Reconstructive surgery helps patients of all ages and types - whether it's a child with a brain defect, a young adult injured in an accident, or an older adult with a problem caused by aging.

The goals of reconstructive surgery differ from those of cosmetic surgery.  Some common examples of congenital abnormalities are birthmarks; cleft-lip and palate deformities; and abnormal breast development and hand deformities such as syndactyly (webbed fingers) and hyoplastic thumb (absent or small).

Burn wounds, lacerations, growths, and aging problems are considered acquired deformities.  In some cases, patients may find that a procedure commonly thought to be aesthetic in nature, may be performed to achieve a reconstructive goal.  For example, some older adults with redundant or drooping eyelid skin blocking their field of vision might have eyelid surgery.  Or an adult whose face has an asymmetrical look because of paralysis might have a balancing facelift.  Although apearance is enhanced, the main goal of the surgery is to restore function.

Douglas Trzcinski, MD