For in-depth information on the reconstructive surgery procedures we offer, please click on the links below.
RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body that may result from trauma, injury, disease, developmental abnormalities or possibly birth defects. It is generally performed to improve function, but may also be done to optimize a normal appearance. Board-certified surgeon Dr. Schwarcz uses his expertise in both cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery for the best possible outcome for all of his patients.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
Patients with either congenital deformities or developmental deformities may qualify for reconstructive surgery. Patients with congenital deformities which are birth defects may seek to alter an abnormal structure of his or her body to improve the function of a particular area of the body. On the other hand, developmental deformities result from accidents, infections, trauma and injury and can be similarly addresed through reconstructive surgery. For instance, cleft-lip and palate deformities would be best corrrected through reconstructive surgery. In partcular, syndromes that involve the eyelid or socket would be best alleviated through reconstructive surgery as well.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RECONSTRUCTIVE AND COSMETIC SURGERY
The goals of reconstructive surgery differ from those of cosmetic surgery namely that reconstructive surgery typically seeks to correct and restore function, while cosmetic surgery is primarily performed for patients who want to enhance or change their appearance aesthetically. Reconstructive surgery also addresses abnormal shapes and structures of the body, while cosmetic surgery is geared towards reshaping normal structures of the body to enhance the patient's appearance.
For instance, a patient suffering from paralysis may have an asymmetrical appearance which can be corrected perhaps by a facelift. Eyelid ptosis repair surgery can correct sagging or droopy eyelids that interfere with your line of vision or is purely uncomfortable. Another example would be a patient with thyroid disease and resulting thyroid orbitopathy which could damage the eyes and potentially lead to blindness if left uncorrected, but can be addressed through reconstructive surgery and lead to better closure of the eyelids. In that situation, both a cosmetic aesthetic improvement may result as well as an improvement in the underlying function in terms of opening and closing the eyes.