What Happens During a Reconstructive Surgery?

Reconstructive surgery is a procedure that alters the appearance of a part of the body by removing tissue or bone and replacing it with synthetic materials or material from another location of the body. The word reconstructive refers to restoring normal anatomy and function in areas where there was once a problem. This article will review the most common types of reconstructive surgeries we perform. 

The Ultimate Guide to Reconstructive Surgery

Breast Reconstructive Surgery

Breast reconstructive surgery is a procedure to rebuild the breast after a mastectomy. The surgeon can use the patient’s own tissue, implants, or a combination of both. Reconstruction with one’s tissue involves the surgeon removing excess skin from other parts of the body and using it to create new breasts that look and feel natural. This option also offers more sensations than the implant alternative. 

Reconstruction with implants involves inserting implants consisting of saline (saltwater) or silicone gel under the muscle tissue and then covering them with the patient’s tissue and skin. The type of breast reconstruction chosen will depend on how much breast tissue remains after treatment.

If one is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy before or after the mastectomy, the surgeon may suggest holding off on reconstruction surgery until treatments are complete. This way, fewer chances of developing cancerous cells that could spread into areas where they have been exposed during surgery and cause problems later down the road, known as secondary malignancies.

Cleft Lip and Palate Repair

A surgeon can repair a cleft lip and palate in several ways, depending on the type and severity of the condition. However, this is the process for the most common.

First, the surgeon makes an incision along the edge of the lip where they want to repair it and then lifts the flap of the skin. They will then cut through a muscle underneath the flap of skin so it looks like two lips instead of one. Next, they sew these pieces together where their mouth should have closed before birth. Finally, stitches are placed around the outside edge of each side of this new opening so it stays closed when they talk or eat; these stitches usually dissolve on their own after about six weeks, but sometimes they can be removed earlier (to be determined).

Hand Reconstructive Surgery

This procedure involves removing scar tissue, tendons, and muscles from another part of the patient’s body so that the surgeon can rebuild the hand in appearance and functionality. This requires an incision where the new tendon will be placed in the arm or leg (depending on which muscles are removed). The incision will be closed with stitches that dissolve over time. After surgery, the patient will wear a device called a stint for several weeks while the transplanted tissue heals into place around it.

Panniculectomy

A panniculectomy is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen. The surgeon can perform a panniculectomy for cosmetic and medical reasons, such as when there is an obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract due to abdominal fat. 

It can be performed as either open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. Open panniculectomy involves making incisions in the abdomen to remove excess skin and fat tissues through these cuts. Laparoscopic panniculectomy uses long instruments with small cameras attached that are inserted into small incisions made in the abdomen through which the surgeon can see inside the body to operate without making large incisions on the surface of the skin.

Septoplasty

A septoplasty is a procedure that alters the shape of the nose, specifically its narrow cartilage framework. The surgeon aims to reduce breathing issues resulting from a deviated septum (the wall between nostrils). During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision at the top of the nose, where it connects to the forehead. This allows for removing or reshaping any damaged or crooked cartilage found along with excess tissue inside the nostrils (if necessary).

Sometimes, the surgeon will perform septoplasty along with other cosmetic procedures such as rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) or turbinate reduction surgery (surgical reduction or removal).

Limb Salvage Reconstructive Surgery

The surgeon most often performs limb salvage reconstructive surgery on limbs negatively impacted by infection, disease, burns, or traumatic injuries. This procedure can happen in two ways. First, the surgeon can remove tissue and bone from one area and transfer it to another area where it is damaged. The alternative is to replace missing bones with metal rods, plates, and screws, formally called external fixators or intramedullary devices (IMDs). These devices hold together broken pieces until they heal enough for the patient to receive further treatment outlined in their plan.

Schedule a Consultation Today

We hope this article has been helpful in learning more about reconstructive surgery. If you believe you could benefit from reconstructive surgery, contact our Schaumburg office today. We will schedule an appointment with our plastic surgeon to explore your options.

Request an appointment here: https://www.paulcdillonmd.com or call Paul C. Dillon, MD Inc at (847) 429-3185 for an appointment in our Schaumburg office.

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