Traumatic injuries to the face and body can leave lasting physical and emotional effects. Whether caused by an accident, a sports injury, a dog bite, or another unexpected event, reconstructive surgery can restore both the appearance and function of affected tissues — giving patients the confidence to move forward.
Dr. Steven Clark, M.D., D.M.D., FACS, brings over 25 years of plastic and reconstructive surgical experience to patients across the Emerald Coast. His dual training in medicine and dental medicine makes him uniquely qualified for complex facial trauma cases involving the skin, soft tissue, and underlying facial structures.
Trauma reconstruction is a branch of plastic surgery focused on repairing damage caused by physical injury. Unlike purely cosmetic procedures, reconstructive surgery addresses both how a patient looks and how their body functions after trauma. The goal is to restore normalcy — in appearance, in movement, and in confidence.
Dr. Clark evaluates the extent of each injury, the patient's healing history, and their personal goals before recommending a surgical plan. Many cases involve a combination of techniques including direct wound closure, skin grafting, local tissue flaps, and scar revision.
Each case is unique. Dr. Clark carefully reviews the nature of the injury, prior treatments, and your personal goals before recommending the most appropriate reconstructive approach.
Trauma reconstruction may be performed in a single procedure or in stages depending on the complexity of the injury. Dr. Clark will outline a clear surgical plan and walk you through every step before you proceed.
Dr. Clark reviews the injury, discusses achievable outcomes, and outlines a surgical plan tailored to your anatomy and goals.
Performed under local or general anesthesia. Duration varies based on the extent of reconstruction needed — from simple closures to multi-stage procedures.
Most patients return to light activities within 1–2 weeks. Final results continue to improve over months as swelling resolves and scars mature.
Scar remodeling continues for 12–18 months. Follow-up scar revision treatments may be offered to further refine results.
Dr. Clark holds American Board of Plastic Surgery certification and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons — ensuring the highest standard of surgical care.
His combined medical and dental medicine degrees give him an unusually thorough understanding of facial anatomy — critical for complex facial trauma reconstruction.
Trauma recovery is more than physical. Our team provides attentive, compassionate support from consultation through every stage of recovery.
In some cases, trauma reconstruction is covered by health insurance or auto insurance, depending on how the injury occurred. Our team can provide documentation to support your claim. We recommend contacting your insurer before your consultation to verify your coverage.
Some repairs are best performed acutely — within hours or days of the injury — while others, particularly scar revision, are best addressed after healing has stabilized, typically 6–12 months post-injury. Schedule a consultation and Dr. Clark will advise on the ideal timing for your specific case.
Scars cannot be removed entirely, but skilled reconstruction can significantly reduce their size, texture, and visibility. Results improve steadily over 12–18 months following surgery, and additional scar revision treatments may further refine the outcome.
Request an appointment online and our team will follow up to confirm the details. Dr. Clark looks forward to reviewing your case and discussing the best path forward.
