In 2009, Dr. Eric Dierks of Head and Neck Surgical Associates (HNSA) in Portland, Oregon, participated in a groundbreaking total facial reconstruction for Chrissy Steltz. After losing two-thirds of her face to an accidental shotgun blast at age 16, Steltz received a life-changing facial prosthesis, allowing her to live confidently and show her face to her newborn son.
How Does Facial Trauma Reconstruction Help Severe Injuries?
Facial trauma reconstruction is a specialized surgical process that repairs severe damage to the eyes, cheeks, nose, and jaw caused by accidents or trauma. By combining advanced surgical techniques with custom prosthetics, oral and maxillofacial surgeons restore both facial function and aesthetic balance, significantly improving a patient’s quality of life.
Overcoming a Devastating Shotgun Accident
In March 1999, Steltz and her friends were at a party when someone accidentally fired a stolen shotgun, under the false impression that it was unloaded. The blast occurred at close range, destroying her eyes, cheeks, nose, and upper jaw, and leaving her completely blind.
Despite these devastating injuries, Steltz made incredible strides toward an independent life. She learned to read Braille, mastered walking with a cane, and met her boyfriend at a school for the blind. In July 2009, they welcomed a baby boy.
For 11 years, Steltz wore a black sleeping mask to cover her injuries. However, she wanted a permanent solution for one deeply personal reason: she wanted her son to grow up looking at a regular face instead of a sleep shade.
The Reconstructive Process and Prosthesis Creation
Ten years after the accident and following countless preliminary surgeries, Dr. Eric Dierks and a dedicated medical team began a new chapter for Steltz by creating a total facial reconstruction and prosthesis.
To build a realistic face, the medical team followed a precise process:
- Historical Reference: Doctors started by analyzing photographs of Steltz from before the accident when she was 16 years old.
- Age-Progression Modeling: Utilizing advanced technology, the team aged her features to accurately reflect the 11 years that had passed since the incident.
- Prosthetic Integration: The custom piece was carefully crafted and fitted to replace the lost two-thirds of her face, providing her with the normalcy and confidence she desired.
Why Choose HNSA for Complex Head and Neck Surgery?
Based in Portland, Oregon, Head and Neck Surgical Associates (HNSA) is the Northwest’s most highly specialized medical and surgical practice. Dr. Dierks’s pioneering work with Chrissy Steltz highlights the exceptional level of expertise, precision, and compassionate care our surgeons bring to complex trauma reconstruction and maxillofacial surgery.
Reclaim Your Confidence and Health
If you or a loved one requires facial trauma reconstruction, corrective jaw surgery, or complex maxillofacial care, trust the experts at Head and Neck Surgical Associates. Our board-certified surgeons combine world-class medical expertise with personalized, compassionate care to deliver exceptional outcomes.
Schedule Your Consultation Today:
- Phone: 503-912-2852
- Visit: Book An Appointment Now at our clinic located at 1849 NW Kearney, Suite 300, Portland, Oregon 97209.
