A complex surgery over nine hours gave an Indian, Ankit Makkhija, his first experience of breathing through his nose. A first in Indian medical history, this rare surgery offers hope to the lakhs of Indians who suffer from ectodermal dysplasia. Dr.Debrajshome, Facial Plastic Surgeon, who conducted the successful surgery had this to say, “We decided on using rib cage cartilage as it offered the greatest flexibility in shaping grafts. However, the process is itself very complicated, as the wound healing process has a poor record”. The operation, as it turned out, was a success, with the formation of a layer of skin atop the graft.

A rare genetic disorder, ectodermal dysplasia affects the skin, nails, hair and cartilage of affected individuals. The absence of a nasal bridge in individuals affected by this condition forces them to breathe through their mouth. Another problem faced by these individuals was the arduous task of having to eat small portions to prevent suffocation. The nostrils of the affected individuals are more of a display with little or no functional use. The lack of a nasal bridge also greatly affected the overall appearance leading to low confidence.

The preparations pursuant to decision to conduct the surgery on Ankit involved a careful evaluation, including biopsy, leading up to the actual surgery in mid-March. The marathon surgery at Apollo Spectra, Mumbai was a complete success with no signs of infection, leading to discharge of the patient. A month later, a beaming Ankit reportedly turned up at the surgeon’s office, a picture of transformed confidence.

Dr.Debrajshome, is a respected and distinguished facial plastic surgeon, with innumerable successful procedures under his scalpel. The path-breaking rhinoplasty procedure on Ankit Makkhija gave him great satisfaction; summed up in his words “This is the day for which we become doctors”. The surgery has given ectodermal dysplasia patients a reason to hope and cheer, as the successful rhinoplasty paves the way for them to breathe and eat like others.

About FacialPlasticSurgeonIndia.com
Facial Plastic Surgeon India provides a platform to help people find the best facial plastic surgeons in India. The website was conceptualised by Dr. Debraj Shome, the much-awarded plastic surgeon. Dr. Shome is the founder of the distinguished Esthetic Clinics chain of plastic surgery and cosmetology centres in Mumbai, along with Dr. Rinky Kapoor, an internationally renowned dermatologist.