Reconstructive Surgery

Although it is a type of plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery, also known as reconstruction surgery, differs greatly from the more commonly talked about cosmetic surgery procedures.
 
Reconstructive surgery is used to fix abnormalities, improve function or help recreate a more "normal" appearance. Disfigurements that are often addressed by reconstructive surgery include:
  • birth defects
  • deformities caused by accident, disease or trauma
  • developmental abnormalities
  • tumors.
By contrast, cosmetic surgery is performed on normal body structures with the goal of improving the patient's appearance.
 
Approximately 1 million reconstructive surgery procedures are performed each year.

Reconstructive Surgery: Common Procedures

Reconstructive surgeries range from extremely minor, like closing a wound, to extremely complex, like reattaching severed limbs.
 
Skin grafts are one common type of plastic surgery that can be used on a number of patients. While skin grafts can be used to repair a single wound, they can also be used to treat severe burns that cover a majority of the body. During a skin graft, the surgeon takes a patch of skin from a healthy part of the body and uses it to cover missing or damaged skin on another part.
 
A few common reconstructive procedures seem to blur the line between plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery. For instance, breast reduction is a common type of plastic surgery. However, the procedure is considered to be a reconstructive one when it is done for medical reasons, such as chronic back pain.
 
Also, while an eyelid lift is a common cosmetic plastic surgery procedure, it is considered to be a reconstructive procedure if it helps to restore a person's vision.

Reconstructive Breast Surgery

One of the most common reconstructive surgeries is reconstructive breast surgery. This procedure creates a breast to replace one that has been removed due to cancer or another disease.
 
Advances in technology have made it possible to create far more natural-looking breasts through reconstruction. As a plus, the procedure is often done as soon as the breast is removed, allowing a woman to avoid a possibly uncomfortable time period during which she would otherwise have to live without one or both breasts.
 
Breast reconstruction helps women regain self-esteem and a positive body image, as it can be extremely difficult for a woman to deal with cancer or disease and also face the prospect of not having breasts.

Reconstructive Surgery: Possible Complications

Any surgery involves risk, but, with a qualified surgeon, reconstructive surgery risks are greatly reduced. Talk to your doctor about any possible side effects or complications that could arise from your reconstruction surgery.
 
You may be at a higher risk for complications from reconstructive surgery if you:
  • have a connective-tissue disease
  • have damage from radiation therapy
  • have decreased circulation in the area undergoing surgery
  • have HIV or a damaged immune system
  • have poor nutrition
  • smoke.
It is difficult to predict how long it will take a person to recover from reconstructive surgery, as recovery time will vary from individual to individual and will also depend on the procedure being performed. However, your doctor should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect as you recover.

The Cost of Reconstructive Surgery

Unlike cosmetic surgery, reconstructive plastic surgery is often covered by insurance, since it's done for medical reasons. However, you should always check with your insurance company to verify whether or not it will cover a procedure. Of course, you will also need to talk to your physician about obtaining pre-authorization.
 
Resources
 
American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (n.d.). Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Retrieved August 17, 2007, from the AAFPRS Web site: http://www.aafprs.org/.
 
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (2007). Breast Reconstruction. Retrieved August 17, 2007, from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Web site: http://www.plasticsurgery.org/patients_consumers/procedures/
BreastReconstruction.cfm?FID=85082694&CFTOKEN=64870625.
 
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (2007). Reconstructive Surgery: Procedures at a Glance. Retrieved August 17, 2007, from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Web site: http://www.plasticsurgery.org/patients_consumers/procedures/
ReconstructiveSurgery.cfm.