there is no substitute for sound surgical judgment. Inevitably, cases will arise when the ideal reconstruction cannot be performed because of other injuries, inappropriate initial management at referring institutions, or medical complications. Compromises are then required in the interest of the patient's overall care, with the knowledge that the best chance to restore the anatomy of the hard and soft tissue is in the first few days after the injury.