| Dr. Bill Kortesis is a candidate for active membership in the American Soceity of Plastic Surgery. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Reconstructive Surgery.
Q. What is Reconstructive Surgery? & What is the difference between Cosmetic and Reconstructive surgery?
A. "We restore, rebuild, and make whole those parts which nature hath given but which fortune has taken away not so much that it may delight the eye but that it might buoy up the spirit and help the mind of the afflicted. "
--Gaspare Tagliocozzi, "The Father of Plastic Surgery"
The quotation above eloquently summarizes the goal of reconstructive surgery among plastic surgeons today.
Reconstructive plastic surgery differs slightly from cosmetic surgery because its goal is to restore natural appearance and function to children and adults who have abnormal features caused by trauma, heredity, or disease. Patients come to The Hunstad Center for Cosmetic Plastic Surgery for reconstructive plastic surgery procedures to repair skin cancer damage, restore devastating scarring and loss of function from severe burns, to restore the natural breast after mastectomy, and to revise breast reconstruction procedures.
The Hunstad Center for Cosmetic Plastic Surgery offers a range of reconstructive procedures. Although not comprehensive, the list below outlines reconstructive surgery issues addressed by our practice. Information regarding these services is included, but for an in-depth consultation for these or any reconstructive or cosmetic surgery options, please call our office today.
Pediatric and Adolescent Plastic Surgery
Breast Reconstruction
Breast Reconstruction Revision
Scar Revision
Otoplasty/ Ear Surgery
Skin Cancer Reconstruction
Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body, in order to improve the patient's appearance and self-esteem. Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance because it is elective.
Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body, caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. It is generally performed to improve functions, but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance. Reconstructive surgery is generally covered by most health insurance policies, although coverage for specific procedures and levels of coverage may vary greatly.
There are a number of "gray areas" in coverage for plastic surgery that sometimes require special consideration by an insurance carrier. These areas usually involve surgical operations which may be reconstructive or cosmetic, depending on each patient's situation. For example, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) - a procedure normally performed to achieve cosmetic improvement - may be covered if the eyelids are drooping severely and obscuring a patient's vision.
Q. What benefits does Reconstructive surgery provide?
A. Reconstructive Surgery provides a number of benefits to patients. Medically necessary reconstructive surgery provides health benefits of normal return of function and appearance after trauma, cancer procedures, and congenital abnormalities. But even reconstructive surgery that is considered optional can help patients rid themselves of physical and functional abnormalities. Reconstructive surgery has also been known to provide patients with higher self-esteem and confidence.
Q. Who is a good candidate for Reconstructive surgery?
A. Ideal patients for reconstructive surgery have realistic expectations and a good understanding of the procedure. Typically reconstructive surgery patients fall into one of two groups. The first group consists of those born with an undesired condition such as webbed or extra fingers, a cleft-lip or abnormally developing breasts. In the second group are those who developed abnormalities through an accident, disease or even age.
Q. Does Reconstructive surgery have possible risks and complications?
A. Unfortunately all surgical procedures have risks and complications. The specific risks will vary based on the particular reconstructive surgery performed. In general, reconstructive surgery poses a low risk of infection, problems related to anesthesia, excessive bleeding, bruising, slowed healing of the wound and additional surgical problems. Potential complications increase based on the patient's personal health history. We always provide our patients with adequate knowledge regarding their particular course of treatment.
Q. How long does it take to recover from Reconstructive surgery?
A. Most reconstructive surgery procedures require one to two weeks for healing . However, recovery time also depends on the patient and specific reconstructive surgery performed. Some patients are able to return to a normal routine immediately after a reconstructive surgery procedure, while others require several weeks to retain a normal level of functioning. In some cases, the final results are not clear for months.
Q. Does Reconstructive surgery leave any visible scarring?
A. When reconstructive surgery requires incisions, scarring is an inevitable side effect of the procedure. However, reconstructive surgeons are specially trained to minimize scar size and place them in inconspicuous locations.
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