5 Important Reconstructive Surgeries and Procedures Carried Out By Cosmetic Surgeons

My cousin delivered a healthy baby boy last year. But she was disappointed to see that her bonny baby boy had a congenital defect – a cleft lip. This is a birth defect affecting the lip, which splits or separates the two sides of the upper lip appearing as a narrow opening or gap in the upper lip's skin. It can also affect the base of the nose and the upper gum or the upper jaw of the baby. Her feeling of joy and elation around the birth of her bundle of joy was marred with the vibes of pity from her relatives. She and her husband were really disappointed to know that the gynaecologist had failed to spot this oral malformation in the early stages of the pregnancy. They learned much later that the cause of such a defect is unknown and one couldn't really do much to prevent it. It distressed the newborn's parents to see their child having trouble breastfeeding. Fearing that their child may feel lonely, left out and turn into a victim of constant ridicule while growing up, they consulted various paediatricians for a solution. The only solution that seemed to solve the issue was reconstructive surgery. They consulted one of the best cosmetic surgeon doctors in Chennai who counselled them about the surgical procedure, its outcome and the palliative aftercare required.

On the day of their son's first grand birthday bash, their smiles and the twinkle in their eyes said it all. Needless to say, the reconstructive surgery on the cleft lip was successful and their son had regained his disarming smile. It was then that I realised the significance of reconstructive surgery. It busted my preconceived notion that cosmetic surgeons and plastic surgeons were only in the practice of improving how an individual looks and to enhance celebrities' vanity. Breast enlargement procedures and nose jobs had clouded my thinking and had lead to wrong assumptions about cosmetic surgery.

It was heartening to see this particular branch of doctors do an amazing job in correcting the defects in the young as well as the old and help them in leading a normal life. Health experts are of the opinion, that patients, especially children with a birth defect if left untreated may never fully develop physically, and at times, mentally. An untreated birth defect also affects their social skills where they are limited to a sense of 'being different'. They may also be subjected to the hard stares from strangers and harsh judgment of other children.

Besides repairing oral malformations like cleft lips, plastic and cosmetic surgeons specialising in reconstructive surgery are known to perform a number of procedures to improve the condition of injuries, birth defects or disfigurement issues. I came to know about the other types of reconstructive surgeries that cosmetic/ plastic surgeons are known to perform:

1. Facial SurgeriesThe most common type of facial reconstruction surgeries is for repairing congenital defects like the cleft lip and cleft palate. The surgeries usually have a lower risk and are minimal as the sessions are spread out over multiple weeks or months. You can consult cosmetic surgeons to correct facial defects arising out of accidents and injuries, chronic infections affecting the sinuses, and breathing issues like snoring.
   
2. Breast Reconstruction or ReductionWomen who have undergone mastectomy (surgical removal of the breast tissues) are the usual candidates for breast reconstruction surgery. Breast reduction surgery is recommended for women who have abnormally large breasts that are leading to chronic back and spine problems or other related health issues. Unknown to many, men having the condition of extreme gynaecomastia are also known to undergo breast reduction surgery.
   
3. Microsurgery or Flap ProceduresThese surgeries are usually performed on patients affected by injuries or diseases, which warrants the replacement of body parts.
   
4. Wound Care
   Patients with severe burns or cuts can undergo reconstructive surgeries and techniques like skin grafting.
   
5. Surgeries for Feet and Hands
   Those having extra fingers or toes or webbed fingers and toes can undergo surgeries to correct these congenital defects. It is common for individuals suffering from tumours, whether benign or malignant, to consult cosmetic surgeons for reconstructive surgeries.
   

Before undergoing any medical treatment or surgery, it is important that you consult any of the top cosmetic surgeons Chennai has. The surgeons will evaluate the course of action on a case-to-case basis. More often than not, they will understand the patient's medical history in great detail and evaluate the case on the basis of the results desired and the medical necessity. It is only after weighing all the options that a skilled surgeon decides which one suits the patients the most. You also need to know, no matter what the problem may be in your seemingly imperfect life, there is always a solution out there.