What′s happening?(credit:
ccarina)
The number of reconstructive plastic surgery patients has increased 34 percent over the past ten years.
Reconstructive surgery repairs the function and appearance of a specific body-part or feature defect. There are three main reasons why reconstructive plastic surgery may be appropriate:
- medical reasons
- birth defects or deformities that may inhibit daily living activities
- traumatic injury
Medical Reasons for Reconstructive Surgery:
Reconstructive surgery is often performed to treat or prevent medical conditions. For example, the largest number of reconstructive procedures performed by plastic surgeons is for the treatment of tumors. Tumor removal may include a surgical biopsy of the tumor, removal of the tumor (including warts), or the removal of a malignant tumor. These procedures focus on treating an unappealing appearance or on preventing the internal spread of the disease.
The removal of skin cancer on a particular area often requires complex reconstruction that includes rebuilding the affected area. The treatment plan may integrate skin flap or skin grafting procedures as well. Other areas of the body that might need flap or graft reconstruction include the nose, lips, cheeks, and ears. For example, skin cancer of the nose may create a defect so large or deep that complex reconstructive surgery is the only solution.
Certain craniofacial deformities, including deformities of the nose, have been known to contribute to sleep apnea and sinus disease. Sleep apnea, which affects more than 14 million people in the United States, is categorized by excessive snoring whereby oxygen levels are impeded during sleep. The sleep apnea disorder contributes to heart disease and strokes, among other medical conditions. Sinus diseases are more likely to affect people with narrowed nasal passages that prevent the regular flow of air and mucous through the nose. The consequences of certain medical conditions may require plastic reconstructive procedures such as rhinoplasty, cheek implants, or a facelift.
Other reconstructive-surgery patients include breast cancer survivors. Many survivors seek reconstructive breast surgery to rebuild the breast area after breast cancer surgery. On the other hand, women with large breasts may seek breast reduction surgery to relieve back pain.
Birth Defects or Deformities: Birth defects and deformities that inhibit daily activities fall under the reconstructive category as well. For example, the chin or jaw may require surgical repair if the formation of the jaw and chin affects facial movement or eating. Reconstructive surgery on the upper and lower jaw may be required to create a dental arch alignment. Cleft lips and palates may inhibit eating and speaking skills.
Traumatic Injury: Traumatic injury may also lead to reconstructive surgery. Dog bites and vehicle accidents can cause serious unappealing lacerations, bony injuries, facial fractures of the jaw or cheek, hand injuries, or trauma to the upper and lower extremity. Burn victims may also require reconstructive surgery.
The Role of Plastic Surgery: The emergence of modern plastic surgery began in World War II. General surgeons and other specialists needed to become artistic when repairing war injuries. By the mid 1900s, plastic surgery became its own specialty. Today, it is prerequisite that all plastic surgeons must have significant general surgical training before they can enter into a plastic surgery residency. However, the level of general surgical training varies among plastic surgeons.