Ballywho News

Reconstructive plastic surgery uses innovative and creative means to restore form and function to patients who have sustained injuries from trauma, surgical defects from cancer surgery, congenital defects or other causes. The benefits of surgery are immense. It not only attempts to restore the lost form and helps regain function, but it also emotionally and psychologically enables the patient to feel whole again. Reconstructive plastic surgery is distinctly different than cosmetic plastic surgery. Cosmetic plastic surgery is often performed to enhance one’s appearance, but reconstructive surgery is done, and most of the time needed, to restore, replace or reform something that is lost or abnormal. It is often done due to necessity. Many times it is covered by insurance.

To see the procedures in a slightly different light let’s ask one of Westside Regional Medical Center’s reconstructive surgeons what the process is all about. According to Dr. Shashidhar Kusuma “restoring ones form and function, and making an individual whole is a very powerful and gratifying experience. It combines science with art, and marries technology with skill, ability with innovation.  I love seeing the smile on a patient’s face after a successful outcome.” As you can see, reconstructive plastic surgery is more than a run of the mill medical procedure. It is a medical asset that can help all types of patients.

Some common reasons for reconstructive plastic surgery

• Wound Treatment- As the body is injured the wounds can deplete our ability to function, cause infections, and severely impair function. Reconstructive plastic surgery can repair and close wounds and attempt to restore deformed parts of the body.
• Cancer- Reconstructing defects after cancer surgery is a large part of reconstructive plastic surgery. Tumor removal can save lives and is often an effective cure for particular types of cancer. At Westside Regional Medical Center we use reconstructive plastic surgery to treat breast cancer and skin cancer (both melanoma and non-melanoma cases) patients among others. The process can not only remove tumors, it can reshape the body giving patients their lives back.
• Traumatic Injury- Events such as car accidents can leave patients badly injured. Reconstructive plastic surgery can repair the human body. For instance, broken bones in the skeletal structure of the face can impede the ability to speak. Reconstructive plastic surgery can restore such vital functions and even repair the body cosmetically.

The term reconstructive plastic surgery encompasses multiple different procedures that focus on repairing nearly every part of the body. Each procedure will likely come with different advice from doctors about what steps need to be taken to prepare the body for a procedure. There are some general medical and lifestyle preparations that anyone about to undergo reconstructive surgery should consider.

Tips to help prepare for reconstructive treatments

• Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery. Not only will smoking ultimately bring a patient back to the hospital, it can make the recovery process take longer.
• Do not take certain medications for 2 weeks before surgery. Specifically: aspirin, ibuprofen or any medication that increases blood clotting. Keep in mind these are general tips. If you are going in for surgery, talk to your doctor about all medications and supplements you need to stop taking before the procedure.
• Work with your doctors. They may also need you take other medical tests to help them prepare for your surgery. This step will acclimate you with the process and make sure you get the best care available.
• Read up on the specific procedure you are undergoing. This will not only educate you, but let you know of what risks might be involved and ultimately relieve stress that may have built because of the procedure.
• Build a support group. Talk to family and friends to help you get by. Set up rides to and from the hospital as well as people to help you around the house when you get home as recovery may limit your mobility.
• Prepare your house. You will probably be immobile so plan to be comfortable. Have pillows, blankets, books and your favorite movies waiting for you when you get home. Also, purchase any medicines, moisturizers etc that the doctor says you will need. Last, try cooking several meals and freezing them. The less you have to do around the house when you get home, the more you can focus on recovering.

With some planning you can be fully prepared for reconstructive surgery. Remember, these procedures help your body out, so help them help you. If you have any questions about reconstructive plastic surgery visit us online or call our Consult-A-Nurse® program at 1-866-442-2362 for more information.