Reconstructive surgery aims at repairing tissue loss and shape deformities resulting from congenital differences, trauma, burns, infections or disease treatments (for example, tumor surgery).
Its fundamental difference from aesthetic surgery is its priority: in reconstructive surgery, the priority is restoring function, followed by recreating the appearance as well as possible. These two goals often go hand in hand — because the correct shape of a tissue is often also a condition for its working properly.
This field forms the foundation of plastic surgery and covers an extremely broad range of procedures.
1. Assessment. The extent of tissue loss, the structures affected (skin, muscle, nerve, vessel) and the functional loss are examined in detail. If necessary, an assessment is made together with other specialties.
2. Planning. The method of repair is determined. Different methods may be used, from simple closure to skin grafts and flap procedures. In some cases the repair is planned in more than one stage.
3. Procedure. The planned repair is carried out.
4. Follow-up. The healing process is monitored closely; if needed, physical therapy and scar care are added.
In reconstructive surgery, the recovery process varies greatly according to the scope of the procedure. For this reason, it would not be appropriate to state a single duration here.
As with every surgical procedure, this one carries certain risks. Being aware of them is necessary for a sound decision:
This list does not cover all possibilities. Your personal risk profile, medical history and current health status are assessed in detail at the examination and shared with you as part of the consent process.
In reconstructive surgery, the priority is repairing lost function and tissue. In aesthetic surgery, adjustment aimed at the appearance of the existing structure comes to the fore. In practice, these two fields are often intertwined.
Not always. Depending on the extent of tissue loss, repair may be planned in more than one stage. This is a natural part of the process.
Scarring is unavoidable in reconstructive surgery. The aim is not to eliminate the scar completely, but to restore function and make the scar as acceptable as possible.
It varies greatly depending on the scope of the procedure. For this reason, the process is planned individually at the examination.
Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. A graduate of Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine; he completed his specialty training at the University of Health Sciences, Afyonkarahisar Health Application and Research Center. He works at Antalya Yaşam Hastanesi (Şirinyalı, Muratpaşa / Antalya).
