Reconstructive Surgery
Reconstructive surgery is undertaken to repair lasting effects of various types of damage to the body. It can address complaints such as unattractive scars from surgeries and deep wounds, or facial paralysis due to Bell’s palsy or stroke. It can also effectively remove certain types of skin cancer.
WHAT DOES RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY DO?
Although the cells and tissues in our bodies have the natural capacity to repair themselves after sustaining damage, some forms of trauma and diseases leave lasting effects that can compromise our overall appearance. Deep wounds and major surgeries, for example, can result in unsightly scars that can’t always be covered up. In more extreme cases, particular medical conditions affect not only the skin but also the underlying muscles and nerves. Tumors, infections, stroke, and Bell’s palsy can cause facial paralysis which leads to visible effects.
RESTORING A NATURAL LOOK WITH ADVANCED FACIAL SURGERY
Reconstructive surgery is a medical procedure to rebuild compromised structures of the body and restore its functionality and aesthetic appeal. While the need for the operation is not a matter of life and death, undergoing reconstructive surgery improves the quality of one’s life substantially. You can further your relationships and career and increase mental wellbeing and self-esteem. Dr. Sedgh and the team at his West Hollywood clinic take great pride in helping you achieve these goals.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY?
Due to medical and technological advancements, numerous kinds of concerns can now be addressed by targeted reconstructive surgeries such as the following:
Facial paralysis surgery
When damage from injuries or illness is severe enough to reach the nerves, affected regions of the face are rendered incapacitated and lose their ability to perform normal functions. The damage becomes problematic as it hinders speech, blinking, swallowing, and forming facial expressions. Facial paralysis surgery, also known as face reanimation, makes use of microsurgical techniques to transfer healthy muscles onto immobile areas. This procedure may involve a gracilis muscle transplant, wherein the needed tissues are extracted from the inner thigh and incorporated on the face. In other cases, the surgery may reroute nerves to help paralyzed areas regain function. Muscle transplants and nerve rerouting can be used in conjunction with one another for more severe conditions.
Mohs surgery
The Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer is a relatively new technique that aims to treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)—two of the most common types of skin cancer in the world. This procedure involves progressively removing horizontal layers of the skin to save as many healthy skin cells as possible while examining each extracted segment for signs of skin cancer. Because surgeons can immediately verify whether all traces of malignant cells have been excised, the Mohs surgery not only gives the best aesthetic results, but also significantly reduces the risk of recurrence. The highly technical and precise extractions involved in Mohs micrographic surgery are especially beneficial to patients whose skin cancer is situated along delicate parts of the body such as on the eyelids, lips, or nose.
Scar revision
A scar revision surgery is a cosmetic procedure that minimizes scars and makes them look less conspicuous and unflattering. It involves meticulously blending disfigured tissues with the surrounding healthy skin in terms of both texture and tone. A surgeon may use multiple treatments ranging from injectables and chemical peels to skin bleaching agents to blend them perfectly. Dermabrasion, or the mechanical refinement of skin, as well as laser or light therapy, may also be used depending on the type of scar present.
STEPS TOWARD DERMAL RECONSTRUCTION
Although reconstructive surgeries are not as invasive as other medical procedures, the proper protocol must still be followed before, during, and after the operation.
The Initial Consultation
An initial consultation with Dr. Sedgh gives you the opportunity to express your goals for the procedure. This will help him evaluate your condition, and plan the operation strategically, according to your specified needs and expectations. It is of the utmost importance to Dr. Sedgh and his team that your personal expectations for surgery are achieved.
At your initial consultation you can expect the following to take place:
- Preliminary physical examination
- A thorough interview to obtain your medical history
- Discussion and agreement regarding the best surgical plan for you
Preparing for surgery
Before undergoing a procedure, you may be asked to cut down on specific activities, food, or medications to ensure your body can handle the reconstructive surgery and will not trigger any preventable complications. At this stage, you will be subject to more comprehensive medical examinations to minimize risk. You will also be advised to schedule the procedure at a time when you can take at least a few days off after your surgery.
The procedure
Reconstructive surgery may span from minimally invasive to invasive procedures, depending on the kind of operation necessary. Minor treatments include the use of injectables and chemical peels as in scar revisions, while muscle transplants and skin extractions are required in facial paralysis surgery and Mohs surgery for skin cancer. Reconstructive surgeries offered by Dr. Sedgh are usually done as outpatient procedures so you can recover in the comfort of your home immediately after the operation.
The recovery process
Some discomfort is to be expected after any procedure. You may experience swelling, redness, and even numbness around the surgical site. To relieve such aftereffects, you will be prescribed appropriate pain medications and home remedies such as ice packs or hot compresses. If the pain becomes extreme, be sure to notify Dr. Sedgh. Check-up visits should also be done if you notice fluid build-up or odors coming from the site of operation; these are signs of infection.
How to maintain the results of a reconstructive surgery
Lifestyle changes must also take place to maximize the effects of reconstructive surgery. Vices such as smoking must be set aside. A deliberate choice to practice skincare regimens and eat healthy foods will help maintain the longevity of your newly reconstructed skin.
WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE DR. SEDGH?
Dr. Jacob Sedgh, M.D., is a facial surgeon certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery—the gold standard in certification.
With many years of experience both in theoretical and practical applications of the field, Dr. Sedgh is capable of executing very technical procedures for highly specific demands.
Almost a decade of skilled practice has earned Dr. Sedgh a reputation as one of the leading facial plastic surgeons in West Hollywood—one of the most competitive markets in the world.
COMFORT & TRANSPARENCY FROM START TO FINISH
When under our care, Dr. Sedgh always ensures you feel comfortable, cared for, well-informed about every aspect of your upcoming treatment, whether surgical or non-surgical. With an approach which focuses on achieving refreshed, natural-looking results, Dr. Sedgh prides himself on always acting with transparency, honesty, and the highest level of ethical treatment, from start to finish.
