Reconstructive plastic surgery is done to correct facial and body abnormalities caused by birth defects, injury, disease, or aging. Usually, the goal of reconstructive plastic surgery is to improve body function. However, reconstructive plastic surgery may also be done to create a more normal appearance and improve self-esteem (this may also be called cosmetic surgery). Abnormal structures of the body may result from:
Injury
Infection
Developmental abnormalities
Birth defects
Disease
Tumors
Generally, 2 types of people have reconstructive plastic surgery, including:
People with birth defects (including cleft lip, craniofacial anomalies, or hand deformities)
People with deformities (including those due to an accident, infection, disease, or aging)
Any type of surgery carries some risk. People differ in their anatomy and their ability to heal. Depending on the type of surgery you have and your overall health, some complications and risks associated with reconstructive plastic surgery may include:
Infection
Excessive bleeding
Bruising
Difficulty in wound healing
Anesthesia problems
Surgery problems
Risk of complications may increase if you:
Smoke
Have connective-tissue damage
Have skin damage from radiation therapy
Have decreased circulation at the surgery site
Have HIV
Have an impaired immune system
Have poor nutritional habits
There may be other risks depending on your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before the procedure.
You may require multiple procedures done in several stages.
There are a number of areas in plastic surgery that may be either or both reconstructive or cosmetic, depending on your situation. For example, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) may be a procedure done for cosmetic improvement, as well as to correct eyelids that are drooping severely and obscuring vision.