Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Also known as: plastic and reconstructive surgery, reconstructive procedures.
What is reconstructive plastic surgery?
Plastic surgery refers to any surgical procedure intended to improve the appearance of a body part. And reconstructive plastic surgery refers to the type of plastic surgery specifically intended to repair a body part or parts with structural defects. These can occur due to birth defects, diseases, infection, injury or for other reasons.
What happens during the procedure?
The specific nature of the reconstructive plastic surgery can vary quite a bit depending on what body part is impacted. Some reconstructive plastic surgeries involve the removal of tissues, such as breast reduction, while others involve bringing tissue in from other parts of the body or outside sources to repair the defect, such as cleft lip or cleft palate repair.
Is any special preparation needed?
The specific preparation will vary widely based on the procedure. Several diagnostic tests are required, and the patient may need to avoid food, drink and certain medications before the procedure.
What are the risk factors?
Infection, pain, bleeding, and damage to surrounding organs and tissues are potential risks of reconstructive plastic surgery.
Reviewed by: Chad A Perlyn, MD
This page was last updated on: September 16, 2025 12:41 PM
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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