Is your skin or underlying tissues damaged or deformed? Read the information below to learn about reconstructive surgery performed by plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS of Colorado Springs, CO:
The purpose of reconstructive surgery is to repair physical aberrations resulting from injury, disease, congenital conditions, infections, surgery, burns, or tumors. Reconstructive surgery often has both a functional and cosmetic objective and requires multidisciplinary knowledge to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Common reconstructive procedures performed by Dr. Liebscher include, but are not limited to breast reconstruction and breast reduction. We treat men, women, and children of all ages.
Not sure if you qualify for reconstructive surgery? Contact our office to schedule a new patient appointment today to discuss your treatment options with Dr. Liebscher:
Keep reading for information about other forms of reconstructive surgery …
Skin Grafting
Victims of burns greatly benefit from implementation of skin grafting. Wide range of methods presently exists to improve the affected areas of skin and in many cases the patient’s appearance and function can be restored to its normal state.
Minor skin defects can typically be corrected with authografts taken from the patient. The individual’s natural tissue is applied from another part of the body to the affected area. The healing properties of the skin prevent rejection and infections as the same epithelial tissue is used throughout the procedure.
In absence of patient’s natural tissue, allografts and xenografts are used. Both methods are typically used for casualties of severe skin loss due to trauma or injury. Allografts consist of samples applied from the donor of the same species. Xenografts are samples contributed by the donor of different species. The incisions are made carefully to ensure proper healing and seamless appearance along with sufficient coverage of affected vicinity to improve function.
Skin Cancer
Surgery for skin cancer is used to remove malignant tumors, lesions or areas of cancerous cells using techniques that will minimize scars and blemishes leaving the skin healthy looking. A special procedure called Mohs surgery may be suggested when the goal is to leave as much health skin as possible in areas with thinner skin layers or when the depth of the cancer can’t be determined. The surgeon will shave off one thin layer of skin then examine it for cancer cells. This will continue, layer by layer, until a layer is reached in which no cancer cells are present.
Anyone with freckles, moles, or other markings on the skin that change in appearance, appear suddenly or look unusual should be checked for melanoma. Should cancer cells be found your doctor will recommend a plan of action for their removal. Making sure you are aware of your normal skin condition and pattern of markings is crucial in the early discovery of melanoma when it’s easiest to treat. According to the American Cancer Association, “You can do a lot to protect yourself and your family from skin cancer. You don’t need any x-rays or blood tests to find skin cancer early – just your eyes and a mirror. If you have skin cancer, finding it early is the best way to make sure it can be treated with success.”
Discussing prevention strategies with your physician whether or not you have been determined to have skin cancer is an important avenue for maintaining health since many types of skin cancers can be prevented.
Skin Expansion Surgery
Skin expansion is a method for increasing the amount of your natural skin for use in a variety of reconstruction surgery. The most frequently used method of skin expansion involves creating a pocket under the skin into which an expanded is placed. A small tube is taped on the outside of your body close to the expander. Over several visits, saline is injected into the expanded causing it to fill like a balloon and stretch the skin around it.
When enough excess skin has been created for the procedure in question, the apparatus is removed during another surgical procedure. Whenever possible, the skin expansion is undertaken close to the area where it is used so the new skin can be stretch over the location and sutured down with the need for removing it and reattaching it elsewhere. This means that the skin retains its connection to a blood supply increasing the odds of success. Dr. Liebscher discusses this option with you if it is determined you would be an appropriate candidate for this type of procedure.
Reconstructive surgery can improve your self-esteem, restore a previous level of function, improve the appearance of areas you have kept covered up for years and increase your quality of life. Procedures are now available that can turn wishes about restoring your appearance to the way it once was into reality.
Discuss Your Options for Reconstructive Surgery
Please call 719-634-2503 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Greg Liebscher to discuss if reconstructive surgery is the right medical option for you.