Body Reconstructive Surgery
Panniculectomy
The most common reconstructive surgery to the midsection or torso is a panniculectomy. This is a surgery to remove excess skin (called a panniculus) that hangs down over the patient’s groin, typically after significant weight loss. A panniculectomy is not a tummy tuck; there is no muscle tightening or contouring done. It’s very specifically the removal of excess skin that has caused medical problems such as skin breakdowns, rashes, and infections. Some insurance companies will cover the cost of this procedure, based on the degree of medical issues associated with the panniculus, the grade of the panniculus, and plan coverage limits.
This procedure is not meant to improve your overall body shape. It is strictly intended to help remove the overhanging skin on the lower abdomen that is causing health issues.
From a surgical standpoint, a panniculectomy involves removal of the excess skin and subcutaneous fat and closure of the wound. It occasionally may necessitate removal (not repositioning) of the umbilicus (belly button), because of severe displacement.
The ideal candidate for panniculectomy surgery is an individual with good skin elasticity and minimal stretch marks. Panniculectomy can be performed on patients of all ages; however, older patients may have less elastic skin, which may limit the amount of skin that can be removed. The surgery is often performed on patients who have had massive weight loss, but it can also be done on patients who have never been overweight. Panniculectomy surgery is also sometimes performed on patients who have undergone multiple abdominal surgeries.
Panniculectomy surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, which means that the patient does not need to stay overnight in the hospital. The surgery takes approximately two to three hours to perform, and the patient can usually return home the same day.
If you are interested in having a panniculectomy surgery contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.
Body Reconstructive Microsurgery
Reconstructive microsurgery is a surgical discipline in which specialized operating microscopes and precision instrumentation are used to repair intricate structures such as blood vessels and nerves less than a few millimeters in diameter. This field has made a major impact to restore form and function to individuals impaired by trauma, cancer and congenital anomalies.
Microsurgery is used to perform intricate operations on tiny structures, such as blood vessels or nerves. In plastic surgery, we often use this technique to reconstruct delicate areas such as the hand and/or fingers after trauma. We also use this skill to repair areas with lost tissue from accidents or cancer removal and even something as severe as a reattachment after loss of a limb or finger(s). This allows us to restore both form and function in our best-case scenarios when used with other surgical skills.
The best candidates for reconstructive microsurgery are those who have a well-defined problem that can be corrected with this type of surgery. Patients must also have realistic expectations and be in good physical and psychological health. Some microsurgery can be performed as an outpatient procedure, which means the patient can go home the same day. However, most microsurgery patients will be hospitalized. Recovery times will vary depending on the extent of the procedure.
When the tip of a finger is cut off or crushed in an injury, they can often be allowed to heal with proper wound care. In some cases, a flap or graft may be used to replace lost tissue. When the bone or joint is involved, however, microsurgery may be needed to reattach the finger.
Northland Plastic Surgery physicians are the only plastic surgeons in the region (all of northern MN, northern WI, and upper MI) who perform reconstructive microsurgery, including the replantation of digits and limbs.
Tissue Expansion
Tissue expansion is a relatively straightforward procedure that enables the body to “grow” extra skin for use in reconstructing almost any part of the body.
Tissue expanders are temporary implants that are inserted beneath the skin and gradually filled with saline solution over the course of several weeks. This stretching of the skin creates new skin growth, which can then be used for reconstructive surgery. Tissue expansion is often used for breast reconstruction following a mastectomy, as well as for correcting scars, burns and other skin defects.
The surgery itself is usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day. The tissue expander is inserted through a small incision in the skin and placed beneath the muscle. A second incision may be necessary to insert a “valve” that will be used to inject saline solution into the tissue expander. The incisions are then closed with stitches and a dressing is applied.
Over the next several weeks, you will return to your surgeon’s office so they can inject saline into the tissue expander through the valve. This process gradually stretches the skin and stimulates new skin growth. Once the desired amount of skin has been generated, you will return to surgery to have the tissue expander removed and the new skin transplanted to the desired area, or in the case of breast reconstruction, the tissue expander would be removed and the breast implant would be placed in the pocket of expanded skin.
Recovery from tissue expansion surgery is typically pretty quick. You may have some soreness and bruising around the incisions, but this can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication. You will also need to avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for a few weeks to allow the incisions to heal properly.
Most people are good candidates for tissue expansion surgery. However, there are a few medical conditions that may make you ineligible, such as uncontrolled diabetes, active infection or poor overall health. Be sure to talk to your surgeon about any concerns you may have prior to scheduling your procedure.
Body Reconstructive Cancer Surgery
Removing cancerous tumors and tissue is a critical component of cancer care. Sometimes, a large defect is left behind after removing the cancer. Plastic surgeons can perform a flap surgery to close the wound left behind. This can be the case with any cancer but is more common with breast cancer reconstructive surgery.
There are two ways we can close the defect. The first way is to use a local flap. This means we take skin and tissue from the area near the cancer to close the wound. The second way is to use a free flap. This means we take skin and tissue from another area of the body, usually the back, inner thigh or stomach, to close the wound. The decision on which flap to use is based on many factors including the size of the defect, location of the cancer and your own goals and preferences.
Flap surgery involves making cuts in the skin to detach skin and tissue from its blood supply. The detached tissue is then moved into place and sewn into place. New blood vessels are created to supply blood to the flap. Flap surgery is a complex procedure that requires meticulous planning and execution. It is important to have an experienced plastic surgeon who is comfortable with this type of surgery.
Recovery from flap surgery can take several weeks. You will likely have drains in place to help remove excess fluid. You will also need to take it easy and not overdo it for the first few weeks. Once you recover, you should have a nice, natural-looking result.
Flap surgery is not for everyone. The best candidates are those who are in good health, do not smoke and have a cancer that has been removed with clear margins. If you are considering flap surgery, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.
Congenital Anomaly
A congenital anomaly is a medically diagnosed condition present at or from birth that significantly deviates from the common structure or function of the body, whether caused by a hereditary or developmental disability or disease. Common congenital anomalies include congenital heart defects, congenital limb deficiencies, cleft lip and palate, and congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
In most cases, congenital anomalies are diagnosed prenatally through routine ultrasounds or other diagnostic tests. However, some conditions may not be diagnosed until after birth. If you have a family history of congenital anomalies or if you are pregnant and have concerns about your baby’s health, speak with your doctor.
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for congenital anomalies. Treatment options will vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. In some cases, surgery may be required to correct the anomaly. For example, surgery may be used to repair a congenital heart defect or to correct a cleft lip or palate.
In other cases, no treatment may be necessary. For example, some congenital limb deficiencies can be managed without surgery. And in some cases, congenital anomalies may resolve on their own over time.
The best candidates for surgery to correct a congenital anomaly are those who are otherwise healthy and have a condition that is severe enough to cause significant functional impairment or cosmetic concerns. Surgery is not always the best option, however, and you should discuss all of your treatment options with your doctor before making a decision.
Recovery from congenital anomaly surgery will vary depending on the type of procedure performed. In most cases, however, you can expect a lengthy recovery period. After surgery, you will likely need to stay in the hospital. And once you are discharged, you will need to take it easy at home for several more weeks or months.
With proper treatment, most people with congenital anomalies can lead long, healthy lives. If you or your child has been diagnosed with a congenital anomaly, contact us today to schedule an appointment to determine the best treatment option.