2010 Top 5 Reconstructive Procedures

Four million tumor removals were performed in 2010. This was an increase of two percent from 2009. A tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue that can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Even though a tumor may be benign, it can enlarge and cause other problems, aside from being unsightly. Soft tissue tumors located on the face, neck, or other areas where the appearance of the final scar needs to be optimized are often referred to a plastic surgeon for removal.

357,000 laceration repairs were performed in 2010. This number was a seven percent increase from 2009. Lacerations located on the face, neck, and hands (depending on the depth and location of the cut) are often referred to a plastic surgeon for closure.

161,000 scar revisions were performed in 2010. This is a decrease of six percent from 2009. Scar revision is surgery to improve or reduce the appearance of a scar. Scar revision may also restore function and correct skin changes or disfigurement caused by an injury, wound, or previous surgery.

93,000 breast reconstructions were performed in 2010. This number was an eight percent increase from 2009. Breast reconstruction involves using fat transfer, flap techniques, and/or breast implants to restore a defect of the breast after a mastectomy or lumpectomy.

• See Breast Reconstruction Before and After Photos

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_{American Society of Plastic Surgerons. 2010 Plastic Surgery Procedural Statistics. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/News-and-Resources/Statistics.html}