Reconstructive surgery, what you should know

Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive surgery is performed to restore function and normal appearance, and correct deformities created by birth defects, trauma, or medical conditions, including cancer. Examples include cleft lip and palate repair, breast reconstruction after lumpectomy or mastectomy for breast cancer and reconstructive surgery after burn injuries. Reconstructive surgery is generally considered medically necessary and is covered by most health insurance plans.

Cancer treatments sometimes damage the function or appearance of a body part. Reconstructive surgery helps repair that damage.

Reconstructive surgery differs from cosmetic surgery because reconstructive surgery is done for a medical reason. Most insurance companies cover reconstructive surgery needed after cancer treatment.

Reconstructive surgery is most often needed after some types of surgery to remove cancer. For example, a person may choose to have reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy. A mastectomy is the surgical removal of the breast. It is a type of treatment for breast cancer. Another example is when a surgeon replaces tissue or nerves removed during treatment for skin cancer .

Other types of reconstructive surgery.

Other types of reconstructive surgeries include:

Skin, tendon and bone grafts. The surgeon transplants healthy skin, tendons, or bone to a new place in or on the body. The transplanted tissue does not have its own blood supply. This means that new blood vessels must grow.

Local flap surgery. This approach uses nearby body tissue to cover the area affected by cancer surgery. The surgeon does not disconnect the tissue from the body or the blood supply. He or she moves it while it is still attached to the nearby area.

Artificial implants. Sometimes an artificial implant replaces a damaged body part. Examples include breast, testicular, and penile implants.

Scar reviews. These surgeries help minimize the appearance of scars from a previous surgery.

Recovery from reconstructive surgery.

Recovery time from reconstructive surgery depends on the type of surgery. Ask your surgeon about these recovery topics before your surgery:

• Your expected recovery time

• How to manage any pain or discomfort you may have

• Limitations to your daily routine and how long they will last

Managing the emotional side effects of reconstructive surgery.

Talk with your reconstructive surgeon about how the surgery will change the way you look and feel. It’s normal for changes in your body to affect your self-image. The following tips can help you manage emotional side effects:

• Seek support for handling your emotions related to changes in your body.
• Consider joining a group of support for people who have experienced similar changes. You can learn from the experiences of others and share your own.
• Consider counseling . Ask a member of your health care team for a referral to a mental health professional.