Everything You Need to Know about Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

Rebuilding Lives through Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

This article provides an overview of everything you need to know about reconstructive plastic surgery. It is a form of plastic surgery which is used to restore the shape and function of a particular body part or correct a defect. Reconstructive plastic surgery is used when a significant amount of tissue is missing as a result of trauma or surgical removal. For example, when a woman has undergone a mastectomy, the affected part of the body needs to be fixed.According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 1 million reconstructive surgeries are performed each year.

Reconstructive plastic surgeons use a concept known as reconstructive ladder to manage increasingly complex wounds. This varies from very simple techniques such as primary closure and dressings to more complex tissue expansion, skin grafts, and excess flaps.

Some of the goals of reconstructive plastic surgeryinclude:

• To correct any abnormal structure of the body, which may be the result of birth defects, developmental abnormalities, infections, tumors or disease
• To improve body function
• To enhance the appearance of a person

A detailed medical history will be taken and evaluated based on the patient’s desired results and medical necessity. The plastic surgeon and patient have to take a joint decision weighing all the options, and choose a procedure that is best suited for the patient.

Different Procedures Available

• Breast reconstruction/reduction: This cosmetic surgery procedure is provided for women who have undergone a mastectomy or for women with abnormally large breasts that cause back problems or other related health issues.
• Reconstructive procedure for burn injuries and wounds: Done for those individuals who have been severely burned or wounded. Skin graft is one of the techniques to correct such conditions.
• Microsurgery or flap procedures: Done to replace parts of the body affected by injury or disease such as cancer.
• Other non cancerous tumors, webbed toes or fingers, extra fingers or toes can also be corrected through reconstructive plastic surgery.
• Facial reconstruction: This is done to correct facial defects such as cleft lip and palate microtia and others.
• Reconstructive plastic surgery also helps treat a sleeping disorder called sleep apnea. For instance, loud snoring may identify someone at risk for developing sleep apnea.

Reconstructive plastic surgery is thus making a breakthrough in changing the lives of hundreds of people and helping them lead a better life with better health and also a higher self confidence. It is, however, very essential to find the right physician who will tell you everything you need to know about reconstructive plastic surgery. During the consultation it is also very important to provide all the necessary information regarding your medical history, any previous surgery, medications that are being taken and also current health conditions.