Reconstructive plastic surgery

Reconstructive plastic surgery helps in improving the function and appearance of different parts of the body which may be deformed or damaged either by accident or disease or by birth defects. This procedure can be performed to improve a skin or body deformity. There is numerous board certified cosmetic and reconstructive surgeons who treat their patients with various reconstructive surgeries and help them to recover the consequences of injuries to cancer, from birth defects to dental issues. However, the most common reconstructive procedures are breast reduction, hand surgery, scar revision, laceration repair, tumor removal, birth defect reconstruction and burn care.

• Breast Reconstruction- The breast reconstruction is such a surgery that helps in restoring the normal shape, appearance, symmetry, and size of the breasts after following a mastectomy, lumpectomy or other congenital deformities. This may include multiple procedures which can either begin at the time of mastectomy or may also be delayed until a later date. Breast reconstruction usually falls under two categories- Implant-based reconstruction and flap reconstruction. In the implant based reconstruction, a breast implant is used to change the shape, size, and appearance of the breasts. Whereas in flap reconstruction the patient’s own tissue is used to improve the shape of the breast.
• Breast Reduction surgery- A breast reduction surgery is also known as reduction mammoplasty which encompasses the removal of the excess breast tissues, fat, glandular tissues, and extra skin to achieve a breast size that is lighter than the previous condition and also in proportion with rest of the body. A breast reduction surgery helps one alleviate the discomfort associated with overly large breasts.
• Cleft lip and palate repair- Cleft lip (cheiloschisis) and cleft palate (palatoschisis) are the most common birth defects that affect the children in North America. It is actually a condition of incomplete formation of the upper lip (the cleft lip) or roof of the mouth (cleft palate). Individuals may suffer from either or both the conditions. This cleft formation or the separation of the upper lip mostly occurs at a very early stage. However, a cleft lip and cleft palate repair is a type of plastic surgery that rectifies the abnormal development and restores the functional ability and natural appearance of the condition. The clefts are repaired by utilizing specialized surgical procedures that can improve the child’s ability to eat, speak, breathe and restore a normal appearance.
• Hand surgery- People with impaired hands can surgically improve their condition with a specialized surgery. The surgical procedure is used to treat the causes that impair the strength, function, and flexibility of the wrist and fingers. A hand surgery can treat-
  • Carpel tunnel syndrome is a condition that is caused due to the pressure exerted on the median nerve within the wrist.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis- A disabling disease that can cause severe inflammation in the joint of the body and can cause pain and impaired movement.
  • Dupuytren's contracture is another disabling hand disorder , where thick scar like tissues within the palm may extend into the fingers. This may restrict the movement and bending of the figures into an abnormal position.

• Lymphedema- Lymphedema affects some of the cancer survivors which is characterized by painful swelling in the arms or legs. The swelling occurs when the lymph nodes are no longer facilitating proper drainage of the lymph fluid from any area of the body. The surgical treatment option for lymphedema includes Lymphatic Bypass procedures, where lymphatic vessels are connected and drained into the body’s nervous system. The lymph nodes are harvested from one part of the body and then surgically implanted into the affected area to rebuild a failed system. Once the condition is diagnosed and lymphedema is established and the non-surgical treatments are initiated as early as possible.
• Scar revision- Scar revision is an attempt to minimise the scar by reducing the appearance and by blending the skin tone with the surrounding skin and texture. The scars are however visible signs of a wound that has healed. The scar revision treatment options may differ depending on the variety and severity of scarring that may also include simple topical treatments. Scar revision is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes advanced techniques for wound closure.
• Skin cancer removal- A cancer diagnosis is very difficult because treating skin cancer may result in scarring or disfigurement. The treatment for skin cancer may involve removal of the cancerous growth and other skin abrasions by using some specialized techniques to preserve the health and appearance of the patients.
• Tissue expansion- Tissue expansion is a relatively straightforward procedure that enables the body to grow skin, for reconstruction of any part of the body. The procedure is most commonly used for breast reconstruction after completing a breast removal procedure. However, it can be used to repair certain skin damaged by birth defects, accidents or surgery.