PSS Reconstructive Surgery
People often ask why our specialty is called "plastic?" It originates from the greek "plastikos" which means to mold or change. Thus the names for many operations like rhinoplasty or mammaplasty. Nearly all these aesthetic operations had their roots in reconstructive techniques developed after World War I which have been refined over the years.
In spite of our expertise in cosmetic surgery, PSS is proud to be well- trained reconstructive surgeons. Traumatic injuries, congenital deformities, post mastectomy breast reconstruction, and skin cancer treatment and reconstruction are integral to our practice and we consult on these problems daily. Below are brief highlights of our approach to some of the common reconstructive procedures.
Post Mastectomy breast reconstruction
Whether immediate(at the time of mastectomy) or delayed, most patients undergoing mastectomy want to consider their options for reconstruction. Obviously each case is individual, but in consultation with the general surgeon, oncologist, and plastic surgeon a patient can determine the procedure that is best suited for them. This may include breast expander surgery with implant placement or techniques which use your own tissue to reconstruct the breast such as TRAM flaps, DIEP microvascular free flaps, or even nipple sparing mastectomy with immediate implant placement. The surgeons at PSS are well versed in all these techniques, and can educate you as to options.
Trauma
From facial lacerations to life threatening motor vehicle accidents, our surgeons have served the emergency patient of the North Bay for three decades. This includes burns, hand injuries, maxillofacial traumaand major soft tissue injury. Often we are consulted for improvement of post trauma deformity or scarring which was uncorrectable initially because of life-threatening complications.
As a further service to our patients, one of our surgeons is available on a daily basis for repair of minor injuries such as lacerations. This can usually be done in our office savinf many hours and the great expense of emergency room visits.
Skin cancer treatment and reconstruction
Basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma are the three common skin cancers requiring diagnosis and treatment. These are easily confused by the lay public with numerous benign skin conditions which do not require extensive treatment. Most of these skin lesions (with the exception of melanoma) can usually be diagnosed and simply treated in one visit as opposed to several months wait for a consultation, followed by a biopsy followed by an excision, and possibly by further reconstruction which is common in some practices. We invite our patients to take advantage of this careful but practical and cost-efficient approach to skin cancer.
PSS Gives Back
The surgeons at PSS are proud to make a living using our surgical skills to do something we love. We realize that not all patients have the financial resources or insurance to afford our reconstructive services. A few times a year we try to arrange free surgical and anesthesia services for deserving patients. If you know of someone who might qualify, we will be happy to consult and will strive to make this happen.
