Reconstructive Surgery

We provide reconstructive surgeries for a number of acute or post-surgical traumas, as well as congenital defects. These include cosmetic corrections after injuries of most any type, and reconstruction after skin cancer.

These surgeries can be done on adults or children. Scar revision may also be done for some patients. The goal is to help the patient look as normal and attractive as possible, while also restoring function, where necessary.

Reconstructive Surgery for Trauma and Congenital Defects

After an injury, you may be left with an aesthetic deformity and/or a deformity of function. An example of this is an injury that has not only made the nose crooked but has inhibited breathing.

Dr. Kiener can perform a combination functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty (nose surgery) to make your nose look better and also improve breathing.

This is only one example of reconstructive surgery after a traumatic injury. Other such injuries that might require reconstruction include deep lacerations, growths, and burns. The injury may be recent or may have occurred some time ago.

Dr. David J. Kiener, M.D.

Reconstructive surgery is highly individualized and might include skin, fat, cartilage, or bone grafting, as well as removal or reorienting some tissue to create a pleasing appearance. We also, of course, do everything we can to keep scarring to a minimum, while also improving function.

—Dr. David J. Kiener, M.D.

You or your child may also have an abnormality that is the result of a congenital defect. This is the case, for example, with protruding ears or a cleft palate (see below). Dr. Kiener has many years of experience with all types of reconstructive surgery cases and is accustomed to working with both children and adults.

Reconstructive Surgery After Removal of Skin Cancer

Many skin cancers are removed through Mohs Surgery, a technique that allows a specialized dermatologist to remove just one very thin layer of skin cells at a time. Each set of cells is immediately observed under a microscope to determine if cancer is present. Layers are taken until no more cancer is detected. This precise method allows the surgeon to preserve as much healthy skin as possible.

Nevertheless, many patients have large areas of tissue removed in order to “clear” all of the skin cancer. This can leave an unsightly wound. That’s where Dr. Kiener comes in. He performs reconstructive surgery on these areas to restore as normal an appearance as possible. The techniques vary, including skin grafts, and many types of advancement and rotation flaps of tissue to reconstruct the defect. Reconstruction after removal of a large facial cancer is one of the most complex and individualized procedures done. Some of these procedures may take more than one stage, and follow-up procedures can be done to “fine-tune” the results.

Reconstructive Surgery for Cleft Lip and Palate

Cleft lip and palate reconstructive surgeries are usually performed on children. Cleft lip is the incomplete formation of the upper lip, while cleft palate is the incomplete formation of the roof of the mouth. In either case, the condition can cause more than cosmetic problems, such as dry mouth and problems with eating.

Reconstructive surgery to restore a normal appearance to the lip and/or palate can also improve the ability to breathe, speak, and even hear. Often, procedures are done to the lip and nose many years after the original repair to improve appearance and function.

What is Recovery Like After Reconstructive Surgery?

Recovery times and post-surgical effects vary depending on the type of surgery you have, as well as the severity of your case. Dr. Kiener will explain what to expect after your surgery, how to care for your wounds, and when to see him for follow-up examinations.

FAQs for Reconstructive Surgery

How many surgeries are required for cleft lip and palate?

Typically, cleft lip requires one surgery, while cleft palate may require at least two surgeries. However, the actual number of surgeries depends upon the state of your child’s cleft lip and cleft palate. This calls for hands-on and personalized consultation by a qualified plastic surgeon.

After a detailed consultation and checkup, your surgeon can determine how many surgeries are specifically required for your child. This provides you with a personalized timeline and plan to resolve your child’s cleft lip and cleft palate.

At what age should cleft lip be repaired?

Cleft lip surgery is safe to perform once your child turns three months old. Typically, the surgery is performed when your child is between three to six months of age. But depending upon the state of the cleft lip, surgeries can continue after that age. Once you reach out to a qualified surgeon, you will receive detailed guidance about your child’s cleft lip and its possible surgical solutions.

How long does a cleft palate repair take?

A cleft palate repair surgery typically takes two to three hours. However, this period can vary on a case-by-case basis. For instance, if your child’s cleft palate requires significant intervention, the surgery time can increase. Your surgeon can guide you on the time estimate that is specific to your child’s cleft palate repair.

After the surgery, your child usually stays in the surgical facility for a couple of days. Once this initial recovery period is over, you can help your child recover from their surgery at home. During this phase, you can follow the post-op and aftercare advice provided to you by your child’s surgeon.

What can you not do after Mohs surgery?

Once you have Mohs surgery, you need to be careful about avoiding a few things until you are fully recovered or get the approval from your doctor to perform such tasks.

Some of the key points to follow after your Mohs surgery include:

· No bending
· No heavy lifting
· No strenuous exercise

Typically, Mohs surgery stitches remain in place for one week. However, depending upon your state of health, your surgeon might advise you to keep your stitches for longer.

How long does it take for a wound to heal after Mohs surgery?

Your surgical wound typically heals within one month. But in some cases, the recovery period can take as long as six weeks or even more. Your doctor will perform periodic checks to ensure that your wound is healing without any complications.

What is the difference between reconstructive and cosmetic surgery?

Both reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries are branches of plastic surgery. However, the main difference between them lies in their name. Reconstructive surgery focuses on using plastic surgery techniques to address a change in appearance due to a deformity, disease, or accident. On the other hand, cosmetic surgery uses plastic surgery techniques and procedures to enhance the appearance of your face or body for aesthetic purposes.

In both approaches, only a qualified plastic surgeon should perform your surgery. This not only ensures that you can get your ideal results but also helps you steer clear of complications. At Roseville Facial Plastic Surgery, we ensure that your surgeries are performed by qualified, board-certified surgeons, helping you fulfill your goals without exposing your wellbeing to unnecessary risk.

Schedule a Facelift Consultation

Call us for a consultation appointment to discuss reconstructive surgery with Dr. Kiener.

Call us at 916.773.0395 or
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