Medicine
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Reconstructive Surgery?

R. Kayne
R. Kayne

Reconstructive surgery is corrective surgery to repair the body due to birth defects, disease or trauma. It is usually performed for the purpose of returning function to the body, but can also be used to improve the appearance of a person, particularly in the case of trauma or birth defects.

Some examples of circumstances that would call for this type of surgery include the following:

  • Repairing scar tissue from burns or other trauma
  • Repairing a cleft palate or lip
  • Reduction of breasts
  • Reconstruction of breasts after a mastectomy
  • Reconstruction of knees or elbows from sports injuries
  • Reconstruction of facial features after trauma
  • Reconstruction to correct overly large or deformed ears in children
  • Reattachment of fingers or limbs
  • Removal of tumors or skin cancers
  • Repairing crushed bones

Reconstructive surgery differs from cosmetic surgery in that cosmetic surgery does not correct abnormalities. Even when elected for aesthetic reasons, a reconstructive operation is usually done to correct an abnormality.

It is not uncommon for a football injury to require reconstructive surgery.
It is not uncommon for a football injury to require reconstructive surgery.

One of the most pervasive uses of this type of surgery is in professional sports. Contact sports like football and soccer often result in many injuries that can only be effectively repaired through surgery. It can be required to repair injuries to the knees and shoulders, or for broken facial bones.

Repetitive motion in non-contact sports also takes its toll over time, however, as cartilage — a natural cushion between close-fitting bones in the knee, elbow and other joints — can wear thin from over use. A painful, chronic condition develops as bones begin to rub against one another. People who have developed chronic pain of this type will complain of a dull ache even when at rest. Often the only relief is pain medication or surgery. Even non-athletes can develop injuries of this nature.

Reconstructive surgery may be performed following a mastectomy.
Reconstructive surgery may be performed following a mastectomy.

An extreme use of reconstructive surgery is sexual reassignment. This is the last radical step in a long mandatory process for the patient, which involves months of pre-surgery preparation, working with a series of specialized medical professionals. Sexual reassignment surgery is a specialty that relatively few doctors perform.

Discussion Comments

dfoster85

@GemimaMama - Yuck! Yeah, it's totally common. My belly looks a little caved in down the middle, too. It's called abdominal separation or diastasis recti. But there are exercises you can do to try to correct it.

It can also be repaired surgically, but I would make that my last resort. You don't say how long ago your son was born, but it takes a long time for the body to get back to anything close to its old shape. You're looking for strength exercises like planks, etc.--crunches will not be as helpful for this problem.

GeminiMama

After my son was born my stomach muscles were completely split in half. But from my belly button down there is a ½ inch wide indentation that is unsightly. I cannot do one sit up and even having a bowel movement is tough because I cannot push with my stomach. I recently lost a lot of weight and feel great about my body minus my destroyed muscles. Is this common for women to go through or should I speak to my doctor?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • It is not uncommon for a football injury to require reconstructive surgery.
      By: Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office
      It is not uncommon for a football injury to require reconstructive surgery.
    • Reconstructive surgery may be performed following a mastectomy.
      By: derege
      Reconstructive surgery may be performed following a mastectomy.
    • Soccer players are prone to injuries that require reconstructive surgery.
      By: Martin Garnham
      Soccer players are prone to injuries that require reconstructive surgery.
    • Reconstuctive surgery may be necessary to mend facial features after trauma.
      By: Scott Griessel
      Reconstuctive surgery may be necessary to mend facial features after trauma.
    • Some reconstructive surgical procedures are used to treat patients who have suffered a burn, maiming or other serious injury.
      By: xixinxing
      Some reconstructive surgical procedures are used to treat patients who have suffered a burn, maiming or other serious injury.