What do reconstructive surgeons do

It involves reconstructing missing tissues, transferring tissues from other sites, and reconnecting blood vessels. A mastectomy is a treatment for breast cancer that involves the removal of the breast tissue. Following this procedure, many women choose to have the shape and look of their breasts rebuilt via reconstructive procedures. It is possible to rebuild both the nipple-areola complex and the surrounding tissue. To accomplish this, surgeons use autologous tissue tissue that has been removed and transplanted from another area of the body , prosthetic implants, or a combination of the two.

The reconstruction can be done immediately after the mastectomy or after a delay. Reconstructive procedures can have greatly positive psychological benefits on patients who have had a long-fought battle with cancer. Specifically, it can help them adjust to a new body image and gain a sense of having recovered attributes that were lost. A fracture occurs when a bone is cracked or broken, usually as the result of an injury.

A bad fall, a motor vehicle accident, or a sports injury can all result in a fracture. Plastic surgeons are especially important in cases where the bone has broken through the skin. This kind of injury is referred to as an open fracture.

There are many conditions, situations, and injuries that merit the consideration of reconstructive procedures. These include severe burns anywhere on the body and injuries to the face. Conditions and injuries that result in the loss of significant amounts of tissue can also merit a reconstructive procedure. Examples of this type of situation include the loss of breast tissue as a result of a mastectomy and the amputation of a finger.

Cosmetic surgery can be a good option for people who want to improve their physical appearance. It can help patients meet their aesthetic goals and take control over the way they look. People who have had difficulty maintaining a healthy weight via diet and exercise have the option to reduce their body fat via cosmetic surgery.

If you want to establish different ratios in your face, such as the shape and protrusion of your ears or the shape of your eyes, cosmetic surgery can be an effective solution.

It can also benefit people who want to maintain a more youthful appearance via a facelift or a necklift. All the factors relating to the recovery and the results of your procedure vary according to your current condition and your treatment plan. These include the downtime and the expected outcome.

Plastic surgeons take your recovery into consideration when planning your treatment, working to provide you with results as quickly as possible with minimal interruption to your normal activities. The best way to learn more about how to treat your condition and what options are available to you is to schedule a consultation.

At our practice, Mr. Salerno can give you an assessment and answer all your questions. He can design a treatment for you that can give you the best results, whether you wish to restore functionality, enhance your appearance, or both. Salerno offers both reconstructive and cosmetic treatments. In the case of reconstructive procedures, he can use his cosmetic knowledge to prioritize the concerns you might have regarding your appearance following the procedure. Your consultation is a good time to discuss all of your expectations regarding your desired outcome.

The confusion between reconstructive and cosmetic surgery is understandable. Both are subspecialties of plastic surgery, and both are often performed at the same practice. Ask a Surgeon. Patient Community. Post your question to Ask a Surgeon to get an authoritative and trustworthy answer from our ASPS member surgeons or share your journey with other people just like you on the Patient Community.

The views expressed in Ask a Surgeon and the Patient Community are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Share your journey with other people just like you on the Patient Community or post your question to Ask a Surgeon to get an authoritative and trustworthy answer from our ASPS member surgeons. Share your journey with other people just like you on the Patient Community.

My Account. News Blog What's the difference between reconstructive and cosmetic procedures? Reconstructive plastic surgery Reconstructive surgery is performed to restore function and normal appearance, and correct deformities created by birth defects, trauma or medical conditions including cancer. Cosmetic plastic surgery Cosmetic surgery is performed to enhance overall cosmetic appearance by reshaping and adjusting normal anatomy to make it visually more appealing.

How are they similar? Correct board certification matters Regardless of the type of plastic surgery, patients should do their homework and ensure their surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. More Like This. Updates, advice and lifestyle tips from the ASPS delivered directly to your email inbox. Join Connect.

Related Posts. It can be very helpful to talk with people who have had a similar experience as you. Consider counseling. Ask a member of your health care team to recommend a mental health professional. What is your experience doing this type of reconstructive surgery?

Such as, how many have you done and how often do you perform this surgery? How soon can I have reconstructive surgery after cancer treatment? Or, can I wait to have reconstructive surgery? How long will the reconstructive surgery take?

Will I need to stay in the hospital, and if so, for how long? What are the possible complications and side effects of this reconstructive surgery? How will they be relieved or managed? If tissue or graft from another part of the body is being used for my reconstruction, how will that part of the body feel or look after this surgery? What are the risks of that type of reconstruction? What type of caregiving will I need during my recovery at home?

What will my follow-up care be like after surgery? Do I need more appointments or tests after this surgery?

This list of suggested questions is a starting point to help you learn more about your specific reconstructive surgery. You are encouraged to ask additional questions that are important to you, including specific questions based on the part s of the body involved and the specific type of reconstruction done, such as a graft or tissue relocated from another part of the body.

Reconstructive Surgery Approved by the Cancer. Why would I need reconstructive surgery? Where is reconstructive surgery done? Who will do my reconstructive surgery? How does reconstructive surgery work? Other types of reconstructive surgeries include: Skin, tendon, and bone grafts. Deciding about reconstructive surgery Talk with your surgeon about your options. These may include: Where you need cancer surgery, and how much reconstruction you need If you had surgery in that same area before Your personal preferences If you need more cancer treatment Your general health and any other medical conditions You may have reconstructive surgery right after your doctor removes the cancer.

Recovering from reconstructive surgery The time you need to recover depends on the type of surgery. Before surgery, be sure to ask: How long recovery is likely to take How to manage any pain or discomfort after surgery If you should change your daily routine and activities, and for how long It is possible you will need to make some permanent changes.

Coping with body self-image and emotional changes Both cancer treatment and reconstructive surgery can change how you look and feel. Allow yourself time to adjust to the changes, and treat yourself with kindness Seek out support for managing your emotions and accept the help of others Consider joining a support group. Questions to ask your surgeon before reconstructive surgery What is your experience doing this type of reconstructive surgery?

What are my reconstructive surgery options? What are the advantages of each type? What are the disadvantages? Are there things I can do to get ready for surgery? Where will you do the surgery? What will my body look and feel like right after this surgery? Will that change over time? If I'm worried about the costs of this surgery or my insurance coverage, who can help me?

General questions about recovery include: Can you describe what my recovery will be like?