Reconstructive plastic surgeons play a major role in making a difference in the lives of cancer survivors by restoring their confidence and sense of self. These plastic surgeons work extensively with cancer patients, so they understand their needs and challenges they may face. Here is a list of some of the reasons cancer survivors may get plastic surgery.
1) Skin
If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, your lips, face, or ears can scar your skin. Reconstructive surgery is done for those permanent facial structure changes in those parts that the cancer affected. Usually, the plastic surgeon does a simple scar revision or a more complex transfer of tissue flaps from other parts of the body. This repairs damaged tissues and body for normal functioning.
2) Breast
If you have had breast cancer, clinics like Plastic Surgical Arts can reshape the breast through augmentation. Augmentation enhances, the appearance, size, and contour of the breast. Usually surrounding tissue is used to reshape and support the breast. Breast implants are done as well to enhance or enlarge the breast.
3) Penile
After prostate cancer, some undergo phalloplasty reconstructive surgery. Penile implants are usually done, especially for those experiencing erectile dysfunction. Although the penile may work normally, some men want their self confidence boost again through this surgery.
4) Head & Neck
Operations for cancer on the head and neck can leave scars and defects, changing the way patients feel about themselves. Also, these scars can create difficulties with everyday tasks, such as talking and eating. Tissues from the abdomen, forearm, and thigh are used to reconstruct the nose, tongue, and nose.
5) Flap
Flap surgery uses nearby tissue to cover the area affected by cancer surgery. This microvascular surgery reconnects tiny blood vessels, allowing the flaps, once healed, to take the function of the tissues that have been replaced.
When going through these surgeries after cancer, it is important that the surgeon has expertise in reconstructive and plastic surgery. Usually it is better to go to a plastic surgeon instead for these procedures. Plastic surgeons should also be aware of all stages of your life; including health, medical, and psychological history. The plastic surgeon usually works extensively with cancer patients, so they know the challenges they are faced with as well as the personal needs of the patient. If you are feeling like you have lost your dignity, sense of self, or confidence because of the scarring cancer has left, thinking about undergoing cosmetic surgery can help restore that.