The need for a nerve graft to a cutaneous nerve arises when a patient has a significant gap in a superficial nerve in the oral and maxillofacial region—often from trauma or surgery—requiring a harvested nerve graft under anesthesia with assistance using microsurgical techniques to bridge the gap and restore sensation. This is indicated for severe cutaneous nerve defects, critical where sensation affects maxillofacial comfort.
Reasons include:
For example, a patient with a cheek nerve gap from trauma might need this to regain sensation, with micro-precision. In aged care, an elderly patient could benefit for comfort, given frailty. By grafting the nerve, this service restores continuity, enhances sensation, and prevents complications, making it a key maxillofacial procedure.
Restores sensation, prevents pain, and improves function.
Recovery of 4-6 weeks with swelling and nerve healing; hospital stay likely.
