Injuries from sports, accidents, or unforeseen events can impact a person’s overall well-being and physical appearance. While some people associate plastic surgery with cosmetic enhancements, plastic surgeons also play a role in the repair and reconstruction of different injuries. Here are some ways a plastic surgeon can help with injuries:
Restoring Functionality
A plastic surgeon aims to restore physical aesthetics and confirm that injured body parts return to their normal functions. Restoring functionality involves surgical procedures to repair bones, tissues, and nerves. There are two main areas where plastic surgeons are needed to restore functionality:
Trauma and Accidents
Complex and severe injuries may result from accidents and traumatic events. Facial fractures require precise bone alignment to restore normal function and structure. Surgeons use specialized techniques and tools to confirm that the patient can chew, breathe, and speak. In instances of limb injuries, such as crushed feet or hands, plastic surgeons carefully repair nerves, tendons, and bones.
Burns
Burn injuries mainly affect the skin and underlying bones, muscles, and joints. Plastic surgeons are involved in initial emergency care, ongoing wound management, and long-term reconstructive surgeries. In the acute phase, plastic surgeons perform procedures such as debridement. This is where the dead or damaged tissue is removed to prevent infection and encourage healing. During this process, the surgeon applies skin grafts, where healthy skin from another part of the patient’s body is transported to cover the burned area. Long-term burn survivors may require several reconstructive surgeries. These procedures may include adjusting skin that limits movement, applying reconstructive flaps, and using advanced techniques like tissue expansion.
Minimizing Scarring
Scarring is a cosmetic concern that can impact a patient’s self-esteem and mobility. Reducing scar tissue may help improve a patient’s quality of life after recovery. Here are some ways cosmetic surgeons minimize scarring:
Lacerations and Cuts
For severe cuts and lacerations, surgeons use precise suturing methods to align the skin’s edges, which allows better healing and minimizes the possibility of protruding scars. Surgeons use fine, dissolvable stitches that reduce tissue damage and support the skin as it heals. These professionals also offer post-operative care instructions to promote optimal healing, including advice on proper wound care.
Post-Surgical Scarring
After patients have undergone various surgeries, such as orthopedic procedures, mastectomies, and abdominal surgeries, they may be left with large scars. Cosmetic surgeons can perform scar revision treatments to improve the appearance of the scars. Scar revision involves techniques such as removing healed scar tissue, reclosing the wound, and applying laser therapy or injection treatments to encourage proper healing.
Reconstructive Surgery
Reconstructive surgery is offered to repair and restore body parts affected by congenital abnormalities, trauma, and medical conditions. These procedures improve the appearance and functionality of the body parts. These are some of the areas where reconstructive surgery is performed:
Breast Reconstruction
Plastic surgeons can reconstruct the breast with implants or autologous tissues that imitate the natural appearance and symmetry of the breasts. Surgeons customize a distinct treatment plan for each patient through individual consultations. These treatment plans take into account the patient’s health history, body type, and personal goals.
Cleft Lip and Palate Repair
Cleft lips and palates develop before birth and can change a child’s eating, talking, and breathing habits. Plastic surgeons are experts in fixing these deformities and usually repair them when a child is a few months old. This reconstructive surgery may improve the child’s appearance and quality of life, including socialization.
Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery
Hand and upper extremity injuries affect an individual’s ability to perform daily activities. Addressing these injuries restores patients’ range of motion and limb functionality. Here are some of the ways cosmetic surgeons address hand and upper extremity injuries:
Congenital Abnormalities
Some congenital abnormalities include syndactyly or polydactyly. Syndactyly correction involves removing fused fingers and then covering the newly made spaces with skin grafts. Treatment for polydactyly often includes removing the extra digit and reconstructing the remaining fingers to create a more balanced appearance and function.
Arthritis and Degenerative Conditions
Arthritis and other degenerative conditions lead to pain, deformity, and stiffness in the hands. Plastic surgeons may offer surgical interventions such as joint reconstruction, soft tissue repairs, and tendon transfers. Joint reconstruction entails removing damaged joint surfaces and replacing them with prosthetic components. Tendon transfers can help restore movement to the fingers affected by tendon damage or imbalance.
Meet with a Certified Plastic Surgeon
To find the right cosmetic surgeon for injury treatment, examine their board certification, past procedure results, and service specialization. This will help you identify an experienced and qualified surgeon. Schedule a consultation with your chosen surgeon today to learn more about their services and how they can help you.
