Facial Reconstruction

Neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis, also known as lichen simplex, is a chronic form of dermatitis. Dermatitis is a skin problem where inflammation causes the skin to become scaly and sometimes itchy. Chronic itching and scratching can cause the skin to thicken and have a leather texture. Neurodermatitis results in a constant scratch-itch cycle. Although signs increase in times of stress, changes in the nerve fibers are also present. Women more often than men have this skin problem. The problem happens most often between the ages of 20 and 50.

The following story is from a patient after eight surgical procedures following a diagnosis of neurodermatitis.

"The onset of puberty was also the onset of my skin problem. I have seen countless dermatologists and other specialists, have spent thousands of dollars, have tried diets, x-ray therapy, chiropractic adjustments, behavior modification, psychoanalysis, cold wraps, topical and internal medications, tranquilizers and have spent five weeks on three different occasions as an in-patient at the Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital.

"The only treatment to have any positive effect was steroids which, of course, can only be taken during periods of severe flare-ups because of the long-range side effects. I also, during one period of time when I was being treated at MHMH, consulted with a plastic surgeon who said, 'I wouldn't touch you with a ten-foot pole.'

"At the time of my first meeting with Dr. Pacik, my dermatitis had subsided and I hadn't had a severe flare-up for a number of years, but the skin on my face was very thick and bumpy and I was very unhappy with my appearance. I felt comfortable with my family and at my workplace, but when I went out I was aware of stares and whispers. I always tried to avoid any place where small children would be present because invariably one of them would always ask, 'Why is your face so bumpy?' or 'Mommy, look at that lady!' I have three sisters and two brothers and we are a very close knit family and spend a lot of time together. On many occasions I would look around me and see the family resemblance on all the other faces and wonder what I would have looked like if I were 'normal' like everyone else.

"Dr. Pacik gave me a new lease on life. He had the vision, compassion, confidence and just plain guts to say, 'I am sure I can help you.' I cannot describe what those words were to me. I couldn't wait to get started. One of the first surgical procedures (medical terms elude me) was to cut away a lot of the extra flesh on my forehead and around the eyes and nose. I had stitches from the top of my forehead down to the tip of my nose. Of course, there was a tremendous amount of swelling and it was hard to tell how everything would come out.

"One morning about 10 days after the surgery I looked into the mirror and saw my sister's nose looking back at me. That was the first indication that we were on the right track and I was finally going to look the way God intended.

 "There have been six or seven surgical procedures since that day and maybe one or two more to come. I still have a skin problem and probably always will. I came to terms with that long ago. But, my life is so much happier now, because for the first time in my life I like what I see in the mirror. I have lost 40 pounds in the last two years, have much more confidence about meeting new people and, in general, life is just so much better.

"People have said to me, 'You must have been so brave to go through all of that.' Dr. Pacik was the brave one, not me. He took a chance, (an educated one, but still a chance) and that was more than anyone else was willing to do. I can never thank him enough."

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The Plastic Surgery Center of Manchester, New Hampshire specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery, including body lifts, breast enlargements, breast lifts, breast reductions, eyelid surgery, ear surgery, facelifts, fat grafting, liposuction, neck and chin surgery, rhinoplasty (nose surgery), surgery after massive weight loss, and tummy tucks. We also offer facial rejuvenation (chemical peels, dermabrasion, Obagi Blue Peels, Glycolic Peels, Microdermabrasion), injectables and facial fillers (BOTOX® Cosmetic, Radiesse®, Juvederm®, Perlane® and Restylane®) and advanced skin care to patients from all over New England (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts). While no responsible practitioner gives guarantees for the work they do on the human body, we can at least reassure you that you will receive the expertise and dedication of over 30 years in practice. Our patients become an important part of our family and we try to get to know each patient individually and customize their treatment to meet their desires.