What is reconstructive plastic surgery?
Aging, disease, birth defects, and injuries can change the appearance and function of various parts of the body. Unfortunately, this can negatively affect a person’s self-esteem and quality of life. The good news is that some of the imperfections caused by these issues can be corrected with reconstructive plastic surgery.
But what is Reconstructive plastic surgeryAnd what does it include?
Here’s everything you need to know about reconstructive plastic surgery.
What is reconstructive plastic surgery, and why is it done?
Reconstructive plastic surgery can be understood as a collection of cosmetic procedures performed to correct birth defects and deformities caused by developmental abnormalities, injuries, disease, or aging. Examples of some common reconstructive plastic surgical procedures include:
- Removal of breast implants
- Breast reduction
- Repair of cleft lip and cleft palate
- Gender confirmation surgery
- Scar modification
- Vast navy removal
- Breast reconstruction
- Reconstruction after removal of skin cancer
- Orthognathic surgery
- Hand surgery to improve flexibility and strength
- Craniosynostosis surgery
In addition to correcting deformities in various parts of the body to improve appearance and function, reconstructive surgical procedures help patients begin to feel better about themselves and be able to face life with renewed confidence. can do
Ideal candidate for reconstructive plastic surgery
In addition to having an anomaly that needs to be corrected by a reconstructive surgical procedure, the ideal candidate for these procedures should:
- Be in good physical health, free from diseases that can negatively affect the healing process
- Be a non-smoker or be prepared to quit smoking as smoking can lead to poor treatment
- Understand what the procedure involves and the risks associated with it
- Be prepared to follow your surgeon’s instructions before, during, and after the surgical procedure
During the initial visit with the surgeon, your surgeon will perform some tests, review your medical records, and ask some questions to determine if a given reconstructive surgery procedure is safe for you.
Risks of reconstructive plastic surgery
Like other surgical procedures, Reconstructive plastic surgical procedures are not without risk. Some of the risks associated with reconstructive surgery include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Blood clots
- poor treatment
- Inappropriate spots
- Inappropriate aesthetic results
- Surgical site infection
- Bruising and swelling
- Risks of anesthesia
- Constant pain
- Loss of sensation
Your surgeon will explain the risks to help you understand what could go wrong before you sign consent to undergo reconstructive plastic surgery. If you have questions or concerns, a board-certified surgeon should be happy to listen to you, understand your concerns, and respond accordingly.
Benefits of reconstructive plastic surgery
Although plastic reconstructive surgery is associated with many risks, it also has many benefits. By seeking plastic reconstructive surgery you can expect some benefits:
- Improved aesthetic appearance and self-esteem
- Improve the quality of life
- Improved security. For example, blepharoplasty can help you see better and avoid accidents as a result.
- Improved independence, especially in cases where reconstructive surgery is meant to correct defects that make it difficult for patients to move or perform other basic tasks
- Improved function. For example, orthognathic surgery, also known as jaw surgery, enables a patient to eat solid foods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plastic Reconstructive Surgery
Who performs reconstructive plastic surgery?
In most cases, reconstructive plastic surgery is performed by board-certified plastic surgeons. However, depending on the deformity that needs to be corrected, reconstructive surgical procedures may also be performed by other medical specialists, such as dermatologists and otolaryngologists.
What is the difference between cosmetic surgery and reconstructive plastic surgery?
Cosmetic surgical procedures are performed to reshape normal body features to give them a better appearance and improve the patient’s self-esteem. On the other hand, reconstructive plastic surgery is performed to correct body features distorted by injuries, disease, or birth defects. Although reconstructive plastic surgery can also improve a patient’s appearance, it is primarily performed for functional purposes as opposed to aesthetic purposes.
Does reconstructive plastic surgery require hospitalization?
In most cases, patients do not need to stay in the hospital overnight after reconstructive plastic surgery. So, after undergoing the procedure, there is a good chance that you will be allowed to go home the same day. However, in some cases, a patient may need to be hospitalized, especially if there are complications. But even in cases where hospitalization is required, it is often brief, and unlikely to last more than a day or two.
Is reconstructive plastic surgery safe?
All surgical procedures, including reconstructive plastic surgery, involve risks. Indeed, many things can go wrong during and after the process. However, these procedures are generally safe when performed by qualified, board-certified surgeons. Before the procedure, your doctor will evaluate your medical history and perform some tests to determine if you are healthy enough to undergo a plastic surgical procedure. After the procedure, you will need to follow the instructions given to you by your surgeon to minimize the risk of complications.
