Injury, disease, a birth defect - or a surgery like mastectomy - can all leave the body disfigured. Through reconstructive surgery, however, those physical problems can be corrected.

Breast reconstruction or reduction, foot or hand surgery, burn wound care, limb reattachment, and facial correction like cleft lip surgery are just a few examples. Reconstructive surgery can help repair any part of the body.

The Procedures: There are many surgical methods to achieve the desired results. Your surgeon will help you weigh all the options. The two of you can decide together which one best suits you. Reconstructive surgeries are typically used for:

• Breast reconstruction or reduction - for women who have undergone a mastectomy or who have very large breasts; men also undergo breast reduction.
• Surgeries for feet and hands - for people with tumors (cancerous and non cancerous); webbed toes or fingers; extra fingers or toes; or carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Wound care - for severe burns or cuts.
• Microsurgery or flap procedures - to replace parts of the body affected by injury or disease - like a finger lost to amputation or a leg lost to cancer.
• Facial surgeries - to correct structural problems causing cleft lip (a birth defect) as well as breathing problems, sinus infections, and snoring.

Common Side Effects:
The side effects will depend on the procedure used. Your doctor can provide more information on common side effects to expect from your procedure.

Complications:
There is always a risk of infection at the surgical site. Other complications depend on the procedure.

Recovery:
Healing from these procedures generally takes several months. Once you are released from the hospital, you will recuperate at home. It is important to follow your doctors' instructions regarding wound care and infection prevention.