Reconstructive plastic surgery restores appearance and function to parts of the body affected by injury, illness, chronic medical conditions, burns, or traumatic injury. Numerous surgical procedures fall under the category of reconstructive surgery, and each corrects a specific kind of imperfection.
However, it often takes one or more procedures to correct a deformity, scar, or imperfection. So, in what kinds of situations does a person need reconstructive surgery?
Reconstructive surgery is generally considered to be medically necessary. It forms part of a larger treatment plan to treat deformities and imperfections caused by injury, illness, congenital defects, and developmental abnormalities.
Many procedures fall under the umbrella of reconstructive surgery:
Some patients need reconstructive surgery to live their everyday life. Suppose that a person has a cleft palate. They may have problems with talking and eating. Their teeth typically will also not grow well, and they may be prone to chronic infections. They can be helped by cleft palate reconstruction, which creates the standard connections that the palate should have in the mouth.
Similarly, a person with a bone disorder that has deformed their leg could benefit from orthopedic reconstruction. Surgical intervention can restore function to the leg, and physical therapy can improve the person’s gait and mobility.
Trauma to the face sometimes results in damaged nerves, bones, and soft tissue. The face may have scarring and structural deformity. If a person suffers nerve damage to the face, they will likely suffer from some form of paralysis, which may cause difficulties with speaking, smiling, and eating. A plastic surgeon can create a treatment plan to reverse as much of the damage as possible and restore the appearance and function of the patient's face.
Many people are thinking about getting reconstructive surgery. Here are answers to common concerns and questions that patients have.
A: Reconstructive plastic surgery is a type of surgery that helps improve function and appearance. It can be done on any part of the body but is commonly done on the face, hands, and breasts.
A: Anyone with a deformity or disfigurement that causes functional or psychological problems may be a good candidate for reconstructive plastic surgery.
A: Common procedures include breast reconstruction following mastectomy, hand surgery to correct deformities caused by injuries, and facial reconstruction following trauma or cancer surgery.
A: Recovery times vary depending on the type of procedure that was performed. Some people may be able to go back home the same day, while others may need to remain in the hospital for a few days. Patients should expect swelling and bruising after surgery, which can take several weeks to resolve.
A: As with any type of surgery, risks are always involved. These include bleeding, infection, and reactions to anesthesia. However, serious complications are rare. The surgeon will discuss all potential risks with the patient before the procedure. Simple things like not consuming alcohol leading to the surgery date can help minimize the risk of complications.
You may be suffering the effects of a congenital deformity, or the aftermath of a traumatic injury may have left a lingering imperfection. Any of these situations may be limiting your self-confidence. Reconstructive plastic surgery can help restore the part of your body that is affecting your everyday life. Contact us today to make an appointment with a plastic surgeon. During this initial consultation, you and the surgeon can discuss your goals and go over possible treatment plans.
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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