TRAUMA RECONSTRUCTION
WHAT IS TRAUMA RECONSTRUCTION?
Trauma reconstructive surgery is used to heal individuals who have been injured in a severe accident. Reconstructive surgery aims to improve both function and appearance. Reconstructive surgery may be performed on the lower limbs following a trauma, in which case the procedure may involve skin grafts, local/regional flaps, and microsurgery, depending on the situation. Traumatic injuries can occur at any time due to falls, violence, car accidents, work injuries, burns and other events. In severe cases, an expert plastic and reconstructive surgeon restores form and function to the site of injury.
WHY OPT FOR TRAUMA RECONSTRUCTION?
Large or complicated wounds are common after a traumatic event. Plastic surgeons have a special grasp of wound healing and frequently offer advice on caring for wounds. Complex or big wounds that do not heal on their own may necessitate surgical reconstruction.
WHAT DOES THE PROCEDURE INVOLVE?
In a skin graft, a superficial section of skin without a blood supply is taken from one area of the body and transferred to an area affected by a wound or defect.
When a local/regional flap is required, flaps of tissue consisting of muscle are used in areas where soft tissue has been severely damaged.
During microsurgery, free flaps made up of skin, fat, muscle and bone are disconnected from their blood supply and connected to the blood vessels in the area affected by trauma.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
After surgery, your incisions will be dressed and bandaged. You may have a drainage tube placed to drain any excess fluid and blood from your body.
Dr September will explain how to take care of your surgical site best to stay clean and free from infection. He will prescribe medications to help ease any pain and discomfort following surgery.
You can expect some swelling while your body heals. Try and rest as much as possible during this recovery period.