The Ins and Outs of Reconstructive Surgery
By Natalie Kita, About.com Guide to Plastic Surgery
Trauma. Cancer. Congenital deformities (birth defects). Each can leave people with changes to their appearance that can have both a psychological and physical impact on their health. Reconstructive plastic surgery techniques such tissue expansion, skin and bone grafting, scar revision, implants, and more can help.
Correcting Birth Defects
Congenital deformities, otherwise known as birth defects, are becoming less common with advances in pre-natal medicine and care. However, there are still many children born with debilitating defects, and reconstructive surgery can offer hope to these children and their families.
- At What Age Should Surgery Be Done to Repair a Cleft Lip or Palate?
- Operation Smile: Changing Lives One Smile At A Time
- How Does a Skin Graft Work?
- Repairing Defects with Tissue Expansion
- Three-Dimensional Reconstruction with Flap Surgery
For Cancer Survivors
There is no doubt that a cancer diagnosis is life-changing and often devastating. Even when a patient "beats" cancer, there are often physical scars that remain, leaving the patient with a constant visible reminder of what he or she has endured. Many times, this leaves a patient feeling less than whole following the ordeal. In these cases, reconstructive surgery can offer a chance to feel like oneself again.
- Post-Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction
- Nipple and Areola Reconstruction
- Made Whole Again Through Skin Grafting
- The Use of Flaps in Reconstructive Surgery
- What Is Tissue Expansion
- Facial Reconstruction After Skin Cancer Removal
- Skin Cancer Reconstruction Photos
- What Happens During Post-Mohs Reconstructive Surgery
Victims of Traumatic Injury
Whether you have sustained an injury resulting from an accident, fire, or an act of violence or war, you may be left with disfiguring defects that require repair by a plastic surgeon. Learn more about the techniques used in reconstructive plastic surgery to repair the damage done by traumatic injury.
