A common misconception about plastic surgery is that it’s all liposuction, nose jobs, and tummy tucks, but the truth is plastic surgery plays a major role in reconstructive medicine.
Reconstructive plastic surgery not only restores the appearance of certain body parts but also improves function and the confidence of people struggling with injuries, cancer, and other challenges. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the role of plastic surgery in reconstructive medicine.
What is Reconstructive Plastic Surgery?
Reconstructive plastic surgery is performed for various reasons, such as to repair and reshape any facial or bodily abnormality acquired through injury or illness or present at birth. It is used to create a more aesthetic appearance and restore the function of the defective body part, ultimately improving the individual’s self-esteem and confidence.
The Role of Plastic Surgery in Reconstructive Medicine
The role plastic surgery can play in reconstructive medicine is endless. Here are some ways plastic surgery can come into play regarding reconstructive medicine.
- Restore Function: The ultimate goal of plastic surgery in reconstructive medicine is to improve someone’s quality of life by restoring the function of any damaged or malformed body part. Restoring the function of a body part not only improves quality of life but can also restore independence and improve someone’s overall well-being.
- Improve Aesthetic Appearance: In addition to restoring normal bodily function, reconstructive plastic surgery can improve the appearance of affected body parts and help people feel more comfortable and confident in their bodies. A perfect example of this is reconstructive breast surgery after a mastectomy.
- Repair Congenital Defects: Being born with a congenital defect, such as cleft lip and palate, can have lifelong effects on the function and appearance of the face. Reconstructive plastic surgery is often used to correct congenital disabilities so that people can live normal and happy lives.
- Trauma Reconstruction: Reconstructive plastic surgery addresses injuries from any traumatic event, including burns, by rebuilding structures and tissues that may have been altered or damaged to restore function and appearance.
- Cancer Reconstruction: Cancer, especially breast cancer, is often treated with reconstructive plastic surgery. After a mastectomy or lumpectomy, the breast appearance can be altered, which can be very damaging to a woman’s self-esteem. Reconstructive surgery can restore the look of the breasts so that women can feel good in their bodies and clothing again.
- Scar Revision: Reconstructive plastic surgery can often help reduce the appearance of specific injuries, diseases, or even previous surgeries. Scars can frequently remind people of unfortunate circumstances, and with reconstructive plastic surgery, scars that remind people of these events can be reduced or even eliminated.
- Infection and Disease Repair: Certain infections and diseases can result in complex wounds and scarring. Tissue reconstruction through reconstructive plastic surgery can help restore areas affected by these diseases, such as necrotizing fasciitis.
Get Expert Reconstructive Surgery
Plastic Surgery in reconstructive medicine is essential to improve the quality of life of people suffering from a wide variety of aesthetic and functional abnormalities. One of the most common reconstructive surgeries is breast reconstruction. Finding a skilled surgeon with many years of experience is essential to ensure the best results possible.
If you or a loved one need reconstructive surgery, don’t delay – schedule a complimentary consultation today!