| Dr. Robert Savage is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Reconstructive Surgery.
Q. What is reconstructive surgery?
A. Reconstructive surgery is a group of procedures designed to restore, as best as possible, proper function and appearance to a body part that is dysfunctional and/or disfigured due to disease, trauma or from a congenital cause. Examples would be skin flap reconstruction to reconstruct a new breast following a mastectomy for cancer, a skin graft for a severe burn or repair of a birth defect like a cleft lip.
Q. What benefits does Reconstructive surgery provide?
A. When properly performed, reconstructive surgery can improve function (e.g. repair of a lacerated tendon or nerve of the hand) and can also help to correct appearance, such as a scar revision after a major car accident.
Q. What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?
A. We have examined earlier the role of reconstruction surgery in the plastic surgeon’s arsenal. Cosmetic surgery is designed primarily to improve one’s appearance. Many times, plastic surgeons use both skills to optimize results. A good example of this would be a breast reduction where part of the procedure is reconstructive to improve shoulder, back , neck pain and skin rashes. On the other hand, cosmetic elements are also required to keep the breast looking better and more aesthetically pleasing at the same time
Q. How long does it take to recover from Reconstructive surgery?
A. Recovery from reconstructive surgery varies widely depending on the problem being addressed, varying from days to 1-2 months. Most cases require approximately 2-3 weeks
Q. Does Reconstructive surgery have possible risks and complications?
A. Any surgery, including reconstructive surgery, carries risks. With most operations the most frequent problems would be bleeding, infections, healing problems, bad scars or an unsatisfactory result. Good plastic surgeons create a precise plan and safety for the patient is their #1 consideration. If the patient has other medical problems, the surgeon will take this into consideration and consult with their other physicians in selecting proper candidates and in proceeding in the most careful manner to minimize complications. Patients can do much to help them prior to surgery, such as being nicotine-free, eliminating obesity if possible and to proceed with a good diet and exercise routine.
Q. Does Reconstructive surgery leave any visible scarring?
A. When the body is injured or following any surgery the body heals through a predictable scar process. Plastic surgeons have many "tricks of the trade" to try and minimize scarring (e.g. when possible hiding the scars in elective cases where they won’t show) handling tissues gently and using fine stitching techniques, postoperative creams and other adjuncts can also help. With that said, each individual scars differently on a genetic basis and that is not under the doctor’s control. In addition, different parts of the body heal differently e.g. scars on the face usually do the best. Scars of the upper back or over the sternum are the worst.
Q. Is Reconstructive surgery covered by insurance?
A. Most reconstructive cases are covered by insurance. Some require a referral and prior approval from your primary care physician and insurance company. Co-pays and deductibles also obviously apply. Unfortunately, for Bizymoms and "mommy makeovers" such as breast lift, augmentation and/or tummy tucks are not covered.
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