Frequently Asked Questions About Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Reconstructive surgery is performed to restore and set right form and function.
Here are some frequently asked questions about reconstructive plastic surgery which is usually performed under general anesthesia at a hospital or plastic surgery center.
Scope of reconstructive plastic surgery Plastic surgery with reconstructive purposes serves to correct birth defects and structural abnormalities caused due to developmental issues, accident trauma, disease or cancer.
The main goal is to restore form and function.
Abnormalities of the nose, ears, chin, face, fingers or toes can be corrected.
This type of surgery also benefits women who have had a partial or full mastectomy and want breast reconstruction.
Though coverage levels vary, health insurance policies generally cover reconstructive procedures.
Procedures involved To begin with, people generally want information about the procedures that constitute reconstructive plastic surgery.
• Some procedures such as breast reduction, reconstructive nose surgery (for improving breathing and airflow), otoplasty (ear surgery) and eyelid surgery are also categorized as cosmetic plastic surgery as they serve aesthetic purposes as well.
• The other procedures include breast reconstruction (including areola and nipple reconstruction), ear reconstruction (microtia), skin grafts, cleft palate or cleft lip correction, corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery), treatment of Brachial Plexus injury, treatment for craniosynostosis, scar revision, laceration repair, reconstructive procedures involved in burn care, etc.
Benefits The other important question in people's minds is whether surgery for reconstructive purposes is truly beneficial.
The benefits are two-fold.
• The individual can lead a healthier life thanks to the restoration of the natural functions of the body.
• The patient regains his/her self-confidence when the affected body part is restored to normalcy.
In cases involving accident trauma, tumor removal or infection, surgical procedures with reconstruction purpose is crucial if the individual is to live a normal life.
Ideal candidates There is also a question as to whether there a bad candidate for reconstructive plastic surgery? Ideal candidates are expected to be well aware of the nature of the procedure being performed and have realistic expectations.
There could be health conditions or medication that could pose risks for patients.
The plastic surgeon would advise and caution patients about these risks at the outset.
The safety of the surgery has improved greatly with the advance in technology and treatment methods.
Risks The risks generally associated with any reconstructive procedure includes bruising and extensive bleeding, slow wound healing, problems arising from general anesthesia and internal problems.
These risks vary based on the individual health condition of patients.
However, with a board-certified plastic surgeon using the latest technology, the risks are significantly minimized.
Patients must enquire whether their surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has wide experience in performing the procedure.
Reconstructive surgery is usually covered by health insurance, though coverage varies based on the treatment plan.
These are the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about reconstructive plastic surgery.
Here are some frequently asked questions about reconstructive plastic surgery which is usually performed under general anesthesia at a hospital or plastic surgery center.
Scope of reconstructive plastic surgery Plastic surgery with reconstructive purposes serves to correct birth defects and structural abnormalities caused due to developmental issues, accident trauma, disease or cancer.
The main goal is to restore form and function.
Abnormalities of the nose, ears, chin, face, fingers or toes can be corrected.
This type of surgery also benefits women who have had a partial or full mastectomy and want breast reconstruction.
Though coverage levels vary, health insurance policies generally cover reconstructive procedures.
Procedures involved To begin with, people generally want information about the procedures that constitute reconstructive plastic surgery.
• Some procedures such as breast reduction, reconstructive nose surgery (for improving breathing and airflow), otoplasty (ear surgery) and eyelid surgery are also categorized as cosmetic plastic surgery as they serve aesthetic purposes as well.
• The other procedures include breast reconstruction (including areola and nipple reconstruction), ear reconstruction (microtia), skin grafts, cleft palate or cleft lip correction, corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery), treatment of Brachial Plexus injury, treatment for craniosynostosis, scar revision, laceration repair, reconstructive procedures involved in burn care, etc.
Benefits The other important question in people's minds is whether surgery for reconstructive purposes is truly beneficial.
The benefits are two-fold.
• The individual can lead a healthier life thanks to the restoration of the natural functions of the body.
• The patient regains his/her self-confidence when the affected body part is restored to normalcy.
In cases involving accident trauma, tumor removal or infection, surgical procedures with reconstruction purpose is crucial if the individual is to live a normal life.
Ideal candidates There is also a question as to whether there a bad candidate for reconstructive plastic surgery? Ideal candidates are expected to be well aware of the nature of the procedure being performed and have realistic expectations.
There could be health conditions or medication that could pose risks for patients.
The plastic surgeon would advise and caution patients about these risks at the outset.
The safety of the surgery has improved greatly with the advance in technology and treatment methods.
Risks The risks generally associated with any reconstructive procedure includes bruising and extensive bleeding, slow wound healing, problems arising from general anesthesia and internal problems.
These risks vary based on the individual health condition of patients.
However, with a board-certified plastic surgeon using the latest technology, the risks are significantly minimized.
Patients must enquire whether their surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has wide experience in performing the procedure.
Reconstructive surgery is usually covered by health insurance, though coverage varies based on the treatment plan.
These are the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about reconstructive plastic surgery.