Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive surgery can restore the integrity of the abdominal wall fascia, muscle or skin that has been adversely affected by trauma, tumors or hernia. Procedures may include using synthetic mesh, local sliding muscle and fascial flaps, or transferring vascularized tissue from another part of the body.

Many of the muscle flaps pioneered by Emory plastic surgeons can be used to cover and reconstruct chest wall defects following resection for cancer, wound healing problems or radiation damage.

Depending on the patient's overall health, breast reconstruction can either be part of the original mastectomy procedure or performed later.

Depending on the location and severity of the skin cancer, the consequences from surgery may range from small scarring to permanent changes in facial structures. In the latter case, the plastic surgeon can be an important member of the treatment team. Reconstructive techniques ranging from simple scar revision to the complex transfer of tissue flaps from elsewhere on the body can often repair damaged tissue, rebuild body parts, and restore acceptable appearance and function.

One of the more common procedures for combating skin cancer is MOH's surgery, in which cancerous skin is shaved away by a dermatological specialist. As each layer is removed, the surgical margins are checked for abnormal cells. Emory plastic surgeons are often involved in reconstructing any defects that occur as a result of such tumor removal in the facial area.

While scars can't be completely removed, it is possible to modify them and restore bones to their normal position. Facial scars are often repaired with tiny sutures, leaving a thinner, less visible scar that can be made even more indistinguishable with dermabrasion or laser resurfacing.