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Breast Reconstruction, Otoplasty, Breast Reduction, and More – The Utah State Plastic Surgery Society

Unlike cosmetic surgery procedures, which are performed to enhance the aesthetic qualities of the body, reconstructive surgery requires a surgeon to correct and restore the proper form and function of the body. Patients undergo reconstructive surgery for various reasons, some of which include the correction of birth defects, trauma or injury, abnormalities, and the effects of disease. Breast reconstruction, for example, may be performed on women who have undergone a mastectomy. Otoplasty (ear setback) may be done to correct abnormally protruding ears, and breast reduction is performed to relieve discomfort associated with the excessive weight of large breasts.

Please take the time to read about the various reconstructive surgery procedures detailed below, and use the Utah State Plastic Surgery Society directory to find a surgeon in your area.

Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is usually performed on women who have undergone a recent mastectomy. This reconstructive procedure rebuilds the breast so that it resembles the size and shape of the original breast. Although breast reconstruction cannot guarantee you complete satisfaction, many women have reported an improved self-image after reconstructive surgery. A patient must have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure and contact a plastic surgeon to discuss the benefits and risks associated with breast reconstruction.

Breast Reduction

Women who suffer from oversized breasts or breast hypertrophy often opt to undergo a breast reduction procedure. Quite often, excessive weight caused by large breasts creates discomfort and pain. To remedy such symptoms, women can reduce the size of their breasts by contacting one of the board-certified plastic surgeons affiliated with the Utah State Plastic Surgery Society. Although breast reduction has a high rate of success, having realistic expectations of the possible results of the procedure is a critical step in making an informed decision.

Otoplasty (Ear Setback Surgery) and External Ear Reconstruction

Otoplasty, or ear setback, is a cosmetic surgery procedure which aims to improve the appearance of a patient’s ears. You may be a good candidate for otoplasty if you have protruding ears, large ears, or abnormally shaped ears. Otoplasty can reduce the size of very large ears, reshape the various bends in the cartilage, or bring the ears closer to the head. The procedure often involves reshaping, removing, or reconstructing the structural elements of the ear. The type of procedure performed will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, which is why contacting our board-certified plastic surgeons is a critical next step in the pre-surgery evaluation process.    

Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

In abdominal wall reconstruction, patients are most often treated for defects caused by trauma, tumor extirpation, infections, or previous abdominal procedures. One of the main goals of the procedure is to restore the functional and structural characteristics of the musculofascial system. In the case a desmoid tumor develops on the abdominal wall, a resection of the affected skin and subcutaneous tissue may be required. Treatments may include musculocutaneous flap reconstruction or the use of bioprosthetic material. Contacting our certified plastic surgeons is a critical step in the preoperative evaluation process to determine your necessary course of treatment.

Cleft Lip and Palate

A birth defect known as cleft lip and palate may occur in children whose mouth tissue or lip deform during fetal development. An untreated cleft lip and palate can impede the proper functions of speech and the auditory system. Other complications may include dental cavities, displaced teeth, nasal deformities, and ear infections. You can avoid the development of these complications in your child by contacting a certified surgeon soon after birth.

Congenital Facial Deformities

Congenital facial deformities affect the development of the skull (craniofacial deformities) and facial bones (maxillofacial or dentofacial deformities). Congenital deformities are present at birth and can be successfully treated with reconstructive surgery. Surgical treatment of facial deformities may have to occur in stages in order to achieve optimal results. The ideal time to seek surgical treatment is before your child fully develops. Our board-certified plastic surgeons will monitor your child’s progress and educate your family on how to care for your child.

Eyelid Surgery

Do you have bags or dark circles under your eyes? Lower eyelid droopiness? Loose or excess skin on the upper eyelids? Or perhaps puffiness of the upper eyelids, causing you to look tired or weak? If all or some of these conditions apply, then you might be a good candidate for eyelid surgery. Although eyelid surgery can successfully treat these problems, other treatments may be required to achieve the best possible results.

Facial Fractures and Wounds

The affiliate surgeons of the Utah State Plastic Surgery Society can perform reconstructive surgery to treat facial fractures and wounds. The surgery will correct the areas of your face that have been misshapen by injury through the replacement of the fractured pieces of your broken facial bones with a graft. Other methods of treatment may be better suited depending on the condition.

Hand Surgery

Reconstructive hand surgery may be performed if your wrist, fingers, or any other part of your hand has been impaired in any way. The goal of reconstructive hand surgery is to restore the proper function and flexibility of your hand and fingers injured in an accident or to correct a birth abnormality. Among the various conditions which hand surgery is able to treat are carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and Dupuytren’s contracture. Before deciding to undergo hand surgery, you must consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine your eligibility and establish the course of treatment.

Jaw Surgery

If you experience difficulty chewing, biting food, or swallowing, or if you have chronic jaw pain, then you may be a candidate for reconstructive or corrective jaw surgery. This procedure can treat a wide range of dental and skeletal irregularities and deformities, including a receding chin, facial injury, birth defects, and a protruding jaw. Car accidents and birth defects are among the causes of an unbalanced facial appearance that would require reconstructive jaw surgery.

Microsurgery

Microsurgery utilizes a high-powered microscope to aid in the microvascular reconstruction. This novel technique has been on the forefronts of reconstructive and plastic surgery. Microsurgery allows anastomosis of small blood vessels and nerves and tissue transfers from one part of the body to another. In reconstructive surgical procedures, microsurgery allows for reattachment of severed parts and is utilized in free tissue transfer, replantation, and transplantation. Patients often choose to undergo microsurgery after mastectomy or tumor resection.

Nasal Septal Deviation and Nose Surgery

Our board certified plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing a variety of nose surgery procedures, including nasal septum corrective treatments. The nasal septum is a straight cartilage wall which divides the nose into two nasal cavities. The nasal wall misalignment or displacement may arise for several reasons including trauma, a congenital disorder such as a birth defect, and age. In such cases, nose surgery or septoplasty may be performed to correct nasal septal deviation.

Scar Revision

Scar revision surgery is meant to improve the appearance of the skin by removing or masking surface scar abrasions. There are several different types of scars which this procedure can eliminate. Scar revision surgery can get rid of contractures, which are after-burn scars that restrict movement by pulling the skin together during healing. Contractures can also restrict the movement of fingers, elbows, or knees, if a healing wound crosses a joint. Scar revision can heal keloids, which are hypertropic scars that exhibit pain and itchiness. Keloids are extensions of the original healed wound or incision. Discolorations and surface irregularities can also be treated through scar revision.

Skin Cancer Surgery

One of the most difficult things to accept is a diagnosis of skin cancer. In an instant, thousands of questions run through your mind as you begin to cope with the realities of your condition and try to figure out what you can do to fight this disease. Our doctors understand the plight which you and your family are going through and can help. They will guide you through the treatment process and explain to you how skin cancer surgery may affect you appearance. Although some scarring may be visible after the surgical removal of skin cancer, our plastic surgeons will make every effort to minimize scarring and reconstruct the healthy appearance of your skin.   

Skin Grafts and Skin Flaps

Some reconstructive procedures require the use of a skin graft, which is a patch of undamaged skin removed from one area of the body and transplanted to another. A skin graft is taken from the donor site, most often an area hidden under clothes, such as an inner thigh or a buttock. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and is usually recommended for very large wounds, burns, ulcers, infectious areas, postoperative skin damage, and skin cancer removal.

Reconstructive Surgery FAQs

Is there a difference between reconstructive and cosmetic surgery?

Yes. Cosmetic surgery is usually performed to enhance the aesthetic qualities of one’s appearance, whereas reconstructive surgery is performed to improve the body’s function, shape, and overall health, to remedy disease, and to treat congenital or acquired deformities.

What procedures are considered reconstructive surgery?  

Quite often it is difficult for a patient to distinguish between reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. Generally, if a procedure improves both your overall health and appearance, it is considered reconstructive. Some of the procedures which are considered reconstructive are:

Am I a good candidate for reconstructive surgery?

If you have realistic expectations of the possible reconstructive surgery outcomes, keep a positive, optimistic attitude, and fully understand the procedures involved, then you are a good candidate for reconstructive surgery.

What are the risks associated with reconstructive surgery?

The specific risks will vary depending on the type of reconstructive procedure being performed. All surgeries carry inherent risks of complications; however, in general, reconstructive surgery tends to pose a lower risk of surgical problems and side effects. Our surgeons evaluate each case based on the patient’s personal health history and will draft a personalized treatment scenario during your consultation.

What are the costs of reconstructive surgery?

Reconstructive surgery is typically covered by your insurance provider. However, if reconstructive surgery involves both cosmetic as well as corrective procedures, the coverage may be partial, depending on your health plan.