What does a plastic and reconstructive surgeon do?
Plastic and reconstructive surgeons are trained in the repair of complex injuries to the muscles, skin, and fat. These surgeons are focused on both the appearance and the function of the body. They both improve the cosmetics of those who are injured and their ability to move, breathe, and perform daily tasks.
What does reconstructive surgery include?
Reconstructive surgery is a very broad field that is both a science and an art. What exactly is included is different for every patient. A short list of some of the things that a significant reconstructive surgery may include is:
- Skin grafting
- Replacing areas of lost bone
- Moving sections of fat, muscle, and skin to a new area (a flap procedure)
- Altering scars and improving their appearance
What is the difference between plastic and reconstructive surgery?
Many plastic surgeons also do reconstructive surgery, but not all reconstructive surgeons are plastic surgeons.
Reconstructive surgeons are focused on the repair of wounds and injuries to the outer areas of the body that affect appearance and/or function. Both plastic surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and ear/nose/throat (ENT) surgeons may go into the field of reconstructive surgery. Orthopedic surgeons commonly work on the hands while plastic surgeons work on all parts of the body in addition to the hands. ENT surgeons commonly focus on the head, nose, and face. All three of these surgical specialists generally obtain additional training in the field of reconstructive surgery which gives them experience with more complex procedures.
Plastic surgeons focus on the superficial areas of the body close to the skin. They still do reconstructive surgery, but these surgeries are generally less complex than those done by plastic surgeons with additional training in reconstructive surgery.
What is the difference between a cosmetic surgeon and a reconstructive surgeon?
The primary difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgeons is the anatomy of their patients. Cosmetic surgeons typically work on patients with normal facial anatomy that is being altered due to a desire to alter an otherwise normal appearance. Reconstructive surgeons typically operate on patients with severe injuries that have resulted in a deformity to an area of the body.
Is reconstructive surgery risky?
Reconstructive surgery is rarely high risk. It is generally done long after the injury that led to the deformity being reconstructed has otherwise healed. This is done because it takes weeks after an injury for the body to heal injured areas and for swelling from the injury to decrease. This allows the surgeon to clearly see the area that needs to be repaired and to make a plan that will lead to the best possible appearance.
This means that reconstructive surgery is being done on healthy patients who have had most if not all of their serious medical issues resolved. This dramatically lowers the risk of complications during the surgery. The risks of reconstructive surgery are similar to any other routine surgery. Infection in the area of the surgery, bleeding, or early loosening of the stitches may require repeat surgery.
Who is a bad candidate for cosmetic or reconstructive surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is most effective in patients that are otherwise healthy, do not smoke, and do not have any major medical conditions that are untreated. This allows the body to heal quickly, effectively, and completely, which is necessary for a good cosmetic outcome. It is also important to have realistic goals for your cosmetic surgery; your surgeon will discuss what is possible to ensure that you will not be disappointed by the results of the surgery. Being in poor health or having unrealistic goals for the surgery makes for a poor candidate for cosmetic surgery.
Reconstructive surgery is more complicated. Both overall health and goals are still important for reconstructive surgery. What is possible during these surgeries changes dramatically based on the severity of the injury, location of the injury, and the presence of any other nearby injuries. What makes you a good or poor candidate for reconstructive surgery is unique to your case and needs to be discussed with your surgeon.
Why is a plastic surgeon called a plastic surgeon?
The word plastic is derived from the Greek word “plastikos,” which translates to “shapeable, malleable, and moldable.” The majority of plastic surgery procedures involve very little plastic. Some cosmetic procedures such as rhinoplasty (nose job) and breast augmentation (breast implants) do involve plastic, but this is a coincidence as opposed to the reason for the name of this specialty.
