Burns, traumatic injuries, and any serious wound can benefit from reconstructive surgery. A skilled plastic surgeon can offer several procedures to improve your mobility, function, and the appearance of your wounds.

The Procedure:

Depending on your injury, the surgeon will suggest various treatments. Among them:

• Skin grafts: This is most often used for burn patients, when skin is removed from one area of the body and transplanted to another. Skin grafts are also used for breast or nose reconstruction procedures.
• Microsurgery: This surgery involves sewing tiny blood vessels or nerves to reattach a severed finger, toe, ear, or lip. Microsurgery is also used to treat facial paralysis or reconstruct breasts.
• Free flap procedure: Muscle, skin, or bone is transferred from one part of the body to another. The flap procedure is used for breast reconstruction or head-and-neck cancer surgery.
• Tissue expansion: This procedure prompts your body to "grow" extra skin for use in breast reconstruction, scalp repair, or other procedures. A balloon expander inserted under the skin helps skin to stretch and grow, similar to a woman's skin during pregnancy.

Common Side Effects:

The side effects will depend on the procedure used. Your doctor can discuss side effects in detail.

Complications:

There is risk of infection at the surgical site. Please make sure the site is clean and check the general hygiene of the hospital and the staff.

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.