Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
What Is Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Plastic surgery stands out among surgical specialties due to its broad scope, extending beyond a single organ system. This multidimensional field requires technical precision and fosters creativity, continually evolving to meet new challenges.
Plastic surgeons address a diverse range of conditions, from congenital abnormalities to cancer, trauma, and degenerative or autoimmune disorders.
Reconstructive surgery addresses defects arising from various causes, including those present at birth, diseases, or injuries. Examples include breast reconstruction following mastectomy or corrective hand surgery for congenital conditions like webbed fingers. Unlike cosmetic surgery, which focuses on aesthetic enhancements, reconstructive surgery is primarily driven by medical necessity.
What are the different types of reconstructive surgery procedures?
Reconstructive surgery addresses a range of common conditions, including:
Breast conditions:
- Breast reconstruction, often following mastectomy.
- Breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) to alleviate discomfort, rash, or back pain. The classification of breast reconstruction as cosmetic or reconstructive depends on the extent of tissue removal, as per health insurance guidelines.
Limb salvage:
- Reconstructive surgery may prevent limb amputation by utilizing tissue to fill in space.
Facial reconstruction:
- Necessary after tumor removal or traumatic injuries.
- Orthognathic surgery for jaw straightening.
Hand procedures:
- Enhance strength, flexibility, and function.
- Correct conditions such as webbed fingers, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or trauma-related injuries.
Many surgeons specialize in hand surgery to address these specific needs.