Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery - Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive procedures
What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery? (Information from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons)

Reconstructive surgery can help repair the parts of your body that are damaged, whether the damage has occurred by birth defect, developmental abnormality, disease or trauma. These problems can affect your day-to-day life, including your job, your relationships, and your self-esteem. Today, due to improved treatment options for so many disfiguring conditions, the emotional and physical results of the damage to your body by disease or trauma are very different from what they were in the past. New, improved reconstructive surgery options also mean better choices. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 1 million reconstructive surgery procedures are performed each year.

Microsurgery is a procedure in which the surgeon uses a microscope for surgical assistance in reconstructive procedures. Typically, microsurgery is done when the structures being operated upon are so small that the surgeon requires a microscope in order to see them well enough to operate. These structures include nerves and capillaries, the tiniest blood vessels, and additional parts of the body when necessary. By using a microscope, the surgeon can actually sew tiny blood vessels or nerves, allowing him or her to repair damaged nerves and arteries. This may also be a method to relieve facial paralysis or reconstruct breasts. Microsurgery is frequently used with reconstructive surgical procedures such as the free flap procedure.

TRAINING PROGRAM FOR TRAUMA RESEARCH POSTDOCTORAL SCIENTISTS

Surgery Quick Links

Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery - Reconstructive Surgery