First facial surgery a success - Spring Lake girl discharged

Little Charlotte Ponce, 10, of Spring Lake, left Beaumont Children’s Hospital [1] a day ahead of schedule. The medical team from Beaumont’s Ian Jackson Craniofacial and Cleft Palate Clinic [2] are pleased with her progress after a first of many surgeries to reconstruct her face. A raccoon attack, when she was an infant, left her severely disfigured.

Charlotte Ponce and Tiger chat with Fox 2's Deena Centofanti.

Over the next two years, the surgical team lead by Kongkrit Chaiyasate, M.D. [3], director, Reconstructive Microsurgery at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak will reconstruct her nose, lip and ear.

Her story has attracted the attention of both regional and national media outlets. On Aug. 15, Dr. Chaiyasate and his surgical team took tissue with a blood supply from Charlotte’s forearm to create a lining for her nose. In about two months, she’ll return for a second procedure. The surgical team will take tissue from her forehead to create the exterior of her nose.

Dr. Chaiyasate and the Ponce family gave the media an update early this afternoon before Charlotte’s departure.

Dr. Chaiyasate explains the details of Charlotte's reconstructive surgery:

How was Charlotte as a patient? [4]

What can you tell us about Charlotte's future surgeries and treatments? [5]

How are the surgeries improving her breathing and smell? [6]

How did the Ponce family find Dr. Chaiyasate and the Ian Jackson Craniofacial and Cleft Palate Clinic? [7]