Reconstructive Surgeons

When it comes to reconstructive surgery, finding a surgeon you can trust makes all the difference. You need to feel comfortable with your surgeon and confident with your surgery decisions.

To ensure a successful reconstructive surgery procedure, you need to find a skilled and qualified surgeon. Each reconstructive surgery case is unique, and the surgeon must use good judgment and wisdom to determine the best course of action. Reconstructive surgeons must have thorough knowledge of general surgery, as well as experience in grafts, tissue transfers, flaps and other reconstructive techniques.

Because reconstructive surgery techniques require precision and experience to get the job done right, you should choose your surgeon based on his or her qualifications and know-how. How many times has the surgeon performed the particular procedure you are interested in? Is your surgeon experienced? You must consider these and other questions when choosing a reconstructive surgeon.

We work hard to connect you with the top reconstructive surgeons in your area. Search our surgeon locator to find a local doctor and set up a consultation. Be sure to ask your surgeon any questions you have about your reconstructive procedure. Make sure you are comfortable with your surgeon before undergoing reconstructive surgery.

Choose a Skilled Reconstructive Surgeon

Like any type of surgery, reconstructive surgery is not risk free. However, you can reduce the risk of side effects and serious complications by choosing a surgeon who has expertise in the relevant surgical specialty and who has a lot of experience performing the procedure you are considering.

You should not be afraid to ask your reconstructive surgeon how many times he or she has performed this particular procedure. You can also ask to see before and after photos of surgeries he or she has performed. Don’t hesitate to have these conversations with your reconstructive surgeon; your safety is in your surgeon’s hands.

Our physicians are skilled and qualified in cutting-edge reconstructive surgery techniques. They perform surgery in accredited medical facilities, keep abreast of the latest developments in their field, complete continuing education in reconstructive surgery and follow the highest standards in patient care and safety.

Click on our “Surgeon Locator” to search our physician directory for a surgeon in your region. You can read about physicians’ credentials, visit their websites, learn about the reconstructive surgery procedures they perform and see pictures of their offices and patients.

The first step toward your reconstructive surgery is setting up a consultation with a surgeon. During your consultation, your doctor will gather information about your medical history and ask you questions about your goals in pursuing reconstructive surgery. He or she will determine whether or not you are a candidate for reconstructive surgery and which procedure will work best for your situation and produce the best results.

Plastic Surgeons

A wide variety of reconstructive surgery procedures are performed by plastic surgeons. The “plastic” in “plastic surgery” is derived from a Greek word meaning “to shape.” Plastic surgeons aim to restore defects, injuries and anomalies of the body—to re-shape tissue and bone to improve form and function and achieve a natural appearance.

Plastic surgery is not the same as cosmetic surgery, although some plastic surgeons also perform cosmetic procedures. Cosmetic surgery is an elective procedure to improve a person’s appearance. It is not medically necessary. Plastic surgery, on the other hand, is often necessary for medical reasons or to restore a more normal physical appearance when a person has an abnormality or injury.

In the United States, plastic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), which is recognized by the American Medical Association as a major specialty board. The ABPS is one of the organizations that makes up the American Board of Medical Specialties.

To be certified by the ABPS, a plastic surgeon must have graduated from an accredited medical school, must practice mainly plastic surgery and must have completed a qualifying surgical residency program. In addition, the ABPS requires surgeons to take comprehensive oral and written exams for admittance, adhere to a strict code of ethics and renew their certification from time to time. The rigorous requirements of board certification ensure that your plastic surgeon is qualified to perform reconstructive surgery.

Other Surgeons Who Perform Reconstructive Surgery

Although plastic surgeons perform many types of reconstructive surgery procedures, other surgeons also perform reconstructive surgery. Some of these include:

• Orthopedic surgeons, who replace or repair joints and tendons and perform osteotomies on bones
• Oral and maxillofacial surgeons, who perform surgery on the mouth, jaws, face and skull
• Otolaryngologists, who perform surgery on the head and neck
• General surgeons
• Pediatric surgeons, who work with children
• Cosmetic surgeons, who perform mostly elective cosmetic surgeries but also some procedures that qualify as reconstructive surgery

These surgeons may be certified by boards in their specialty, such as the American Board of Otolaryngology or the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

How To Choose a Reconstructive Surgeon

The success of your reconstructive surgery depends in large part on the skill of your surgeon. A quality plastic surgeon can increase the chance of getting the results you want and can reduce the risk of complications.

When choosing your plastic surgeon, you should take these factors into account:

• The experience of your doctor, such as how long he or she has been performing the particular procedure and how often he or she performs it
• The technique your doctor uses; ask questions and make sure you understand how it works before making a decision
• Results of the doctor’s work; ask to see before and after pictures of the surgery you’re considering

Additionally, you can contact your state medical board to see if any complaints have been filed about the surgeon.

Questions to Ask Your Reconstructive Surgeon

When choosing a reconstructive surgeon, don’t be afraid to ask questions. In fact, asking your surgeon questions about his or her experience and expertise is a responsible practice to help ensure you find a reconstructive surgeon you can trust.

Questions to ask your surgeon might include:

• How long have you been practicing surgery?
• How long have you been performing this particular procedure?
• What is your surgical area of specialty?
• What procedures do you specialize in?
• How many times have you performed this particular surgery?
• How many times have you performed this surgery in the past 12 months?
• What certifications do you hold?

Additionally, you should ask your surgeon about the particular procedure you are considering, such as how it will be performed, what type of anesthesia is involved, how long recovery will take and what therapies and procedures may be required after your surgery. Discuss your reconstructive surgery goals and ask about the limitations of the procedure.

Your surgeon should be able to clearly explain your procedure and to have an honest and frank discussion about your goals and limitations. Ask yourself, “Do I feel comfortable with this surgeon? Do I trust this surgeon to make the right decisions for my health and well-being?”

Find a Reconstructive Surgeon Near You

Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to make the call and set up a consultation with a reconstructive surgeon. You can search our Surgeon Locator to find a qualified reconstructive surgeon in your area.

Our reconstructive surgeons are experienced medical professionals. However, you should still do your homework. Before your consultation, write down the questions you want to ask your reconstructive surgeon and be prepared to have a thorough discussion about the reconstructive procedure you are considering. It’s important to be comfortable with your reconstructive surgeon so that you can have confidence in the treatment plan you and your surgeon decide on.