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Reconstructive Surgery Unlike cosmetic surgery, reconstructive surgery is performed on various structures of the body caused by birth defect, developmental abnormalities, trauma or injury, infection, tumors, or disease. Reconstructive surgery is usually done to improve function, but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance. Conversely, cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape structures of the body to improve the patient's appearance and self-esteem. Patients who undergo reconstructive surgery fall under three different categories: those who have congenital deformities (otherwise known as birth defects), those with developmental deformities, and those with functional disabilities. Some common examples of congenital abnormalities include birthmarks, cleft-lip and palate deformities, hand deformities such a syndactyly (webbed fingers), extra or absent fingers, and abnormal breast development. Of course, there are many others. Developmental deformities can be acquired as the result of accident, infection, disease, or aging. Examples of developmental or acquired deformities include burn wounds, lacerations, and growths. Large sagging breasts are one common deformity that can develop as a result of genetics, hormonal changes, or disease. Women who desire smaller, more comfortable breasts can undergo breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty. After he has carefully assessed the size, severity, and features of the wound, a wide variety of reconstructive surgical treatment options are employed by Dr. Johnson to achieve improvements in form and function. For a wound that is wide and difficult or impossible to close directly, a skin graft procedure may be employed. A skin graft is essentially a patch of healthy skin that is taken from one area of the body, called the "donor site," and subsequently used to cover another area where skin is missing or damaged. Tissue expansion is a procedure that enables the body to "grow" extra skin by stretching adjacent tissue. A balloon-like device called an expander is inserted under the skin near the area to be repaired and then gradually filled with saltwater over time, causing the skin to stretch and grow. Flap surgery and microsurgery have vastly improved Dr. Johnson's ability to help a severely injured or disfigured patient. Advanced techniques that often take many hours and may require the use of an operating telescope can now allow a surgeon to replant an amputated finger or transplant large sections of tissue, muscle, or bone from one area of the body to another with original blood supply in tact. Through the use of flap surgery, Dr. Johnson can restore form and function to areas of the body that have lost skin, fat, muscle movement, and/or skeletal support. 
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