What is reconstructive surgery. Reconstructive plastic surgery: purpose, types of surgery and indications for them

In modern society, aesthetic plastic surgery is very popular. For some, she is associated with hopes to improve her appearance, get rid of old complexes, enjoy the way her own face or body looks, and someone is skeptical about her - they say, you need to love yourself the way you are, accepting your individuality. Both points of view have a right to exist when it comes to getting a bigger chest, removing a hump on the nose, or getting rid of excess fat on the thighs. But it happens that a person is born with congenital malformations - defects in appearance, or acquires them as a result of an injury. Of course, in adulthood, one can argue that appearance is not the main thing, that the inner world of a person is important. But defects and deformations of appearance are unlikely to bring joy to anyone, and complexes in childhood give rise not only to geniuses in the future.

It is clear why Zulya made three attempts to commit suicide

Fortunately, recently in our country more attention has been paid to the problems of people with disabilities, the disabled. The success of our athletes at the Paralympic Games in Sochi proved to everyone that the possibilities of such people are endless. Indeed, when a person is missing an arm or leg, and sometimes both limbs, it is scary. Such a person needs special equipment, social guarantees, state protection. And now, finally, our government decided to deal with this issue in more detail, providing people with disabilities not only with social benefits, job guarantees, but also promising to deal with the infrastructure of cities, equipping them for the convenience of such people. But what about those who lost their nose, say, as a result of an accident? Or with people whose faces are disfigured by burns beyond recognition? What about children with congenital malformations of the face? They can breathe, their limbs are intact, and nothing threatens their life. But can they fully exist in society with such a disfigured appearance? Do such children have a desire to communicate with peers who very often turn out to be cruel? Is it possible for adults to get a job, go to an office or some other public place? As a rule, the answer to all these questions is negative. These are people who not only have their face or body disfigured, their soul is crippled. And if in many countries with an established system of insurance medicine, insurance companies take on the cost of expensive reconstructive and aesthetic operations, in our country this question, unfortunately, remains open: first of all, treatment, including surgical, cardiological , oncological, trauma-orthopedic and other patients, the rest is funded on a residual basis.

What is reconstructive surgery?

As a rule, reconstructive operations are carried out in several stages. But there is no clear distinction between aesthetic and reconstructive operations in plastic surgery: reconstructive operations almost always include aesthetic elements and vice versa.

For example, skin grafting after burns: skin is taken from one part of the body and transplanted to another, rhinoplasty - changing the shape of the nose - can be combined with the restoration of its natural function - breathing, otoplasty - similarly, lip plastic surgery may be needed to restore their shape and size after injuries and burns.

Reconstructive surgery deals with:

restoration of a significantly or completely lost organ or tissue;
closing defects of the face and body associated with underdevelopment or complete absence of a body part (organ, tissue) of a congenital nature;
elimination of gross scars that violate the function of an organ and tissue or for aesthetic reasons;
recovery from complications resulting from unsuccessful plastic surgeries.

Of course, we are talking about operations of increased complexity, which not every surgeon will undertake. The doctor must have extensive experience in surgical practice, since it is necessary to recreate not just a "dummy", but a full-fledged tissue fragment with blood circulation and innervation.

It can be assumed that the cost of such operations is not low. In Western countries, as a rule, the cost of providing such medical care is covered by insurance companies. In Russia, there is still a "quota practice", in which funding comes from the social "pocket" of the state. But, it is clear that this pocket is not bottomless. Therefore, a patient in need of reconstructive plastic surgery has to go through bureaucratic thresholds for many months, and sometimes years, and the quota is given only once a year, for one operation, while most of these patients need a phased multiple surgical treatment, in which there must be a certain interval. Most often, two or three operations per year are necessary. So you have to rely on your financial resources, various funds or a miracle. And miracles, as you know, happen.

The story of a girl from Uzbekistan

When little children saw me, they screamed in fear. And even my father asked not to visit us with children

Here is the story of a girl from Uzbekistan who, as a result of a fire at the age of 14, was left virtually without a face - there are two holes in place of her nose, the complete absence of normal skin on her face and hands, instead - a continuous scar completely covering the surface of her face. Passers-by, when they saw her, turned away, the children were frightened - it was a real nightmare, which is simply impossible to live with. A beautiful girl has turned into a monster. Her behavior in such a situation turned out to be quite “standard” - a refusal to go out, to contact people, to look at herself in the mirror. Zulaiho, or simply Zule, had about twenty unsuccessful plastic surgeries done in clinics in the community. Five of the twenty surgeries were done without general anesthesia due to surgeons' fear that her heart would simply fail. The operations did not bring results, as the transplanted skin simply did not take root. Also, the attempt to implant a fastening mechanism, which was later planned to be attached to a plastic artificial nose (ectoprosthesis), ended in failure. This killed in her all faith in medicine and the desire to fight further in order to live a normal, fulfilling life.

“I was afraid of my reflection in the mirror. When little children saw me, they screamed in fear. And even my father asked not to visit us with children. Because every time it hurts a lot and I cry. Therefore, no one came to us, and we also did not go to anyone.”

The girl's mother decided to leave illegally to work in Moscow with one goal - to make a last attempt to save her beloved daughter and find a plastic surgeon who could help her. Zula was then already twenty-three years old, nine years of unbearable torment were left behind. Bit by bit, the woman collected information about Moscow surgeons who are taking on reconstruction, and thus, quite by accident, she received the telephone number of the Department of Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery (RICH) of the hospital of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Zulya came to the surgeon Andrey Leonidovich Ishchenko, who then headed this unique department .

Of course, she came to Ishchenko late: not only the burn, but also unsuccessful attempts at plastic surgery led the facial tissues to a terrifying state. Naturally, with such initial data, all the surgeons she turned to refused Zuli.

“I remember how the surgeon who did my last operation took off the bandage and realized that nothing had worked, then he uttered a phrase that practically killed me: “... if one of the surgeons helps you get a more or less human face, then I'll eat my own medical gown!"

One can imagine why Zulya made three attempts to commit suicide.

“My mother and I were sitting under Ishchenko’s office, and I almost drew the whole conversation with him for myself. He, like others, will say that it is no longer possible to help me, my health will not allow me to perform a single operation, I have to accept and live on ... And how to live if there is only despair and hopelessness in my soul ... And who am I to take a doctor such a risk? Just a crippled person, of which there are many, and even not Russian. He will definitely refuse!

But, those who know Andrei Leonidovich also know his huge heart. He is one of those doctors who "did not burn out", and, despite many years of surgical practice, he experiences all the patient's mental pain with him. He performed Zula's first operation in the spring of 2007, completely replacing the scar tissues of the face with a full-thickness skin graft (30 X 30 cm) taken from the thigh. The operation lasted sixteen hours, and the staff of the entire department “assisted” the surgeon. Jewelry, "millimeter" exfoliation of the skin on the thigh was carried out in such a way that all complex skin structures (sebaceous, sweat glands, etc.) were preserved. Only such a transplant can function “in a new place”, as if it had always been there, retaining its color, moisture and elasticity.

But it was equally important to “clear” the entire surface of the face from deforming scar tissue, and, given that this was the entire tissue covering Zuli’s face, this was done very carefully so as not to damage the deeper structures of the face. Then, new skin was applied to the surface prepared in this way and fixed with sutures along the perimeter of the face, sheathing the eyelids, lips, and nasal openings. A dense, pre-made (like papier-mâché) bandage was placed on top, repeating the relief of the girl's face.

A week later, which is exactly how long a skin graft needs to restore its blood circulation, all the clinic staff gathered in the dressing room to watch with excitement as the doctor removes the bandage, which was forbidden to even touch for all these long 7 days, which seemed like an eternity.

“I will never forget this moment. I walked in a bandage in which the doctors left me only holes to breathe, see and eat. After so many unsuccessful operations, I was even afraid to think, to dream that the skin would take root and I would finally have a hope of becoming like a person. But then the day came when I had to remove this bandage. All the clinic staff gathered in the room. My heart nearly jumped out of my chest with excitement. I was so nervous. Andrei Leonidovich came up to me, and through the holes in the “mask” I saw that his hands were trembling. But then he takes off the bandage, and I see tears in his eyes: “Pink. Got accustomed!“. Everyone who was standing nearby - my mother, doctors, sisters, and the entire staff of the department - began to applaud. I will never forget it!"

For seven years, Ishchenko made a number of restorative operations for the girl. It should be noted that Zulya is the result of the work of all doctors and the entire medical staff of the clinic. Since 2009, the surgeon Firsov Andrei Valentinovich “organically joined” the process of reconstructing Zuli's appearance, having come to work at the RIPH. And with him, all the new employees of the Artimeda clinic, who took Zulina's pain as their own.

In 2010, Zule had a nose shaped and nasal breathing restored using an original technique. After that, there were two more corrective rhinoplasties to completely restore the shape of the nose. They were already carried out at the Artimeda clinic, where in 2011 the entire well-coordinated team of the RIPH department headed by Ishchenko moved.

The results of the operations were impressive, and the life of the girl after the plastic surgery of the face changed dramatically - she was able to leave the house, communicate with people, make friends, arrange her personal life and get a job.

“Now, one might say, the final touches are left - laser resurfacing to even out the skin color, and the scars on the face become even less noticeable. How grateful I am to Andrei Leonidovich for everything he has done for me! I want to say to everyone who finds themselves in a similar situation: do not despair, fight to the last, and everything will definitely work out, because there are real doctors in the world who are able to bring a person back to life not only physically, but also morally. By the way, remember, I told you about that doctor who promised to eat his dressing gown? Recently I came to him to take my original photos. At first he did not recognize me, then during the conversation he realized who I was and for some reason completely “sour”. He never gave me the photos, he said to come tomorrow. So I did, but the next day they gave me the documents at the reception, explaining that the doctor had urgently left. And I laughed, because I imagined that this doctor was now sitting somewhere in the corner and chewing on his white coat.

Twelve complex surgeries, care after them, aesthetic procedures for facial skin resurfacing and scar smoothing - the Zuli family could not pay for all this, even if they sold their house in Uzbekistan. But, fortunately, Ishchenko turned out to be a man devoted to his profession. Realizing that it was too much money, he helped Zula completely free of charge, and the surgeon, dermatovenereologist Ivan Somov, also gave the girl laser resurfacing free of charge, thanks to which she can walk without makeup.

Having heard this story first hand, I became interested not only in the topic of reconstructive surgery, but also in the personality of the doctor. I called the Artimeda clinic, where Andrei Leonidovich Ishchenko works, and asked him to meet with me. Even on the phone, I understood his attitude to the problem. After talking with him, I was convinced that I was not mistaken.

Do not despair, fight to the last, and everything will definitely work out, because there are real doctors in the world who are able to bring a person back to life not only physically, but also morally

The terms "plastic surgery", "reconstructive surgery" have recently become increasingly common on television and in the media. What is the difference between these two terms, few people know.

What is reconstructive surgery?

Reconstructive surgery aims to create and restore the shape and function of an organ or part of the body. The need for reconstructive plastic surgery is explained by congenital changes, the consequences of injuries and operations. During a reconstructive operation, most often there is a transfer of plastic material from places taken from the same person, implantation of organs and tissues of another person, or implantation of special devices - implants.
Plastic surgery for the reconstruction of the human body is carried out on almost any part of the body and organ. Plastic surgery is conditionally divided into aesthetic surgery, when the shape of the face and body is improved at the request of the patient, and reconstructive surgery, when the appearance and function are improved according to medical indications.
Most often, reconstructive operations are carried out in several stages. But there is no clear distinction between aesthetic and reconstructive operations in plastic surgery: reconstructive operations almost always include aesthetic elements and vice versa.

Reconstructive facial plastic surgery

These operations are performed after injuries, burns, unsuccessful plastic surgeries performed earlier, after birth defects, when it is necessary to restore facial tissues. For example, skin transplantation after burns is taken from one part of the body and transplanted to another, rhinoplasty - changing the shape of the nose can be combined with the restoration of its natural function, otoplasty - similarly, lip plastic surgery may be needed to restore their shape and size after injuries and burns. In turn, eyelid surgery is any method of eyelid correction that allows you to change the shape of the eyes, their shape, eliminate age-related imperfections, excess skin and fatty tissues, the consequences of injuries and paralysis.
Reconstructive plastic surgery in the chest area
Breast augmentation is performed for both cosmetic and therapeutic purposes. With congenital breast defects (funnel-shaped, keeled breasts, etc.), with chest injuries, as well as after previous unsuccessful surgical interventions, reconstructive plastic surgery restores the natural appearance of the breast, the correct shape. In addition, musculoskeletal plastic surgery of the breast can also be performed, which normalizes the activity of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, restores the correct shape of the body. And after the removal of the mammary gland as a result of the tumor, breast plastic surgery is performed - mammoplasty.

Reconstructive plastic surgery in the abdomen

Tummy tuck is a reconstruction of the abdominal wall (removal of excess fat, restoration of appearance, skin tone). Abdominoplasty is necessary after a strong stretching of the muscles after pregnancy or as a result of a sharp weight loss, as well as after the removal of tumors of the abdominal cavity, hernias.

Reconstructive operations in urology and gynecology

Interventions in gynecology and urology for reconstructive purposes occur to restore the functions of the genital organs. Operations may be required for various congenital anomalies, for example, various anomalies of the vagina, up to its infection, external genital organs, prolapse and prolapse of the female genital organs, which may occur after childbirth, and so on.
These operations are performed using vaginal access. Recovery takes place both externally and internally. During the reconstructive operation of the pelvic organs, as a rule, they are engaged in the restoration of their anatomical position, as, for example, when the walls of the vagina and uterus are lowered. Not only aesthetic goals are important, but also the improvement of the functions of the pelvic organs (urination, defecation).
Urological plastic surgery restores the functions of the urinary tract, as well as the appearance and function of the male genital organs.
If you need reconstructive plastic surgery of a particular organ, call and make an appointment with an experienced plastic surgeon.

A plastic surgeon is a doctor who deals with the elimination of external defects and deformities of various organs and tissues, the restoration of their functions, as well as the increase in the aesthetic attractiveness of certain parts of the body by surgery.

General information

A plastic surgeon is a specialist who eliminates congenital and acquired defects in appearance or corrects the patient's appearance according to his wishes.

Depending on the purpose of the surgical intervention, the plastic surgeon performs:

Reconstructive plastic surgery, which, thanks to the methods of plastic surgery, can correct congenital defects and the consequences of injuries, as well as restore the functions of damaged organs (nasal breathing, etc.).
Aesthetic plastic surgery, which, through the use of surgical methods, helps the patient to prolong youth or change the appearance, which allows you to get rid of the feeling of inferiority.

Since plastic surgeons have to correct the appearance of the patient, a good specialist must be able to correctly assess the external data of a person and carry out correction taking into account these individual data - parts of the body or face that have undergone correction must be in harmony with the rest of the features and features of the figure.

Specialization of plastic surgeons

Plastic surgery is an extensive branch of surgery, which is divided into:

Cosmetic surgery, the task of which is to improve the appearance of the patient. Specialists of this profile are engaged in laser skin resurfacing, wrinkle removal, correction of skin folds with the help of injections, etc.
Reconstructive surgery, the main task of which is to restore the lost forms and functions of the body. Doctors who are engaged in reconstructive surgery restore the shape of the breast lost after childbirth, parts of organs or the entire organ (breast cancer, etc.) lost due to injury or illness (breast cancer, etc.), as well as skin integuments with extensive burns.
Microsurgery, whose tasks include the restoration of small-sized structures of the human body. These structures are inaccessible to the naked eye, so surgery requires the use of special tools and optical magnification. Microsurgical technique contributes to the development of reconstructive surgery, as it allows free transplantation of tissue complexes and restoration of blood circulation and innervation in them.
Children's plastic surgery, which specializes in the elimination of congenital and acquired defects in children.
General plastic surgery, which combines a variety of methods.

In addition, a practicing plastic surgeon often has a narrower specialization depending on the parts of the face or body that he deals with (a plastic surgeon can deal with complex breast surgeries, facial rejuvenation, etc.).

A narrow specialization is indicated by the doctors themselves; there are no separate names for such specialists.

What does a plastic surgeon do

Plastic surgeons in most cases are not directly involved in the treatment of any diseases, their main field of activity is the elimination of aesthetic flaws.

Specialists of this profile are engaged in the elimination of:

Congenital physical defects that can be purely aesthetic in nature (extensive age spots) or provoke the development of various diseases (cleft palate, etc.).
Scars and other external consequences of traumas and operations
Excess skin after weight loss and childbirth and removal of fat deposits on the thighs, abdomen and buttocks.
Deformations and defects of tissues and organs that have arisen as a result of injury or disease.

Aesthetic plastic surgery

To correct the appearance of the patient is carried out:

Facelift (facelift). It is used to eliminate wrinkles, nasolabial folds and sagging facial skin by removing excess fatty tissue. It is carried out in the temples and forehead, soft tissues of the middle third of the face or in the chin area.
Rhinoplasty (nose job). It is carried out to correct congenital or acquired deformities of the nose, as well as to change its shape from an aesthetic point of view (hump, saddle shape, etc.).
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). It is carried out with the overhanging of the upper eyelid, "aging eyelid", bags under the eyes, excess skin of the lower eyelids and to change the shape of the eyes.
Cheiloplasty (lip plastic surgery). It is indicated in the presence of congenital and acquired defects, but is often performed solely for the purpose of changing the shape and size.
Lipofilling. It is indicated to eliminate the asymmetry of the oval of the face, the shape of the chest or hips by transplanting fat cells from areas with its excess to an area with a lack of fat.
Mammoplasty (breast plastic surgery), which includes breast augmentation, reduction and lift. It is indicated for sharply enlarged breasts (macrospathia), congenital small breast size (micromastia) and breast prolapse (ptosis). Also, mammoplasty is performed with post-lactational involution of the mammary glands and gynecomastia.
Liposuction (removal of subcutaneous fat), which allows you to give the figure a more aesthetic appearance, but does not eliminate obesity.
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), which is a volumetric surgical intervention that restores the aesthetic proportions of the abdomen. It is indicated in the presence of folds on the abdomen (skin-fat “apron”), pronounced stretch marks, divergence of the abdominal muscles, flabbiness of the abdominal muscles and paraumbilical hernia.
Otoplasty (ear surgery). It can be used to eliminate protruding ears or for decorative purposes (elven pointed ears).
Removal of scars and scars.
Hair transplant, which is indicated for baldness.
Intimate plastic surgery, which includes correction of the shape and size of the labia, etc.

Reconstructive plastic surgery

Reconstructive plastic surgery is necessary for patients who have suffered trauma, burns, have congenital defects (cleft lip, etc.) or suffer from the consequences of an unsuccessful previous plastic surgery.

To restore organs and their functions, plastic surgeons perform:

skin graft (used after burns);
rhinoplasty, which allows you to correct the curvature of the nasal septum or restore the nose after an injury;
otoplasty, which allows you to restore the auricle;
cheiloplasty, which helps to restore the shape and size of the lips after injuries and burns;
blepharoplasty, which is used to eliminate the consequences of injuries and paralysis;
operations in the breast area, allowing to eliminate the funnel-shaped or keeled structure of the breast, to restore the natural appearance of the breast after injuries and unsuccessful plastic surgeries, as well as to place implants after the removal of the mammary gland.

Musculoskeletal plastic surgery of the breast helps to normalize the activity of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Specialists in plastic microsurgery are engaged in:

replacement of soft tissue defects with the help of autotransplantation of complex flaps;
complex treatment of facial paralysis;
treatment of congenital malformations of the hand;
treatment of trophic ulcers, etc.

In addition, plastic surgeons perform sex correction for patients with transsexualism (includes multi-stage plastic surgery to change secondary sexual characteristics).

When to See a Plastic Surgeon

Consultation with a plastic surgeon is necessary for people who suffer from the presence of:

Cosmetic defects (protruding ears, ptosis, breast asymmetry, etc.). Modern methods of plastic surgery allow you to change almost any part of the body, if the patient's desire to change the appearance does not entail damage to health.
congenital anomalies. The help of a plastic surgeon is required in cases where a child was born with a visible defect in the face or other parts of the body. At the same time, the elimination of birth defects requires a preliminary examination and treatment by other specialists (, etc.).
Acquired defects - scars, postoperative scars and other skin lesions, curvature of the nasal septum, etc. All these defects are successfully removed with the help of plastic surgery. Thanks to modern achievements in plastic surgery and the use of prostheses, doctors also correct the shape of the face in severe traumatic injuries.
Massive damage to the skin with burns. Severe cosmetic imperfections caused by burns are eliminated by transplanting the skin of the patient himself or a donor (skin from the gluteal region is used).

In addition, plastic surgeons are contacted for amputation of a limb - with timely treatment of the patient, the plastic surgeon, together with and “sews” the amputated part of the body into place with the restoration of its blood supply and innervation.

Stages of consultation

Plastic surgeons conduct an appointment in a specialized clinic or in a hospital where surgical intervention is performed.

Plastic surgeon consultation includes:

Questioning the patient to clarify the origin of the defect (congenital or acquired) and the expected result. The doctor also clarifies whether plastic surgery was previously performed on the problem area of the body, is interested in the presence of chronic diseases, etc.
Assessing the mental state of the patient (changing the appearance in an operative way requires the patient's responsibility for the decision).
Visual inspection and palpation of the problem area - this allows you to assess the existing defect and the condition of the tissues in the area of future surgical intervention. The examination allows the doctor to plan possible tactics and methods of surgical intervention.
Computer simulation for visual demonstration of possible results to the patient.
Referral for laboratory tests.

After passing all the tests, the plastic surgeon can refer the patient for a consultation with other specialists to clarify the presence of contraindications.

If there are no contraindications, the patient is photographed before the operation (the result of the operation is also photographed in the future).

Diagnostics

Since the surgical correction of appearance requires the use of anesthesia, and the presence of certain diseases is a contraindication to surgical intervention, the patient is sent to:

general blood analysis;
general urine analysis;
a biochemical blood test that determines the level of glucose, bilirubin (total and direct), total protein, urea, AST, ALT, potassium and sodium;
blood test for syphilis, HIV and hepatitis;
blood test for group and Rh factor;
coagulogram;
fluorography.

Prior to breast augmentation, patients are also referred for mammography or breast ultrasound to rule out any tumors (tumors are a contraindication for surgery in this area).

Treatment

Each type of plastic surgery involves the use of different methods of correction, the choice of which depends on the characteristics of the patient and the purpose of the intervention.

So, rhinoplasty can be performed using open or closed access (the method can be intercartilaginous, subwing marginal or trans-septal), etc.

The patient after the operation is under the supervision of medical personnel for several days.

The terms of rehabilitation depend on the type of operation and the method of surgical intervention used.

Found an error? Select it and click Ctrl+Enter

print version

Reconstructive, cosmetic and plastic surgery refers to a group of various operations performed with the aim of correcting or restoring or altering a part of the body for aesthetic purposes. These types of surgeries are highly specialized procedures and are characterized by careful preparation of the patient's skin and tissues, precise technique, and precautions to minimize scarring. Recent advances in the development of miniature instruments, new materials, and improvements in surgical technique today have greatly expanded the range of plastic surgery procedures that can be performed.

Goals of plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery

While these three types of surgery share some common techniques and approaches, each has its own specific focus.

Plastic surgery usually performed to treat birth defects and correct skin defects such as warts, acne scars, or moles.

Cosmetic surgical procedures performed to rejuvenate or improve the appearance and other aspects of the skin, most commonly the face.

Reconstructive (restorative) surgery used to repair parts of the body that have been damaged in an accident or war, perform skin grafts after severe burns, or reconstruct a part of a person's body that was missing at birth or surgically removed. Reconstructive surgery is the oldest form of plastic surgery developed to treat wounded soldiers during wars.

Demographics and statistics

The top 10 most commonly performed elective cosmetic surgeries include the following:

Tens of millions of surgeries are performed every year around the world. Since many plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures are done in private professional offices or as outpatient procedures, exact statistics regarding the number of plastic procedures are unknown.

Plastic surgery - description

Plastic surgery includes a number of different procedures that usually involve the skin. Operations to remove excess fat from the abdomen, dermabrasion to remove acne scars or after tattoo removal, as well as reshaping the cartilage of the ears ( otoplasty) are the most common plastic surgery procedures.

Cosmetic surgery - description

Most cosmetic surgery operations are done on the face. They are intended either to correct a disfigurement or to enhance a person's abilities. The most common cosmetic procedure for children is a cleft lip or palate correction. In adults, the most common procedures are nose remodeling (rhinoplasty), removal of baggy skin around the eyelids ( blepharoplasty), a facelift, a change in the size or shape of the breast (mammoplasty).

Reconstructive surgery - description

Reconstructive surgery is often performed for burns and accidents. It may include bone restoration as well as skin grafting. Reconstructive surgery includes procedures such as repairing an amputated finger or toe, implanting prostheses, and more. Prostheses are made from artificial materials and are used to replace missing limbs, teeth, or joints.

General preparation for the procedure

Preparation for plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery includes different methods and approaches. Some surgeries, such as reshaping the nose or removing warts, small moles, and tattoos, can be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. Most plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures, however, involve a hospital stay and general anesthesia.

Medical preparation for surgery

Preparation for plastic surgery includes a detailed assessment by the surgeon of the parts of the patient's body that will be involved in the operation. Skin grafts require evaluation of suitable areas of correct color and texture. Eye lift and cosmetic surgery require very close attention to skin texture and the placement of surgical incisions.

Before plastic surgery, patients undergo blood and urine tests under general anesthesia, as well as other tests. They are asked to avoid taking aspirin or drugs containing aspirin for a week to two weeks before surgery, as these drugs increase blood clotting time. Smokers should stop smoking two weeks before surgery as smoking interferes with the healing process.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel !

Medical conditions and contraindications

For some people, plastic surgery is contraindicated due to certain medical risks. It can be:

people who have had a heart attack, severe infection (such as pneumonia), other serious illnesses,
people with infectious hepatitis or HIV infection,
people with cancer where it can spread (metastasize)
people who have very heavy weight ,
people with bleeding disorders
people with mental conditions.

Plastic, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgery can lead to a type of mental disorder called body dysmorphic disorder, which is characterized by an over-indulgence in correcting apparent or minor imperfections in appearance.

Aftercare

Medical aftercare after plastic surgery under general anesthesia includes having the patient in the recovery room, monitoring their vital signs, taking medication to relieve pain if needed. People who have had belly fat removal can stay in the hospital for two weeks. Patients after mammoplasty, breast reconstruction, and some types of facial surgery usually stay in the hospital for a week. After liposuction or eyelid surgery, you are usually sent home after a day or two.

Some patients may need follow-up psychotherapy or counseling, especially after plastic or reconstructive surgery. These are, as a rule, children who have suffered from birth defects, as well as adults after injuries resulting from accidents, military or violent situations.

Risks of plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery

The risks associated with plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery include postoperative complications that can occur with any surgical procedure under anesthesia. These complications include wound infections, internal bleeding, pneumonia, and reactions to anesthesia.

In addition to general risks, some plastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgical procedures carry specific risks:

the formation of unwanted scar tissue,
development of persistent pain, redness or swelling in the area of the operation,
infections associated with the installation of the prosthesis (these infections may be the result of contamination during surgery or exposure to bacteria migrating to the area around the prosthesis at a later time),
anemia or embolism during liposuction,
rejection of skin or tissue grafts,
loss of normal sensation or function in the area of operation,
complications arising from unforeseen technological problems.

Normal results and mortality

Normal results include the patient's recovery from surgery with satisfactory results and no complications.

Morbidity and mortality depend on the complexity and severity of the various procedures. Mortality is similar to all major surgical procedures. From a surgical point of view, the greatest problems arise from errors associated with anesthesia, the procedure itself, pain medications.

Denial of responsibility: The information provided in this article about reconstructive, cosmetic and plastic surgery is intended to inform the reader only. It cannot be a substitute for the advice of a health professional.