Types of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) indicate that over one million reconstructive surgery procedures are done every year. For example, in 2020, nearly 6.8 such procedures were performed. The goal of reconstructive surgery is to repair damaged tissues.
Damaged tissues can happen due to traumatic injuries or physical congenital disabilities and diseases, and severe burns. Examples of congenital physical disabilities are cleft lips, ear deformities, injuries from burns, or dog bites. Defects can also happen due to the aftermath of treatments like rebuilding a woman’s breast following cancer surgery.
Cosmetic plastic surgery differs from reconstructive surgery. You may opt to undergo cosmetic surgery to feel or look better in your physical appearance. It is an elective procedure and not for medical reasons. On the other hand, reconstructive surgery is necessitated for medical reasons due to congenital disabilities or trauma.
Reconstructive surgery is usually covered by insurance, while most cosmetic procedures are not. Several areas may be classified as either cosmetic or reconstructive in plastic surgery. For example, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) may be done to correct drooping eyelids obscuring vision or for cosmetic improvement.
A breast reduction procedure (reduction mammoplasty) is performed to remove excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin to alleviate a condition known as macromastia or achieve a breast size more in proportion to your body size. Macromastia is the discomfort associated with carrying excessively large breasts. Depending on the amount of breast tissue removed, reduction mammoplasty can either be a reconstructive or cosmetic procedure. Your health insurance policy may help in drawing the line. Those opting for reduction surgery for cosmetic reasons may use factors such as wardrobe concerns and social stigma to qualify for insurance cover.
After breast removal due to cancer, reconstructive surgery can be done right after the tumor is removed or later after the area has healed. The doctor may also recommend reconstructive surgery after you finish cancer treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Congenital disabilities such as cleft lip and palate abnormalities are commonly treated through plastic surgery. These congenital disabilities often impede the regular function of the mouth and nose area, which can affect the ability to speak, hear, eat, and even breathe. The surgeon can repair or reconstruct the incomplete formation of the mouth or upper lip to restore function.
Foot and hand surgery may improve physical conditions that impair the use of these limbs. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and Dupuytren’s contracture. The latter is a disabling hand disorder characterized by scar-like tissue bands, usually on the palm. Reconstructive surgeries can also help treat diseases that impair flexibility and function in the fingers and wrists and reduce the associated pain. In addition, the surgeon can correct some birth abnormalities through reconstructive surgery. People with foot issues such as extra toes webbed feet can also benefit from foot surgeries.
Jaw straightening surgery (orthognathic surgery) involves procedures performed on the lower or upper jaw and chin to improve function and form. The surgeon may recommend orthognathic surgery to optimize tooth fit and normalize facial proportions. Jaw straightening surgery can be used to treat or manage obstructive sleep apnea. Orthognathic procedures can either be cosmetic or reconstructive.
