A reconstructive surgery fixes defects you are born with, defects caused by disease, and defects caused by injury. Reconstructive surgery is part of plastic surgery. A plastic and reconstructive surgeon is trained to perform this kind of plastic surgery with minimal risk to the patient.
What Is Reconstructive Surgery?
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A few different types of reconstructive surgeries are performed on patients. Some of them include the following:
- Breast reconstruction
- Surgeries to fix deformities in hands and feet
- Wound care is necessary for patients who have suffered severe burns and cuts and need skin grafts or other wound care techniques to minimize scarring.
- Microsurgery or flap procedures- These surgeries are performed to excise infected body parts.
- Facial surgeries can be performed to correct deformities like cleft lip and improve breathing problems and chronic infections of the sinuses.
Is Plastic Surgery the Same as Reconstructive Surgery?
Reconstructive surgery is a type of plastic surgery. They are cosmetic surgeries intended to improve the aesthetic appeal of specific body parts. However, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon is trained to do reconstructive surgery and any other elective cosmetic surgery.
Finding the Right Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
Have you decided it is time to get reconstructive or plastic surgery? The first step towards a successful procedure is to find the right plastic and reconstructive surgeons.
Here are a few boxes your plastic and reconstructive surgeon should tick.
- The surgeon should be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
- Your surgeon should have authentic positive reviews from previous clients.
- Your surgeon should be working from an accredited location.
- Your surgeon should understand what your long-term goal is and reasonably manage your expectations
- Your surgeon should have hospital privileges if operating from a medical facility.
How Much Does Reconstructive Surgery Cost?
Unlike elective plastic surgery, most insurance covers will pay for reconstructive surgery because it improves the patient’s overall health. Patients who experience health complications caused by physical deformities can get reconstructive surgery at a fraction of the cost paid by other plastic surgery patients.
Who Is Eligible for Reconstructive Surgery?
Reconstructive surgery is performed to treat body parts affected functionally by congenital disabilities, trauma, or developmental abnormalities. If you have a body part that makes day-to-day living challenging, you may be eligible for reconstructive surgery. If the deformity is causing active health complications, then your reconstructive surgery should be done sooner rather than later.
How Is Reconstructive Surgery Performed?
Reconstructive surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. The duration of the surgery depends on the extent of the deformities. Different techniques are used for each unique case.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Q&A
How can I prepare for reconstructive surgery?
Reconstructive surgery patients should quit smoking before the surgery. They should also stop excessive drinking. Your reconstruction surgeon will also advise you on the medication you must stop taking before surgery.
Who is eligible for reconstructive surgery?
Anyone with body parts physically affected by congenital disabilities, trauma, and developmental abnormalities. You are eligible for reconstructive surgery if you have a body part that does not let you get about ordinary day-to-day activities.
What are the most common reconstructive surgeries?
Some common reconstructive surgeries include;
- Cleft lip and palate repair
- Craniosynostosis surgery
- Gender confirmation surgeries
- Septoplasty (deviated septum correction)
- Panniculectomy (body contouring)
- Breast reduction surgery
Do I need a board-certified surgeon for reconstructive surgery?
Most reconstructive surgery is a major surgery that can jeopardize your life if done by a quack doctor. Always make sure your doctor is board certified before engaging any surgeon.
Am I a good candidate for reconstructive surgery?
Your board-certified surgeon is in the best position to assess your situation and advise on whether you need reconstructive surgery or not. Sometimes there really isn’t anything the surgeon can do to correct a deformity. In some cases, the risk of surgery is not worth the risk to your overall health, so the doctor may advise against surgery.
How long does it take to heal from reconstructive surgery?
Most patients will completely heal six months after the reconstructive surgery. The recovery process depends on the part of the body operated on. In most cases, the surgeon will prescribe pain and inflammation management medication and advise you on how to care for the wound. Patients should get someone to help them during the first few weeks of recovery if the surgery affects mobility. Surgery patients should also avoid strenuous activity after surgery because this can lead to the tearing of the stitches and bleeding.
What are the risks associated with reconstructive surgery?
Reconstructive surgery is just as risky as elective surgery. Patients may be at higher risk if they have pre-existing medical conditions. As with any other surgery, the risk of infection and bleeding is always present if the wounds are not properly cared for.
