Cosmetic repair of a facial deformity by use of a silicone implant in a horse.

The researchers used a heat-vulcanized silicone implant to correct a facial deformity in a horse. The deformity was because of a fractured frontal bone that occurred half a year prior. The researchers stitched the custom-shaped implant over the defect, restoring the horse’s normal facial structure. A year post-surgery, the results were deemed excellent.

Research Background

• The study presents a case where a horse had sustained a facial deformity due to a fracture in the frontal bone that extended into the frontal sinus.
• The injury had occurred six months before the corrective procedure and had evidently disrupted the normal countenance of the horse’s face.

Procedure Implemented

• The corrective procedure utilized a heat-vulcanized silicone implant to restore the horse’s original facial contour.
• The silicone implant was custom-sculpted to correctly fit the deformity in question, ensuring a seamless adaptation with the remainder of the facial structure.

Surgery Results

• Post-surgery, the implant was sutured to the periosteum, a layer of connective tissue that covers the bone, over the fractured area.
• This surgical approach allowed successful cosmetic repair, effectively restoring the normal facial contour of the horse.

Follow-Up and Conclusion

• The researchers observed the outcome of the surgery a year later.
• The results were judged to be excellent, indicating the silicone implant effectively managed the deformity, and the horse’s facial structure maintained its normal look after a considerable period.