For many of us, plastic surgery is associated with cosmetic improvements and changes in one's appearance. However, it also has practical advantages and is widely used in reconstructive medicine. Reconstructive plastic surgeries are offered by a lot of medical facilities in Yerevan to help patients improve their quality of life and address various health issues. So, it is better to say, that plastic surgery has multilayered benefits and is widely used for medical purposes as well.

What exactly is plastic surgery

There are two main categories when it comes to plastic surgery. The first one is the reconstructive surgery and the second one is the cosmetic surgery. Reconstructive surgeries concentrate on restoring function and treating medical conditions, while cosmetic procedures seek to improve appearance. For patients recuperating from illnesses like cancer, congenital defects, or trauma, the latter is essential.

The key areas where reconstructive surgery is applied

There are many cases where a person gets trauma and injury due to a certain accident. This is when, the person can get reconstructive plastic surgery to get rid of the trauma, injury, or even a scar due to the incident. In this context, the surgery can be applied to facial features, soft tissue injuries, hands, and even burns on various parts of the body. 

Facial features

When it comes to working on facial features, doctors in Yerevan approach the situation with maximum precision and expertise. The procedure includes aligning the bones correctly and restoring the overall symmetry of the person's face. while avoiding scarring. Plastic surgeons may improve the look and functionality of important facial regions like the jaw, cheeks, and eye sockets—areas that are essential for speaking and eating—by restoring facial structure.

Soft tissue injuries

These are cases when the surgeons work with injured muscles, tendons, and skin. Plastic surgeons treat these injuries in reconstructive surgery by carefully suturing torn tissues, grafting the skin, or covering wounds with flap techniques. With these, they minimize function loss while the area heals nicely and slowly. This method helps to prevent additional issues like nerve damage in regions like the face and hands where feeling and dexterity are essential.

Hand reconstruction

Hand injuries frequently result in a loss of fine motor skills, which affects daily activities. Plastic surgeons repair blood vessels, tendons, and nerves in the hand through reconstructive procedures. This kind of surgery improves quality of life by restoring the hand's dexterity, grip, and overall how it feels.

Burn reconstruction

After getting a severe burn, people can get scarring, and contractures that are expressed by the skin tightening that restricts movements. Reconstruction surgery for burns uses skin grafts, flaps, and tissue expansion. Reduce scarring and restore mobility with these procedures. So, a more natural range of motion and a better appearance is achieved after a professional surgery.

Cancer or tumor removal reconstruction

Additionally, plastic surgeons are essential in reconstructive surgery after tumor removal, especially in cases of skin cancer, head and neck cancer, and breast cancer (breast reconstruction). This surgery not only restores patients' confidence but also fixes important structures and functions.

Repairing Congenital Defects: Medical Center Yerevan

Post-cancer treatment includes cancer reconstruction, which is especially important for patients who have had head and neck cancer surgeries like mastectomies or resections. In addition to assisting patients in regaining confidence and a sense of normalcy in their lives, this procedure also aims to restore their physical appearance and aids in the psychological recovery of patients.

Cancer Reconstruction Types Breast Reconstruction 

Following a mastectomy for breast cancer, breast reconstruction is frequently performed. 

  • Implant-Assisted Surgery: Saline or silicone implants are used to recreate breast tissue in this procedure, which is done right away (immediate reconstruction) or later (delayed reconstruction) after a mastectomy. For a more natural appearance, surgeons may also use both implants and the patient's own tissue.
  • Flap Surgery for Autologous Tissue Reconstruction: A new breast is created by taking tissue from another part of the patient's body, such as the abdomen, back, or thigh. Methods include:
    • DIEP Cover: makes use of fat and skin from the abdomen without harming the muscles in the abdominal region.
    • Flap: PAP uses thigh tissue, making it an option for women who might not have enough abdominal tissue.

Reconstruction of the Head and Neck 

Cancer reconstruction of head and neck cancer is particularly difficult because of the critical structures involved, like the tongue, jaw, and facial skin. After extensive surgeries that may have an impact on speech, swallowing, and facial aesthetics, the objectives are to regain both function and appearance.

Reconstruction of Microvascular System: To reconstruct cancer-affected areas, this sophisticated method involves transferring healthy tissue and its blood supply from other parts of the body. 

  • Transferring Muscles Easily: obtaining muscle from the back or leg.
  • Bone Donation: using bone from the shoulder or leg to fix jaw problems.

During Anaplastology, the surgeon can make custom prosthetics for people who have a lot of facial disfigurement. The form and color of these prosthetics are made to match the patient's existing features.

Part of the holistic treatment for cancer patient's physical and emotional needs is recovery from the disease. Throughout the procedure, the surgeons employ high-end techniques in supportive settings, which can significantly enhance the quality of life of cancer survivors. After head and neck surgery, these procedures—whether breast reconstruction or facial features restoration—not only aim to restore appearance but also play an important role in the psychological healing process, allowing cancer patients to reclaim their identities and confidence.

The Function of Plastic Surgeons 

Plastic surgeons are highly skilled professionals who combine medical expertise with artistic talent. An extensive education in anatomy, surgical methods, and patient care is part of their training. In Yerevan's clinical focuses, these experts work steadily not exclusively to improve appearances but in addition to reestablish well-being and functionality.

Beyond mere aesthetics, plastic surgery plays a crucial role in modern medicine. In Yerevan's clinical focuses and then some, the commitments of plastic specialists fundamentally upgrade patient prosperity through reconstructive techniques that reestablish capability, lighten torment, and work on mental well-being. It is essential to recognize that plastic surgery is about much more than just appearances as awareness of the numerous medical benefits of the procedure grows; It is primarily concerned with life enhancement and healing.