What is Reconstructive Surgery?

Reconstructive surgery, a subspecialty of plastic surgery aims to restore the appearance and performance of these body parts.

People have reconstructive surgery for several reasons, such as to enhance their appearance, fix a deformity, stop more problems from happening, or to improve their quality of life. The type and severity of the problem that affects the body part is one of the major factors determining the need for reconstructive surgery.

Is Reconstructive Surgery Same as Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery?

Plastic surgery is a comprehensive term encompassing both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.

Surgeons perform reconstructive surgery to restore the form and function of a body part affected by injury, illness, or a birth defect, often for medical reasons. On the other hand, cosmetic surgery aims to enhance the appearance of a normally functioning body part, typically performed for aesthetic purposes.

While plastic surgery involves procedures such as facelifts and breast augmentations, reconstructive surgery explicitly consists of restoring body parts affected by congenital deformities, injuries, diseases, or medical conditions, often necessitating interventions such as breast reconstruction after mastectomy or facial reconstruction following trauma. You can read our article, Enhancing Beauty Safely and Responsibly through Aesthetic Surgery, to get an in-depth understanding of cosmetic surgery.

In essence, reconstructive surgery is a subset of plastic surgery dedicated to medically driven restoration, while plastic surgery can cover both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.

Types of Reconstructive Surgery

Let’s take a look at some of the common reconstructive surgeries:

• Breast reconstruction: This procedure rebuilds the breast shape and size after a mastectomy (removal of the breast) or a lumpectomy (removal of a part of the breast) procedure performed on a breast cancer patient. Breast reconstruction can also correct congenital anomalies, such as asymmetry, underdevelopment, or overdevelopment.
• Hand surgery: The hand and fingers benefit from this surgery in terms of their increased strength, flexibility, and functionality. Hand surgery can fix congenital disabilities, such as webbed fingers or syndactyly. It can also treat conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, nerve injuries, tendon injuries, or fractures. Hand surgery can also restore the appearance and sensation of the hand after a burn injury or an amputation.
• Facial reconstruction: After this surgery, the face and its features regain their normal form and functionality. Facial reconstruction can be necessary after the removal of a tumour from the face or after a trauma that causes facial fractures, lacerations, or scars. It can also correct congenital disabilities such as cleft lip, palate, or craniofacial anomalies (conditions that affect the development of the head and face). It can involve different techniques, such as skin grafts, flap surgery, bone grafts, implants, or microsurgery.
• Lymphedema treatment: This method lessens the swelling and discomfort brought on by lymphedema, a condition in which extra fluid builds up in the tissues due to harm or obstruction of the lymphatic system. Lymphedema can occur after cancer treatment that involves surgery or radiation therapy on the lymph nodes. Lymphedema treatment can include compression, massage, exercise, skincare, or surgical procedures to remove excess tissue or bypass or transplant lymph vessels.

Benefits and Risks of Reconstructive Surgery

The extent of risk depends on the nature and extent of the surgery, your overall health, and other factors. Before deciding to have the procedure, you should examine the dangers and advantages of reconstructive surgery with your surgeon.

Reconstructive Surgery: What to Expect During and After

The details of your reconstructive surgery depend on four factors:

• The procedure,
• Where you have it
• How long it lasts and
• What kind of anaesthesia is administered?

During the surgery, your surgeon will use different techniques to repair or rebuild your body parts. These may include moving the skin, tissue, bone, or artificial materials from one place to another, connecting blood vessels and nerves, or inserting implants or devices.

You will recuperate in an area after the procedure until the anaesthesia wears off. You might feel pain, discomfort, swelling, bruising, or bleeding in the area where the surgery was done. You will get pain medication and antibiotics to ease your pain and prevent infection.

You must comply carefully with your surgeon’s directions after the surgery. These may include how to care for your wound, how to take your medications, how to prevent infection, how to manage pain and swelling, how to do exercises or physical therapy, and when to return for follow-up visits.

Avoid certain activities that may cause stress to your surgical site, such as lifting heavy objects, driving, or exercising. Inquire with your surgeon about when you can return to normal activities and the precautions that you need to take when you do.

Preparing for the Surgery

Let us give you some pointers on how to prepare for reconstructive surgery so that it’s safer and easier for you:

• As your surgeon has instructed, get lab tests or a medical evaluation.
• Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding medications to be taken for the surgery or adjusting your current medications.
• Stop smoking for a minimum of two weeks before surgery. Smoking can delay healing and increase complications.
• Steer clear of using aspirin, inflammatory medications, and herbal supplements that can increase bleeding.
• After the procedure, arrange for a driver to accompany you home.
• Prepare your home with items that can make you comfortable and help you with daily tasks, such as pillows, ice packs, bandages, loose clothing, easy-to-prepare meals, etc.
• Before surgery, your doctor will tell you when you should cease eating and drinking.
• Shower with an antibacterial soap before the surgery to reduce the risk of infection.
• Bring a list of your medications, allergies, medical history, and contact information to the hospital.
• Bring items that can make your hospital stay more comfortable, such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, books, music players, etc.

If you have questions or concerns about preparing for reconstructive surgery, you should talk to your surgeon or other care team members. They could give you further advice and information.

Recovery After the Surgery

The time taken for recovery can vary depending on the type, extent, and location of the surgery, as well as your overall health and individual factors. It can range from a few days to several months or longer.

Your medical team will provide you with detailed guidance about the dos and don’ts during the recovery period. However, some general guidelines to be followed during this time are:

Breast reconstruction: Most women can resume normal activities in 6 to 8 weeks. Without flaps or implants, the recovery time may be shorter. Keep in mind the following:

• Avoid lifting more than 5 pounds at a time for at least four weeks.
• Wear a bra with support every single day for the first month.
• Follow your surgeon’s instructions on wound care, drain care, and medication use.
• Report any infection-related symptoms, including fever, redness, swelling, or drainage.

Hand surgery: The recovery time for hand surgery depends on the type and complexity of the procedure, as well as the patient’s compliance with postoperative care. Some considerations are as follows:

• Keep your hand above your heart for the first few days to reduce swelling and pain.
• Wear a splint or cast as directed by your surgeon.
• Do gentle exercises or physical therapy to restore movement and strength.
• Avoid activities that stress your hand, such as gripping, typing, or driving.

Facial reconstruction: The recovery time for facial reconstruction changes based on the complexity of the procedure and the area involved. Here are some factors to consider:

• Expect some bruising, swelling, and numbness for the first few weeks.
• Apply cold compresses or ice packs to minimise swelling and pain.
• Utilise sunscreen and limit your exposure to the sun to safeguard your skin.
• Follow your surgeon’s instructions on wound care, medication use, and follow-up visits.

Care and Maintenance after the Surgery

Here are some general tips to take care of your reconstructed area:

Keep the wound dry and clean: You may need to change your dressing or bandage regularly to prevent infection and promote healing. You may also need a surgical drain to remove blood and fluid from the wound. You must follow all the recommendations given by your surgeon.

Managing your pain and swelling: You may experience some pain, discomfort, swelling, bruising, or numbness in the reconstructed area after the surgery. Your surgeon might advise you to take pain medication. You may also need to apply cold compresses or ice packs to ease pain and reduce discomfort and swelling. For several weeks after surgery, avoid using pressure on the surgical site.

Avoid activities that may cause tension or stress on the reconstructed area: You may need to cut back on your exercise for a few weeks or months after the surgery to allow your body to heal correctly. Avoid lifting heavy objects, driving, exercising, smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking blood-thinning medications that may increase bleeding or delay healing.

Follow a healthy diet: Food rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and fluids can facilitate faster physical recovery and help avoid infection. Water consumption might also aid in flushing out toxins and reducing swelling. Quitting smoking before and after the surgery can improve your healing process and reduce complications.

Life After Surgery

Life after reconstructive surgery can differ for each person, depending on the type, extent, and location of the surgery, as well as the patient’s overall health and individual factors.

However, some general aspects of life after reconstructive surgery are:

Sources

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