It is used to be impossible to fix disfigurement due to traumatic injuries, illnesses, or congenital disabilities. But the advance of technology and evolvement of the plastic surgery industry have made it possible to treat the affected part of the body with reconstructive surgery.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that almost six million reconstructive surgeries were done in recent years. There is also an increasing number of plastic surgeons that offer the service across the globe, such as the plastic surgeon in Asheville, NC. You can learn more about reconstructive surgery in this article.
What Is Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Reconstructive surgery is done to correct the body’s structure that is affected either aesthetically or functionally. The functional and aesthetic defects on the body may be caused by congenital disabilities, aging, trauma, disease, infection, or tumors.
The surgery is typically performed to enhance bodily function and capability. Nevertheless, the surgery can also be done to obtain a more normal appearance.
Who Are the People That Can Undergo Reconstructive Surgery
There are two kinds of people that undergo reconstructive surgery. These groups of people are:
- Persons with a birth or genetic defects, including deformed hands, craniofacial anomalies, and cleft lips.
- Persons with disfigurement because of infection, disease, aging, or accident.
The Different Types of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Several surgeries fall under reconstructive surgery. The following are some of these procedures.
Feet and hand surgeries
Persons who are affected by a few or many maladies, such as additional fingers or toes, webbed toes or fingers, and tumors, be it cancerous or non-cancerous, can undergo this surgery to reconstruct and normalize their hands and feet. People with carpal tunnel syndrome can also experience this surgery.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, hand surgery ranked as number five of the most-performed reconstructive procedures.
Skin cancer removal
Similar to any other type of cancer, skin cancer needs surgery to eliminate the tumors. However, skin cancer treatment can sometimes lead to scars or disfigurement. Luckily, plastic surgeons can skillfully remove the tumors and other skin injuries with specialized methods to maintain the patient’s health as well as looks.
Tumor removal is the most commonly performed reconstructive procedure with over 4 million surgeries, as reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Wound treatment
Individuals that suffer from cut injuries or burns can opt for either the skin grafts or other available reconstructive procedures.
Microsurgery or flap surgery
The replacement of body parts that are affected by injury or disease, including cancer, can be done with this procedure.
Facial surgeries
This procedure is performed to treat facial defects, such as cleft lip.
How to Prepare for Reconstructive Surgery
Depending on the patient’s situation, the patients may require several procedures that are performed in many stages. The surgeon will consider the patient’s medical history and evaluate the surgery according to the clinical needs and the patient’s desire.
Several clinics offer reconstructive surgery across the country. Patients need to be cautious in choosing their plastic surgeon and should go for those that are board-certified in their area, such as the plastic surgeon in Asheville, NC.
Reconstructive surgery makes it possible for people that experience disfigurement and bodily function defects to regain their healthy life and self-esteem. Depending on the condition, some patients may be required to undergo several procedures in several stages.
