Norman Regional Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Plastic and reconstructive surgery encompasses a range of medical procedures aimed at repairing and enhancing physical appearance and functionality. Whether addressing complications from medical conditions, deformities, traumatic injuries, or aesthetic desires, this specialty combines art and science to restore and improve the body's form and function.

What is Plastic Surgery?

Plastic surgery focuses on improving a person's appearance through surgical and non-surgical techniques. Common procedures include breast augmentation, liposuction and tummy tucks. These procedures not only enhance physical aesthetics but also boost self-confidence and overall well-being.

What is Reconstructive Surgery?

Reconstructive surgery is dedicated to repairing defects caused by trauma, medical conditions, or congenital anomalies. It includes procedures such as breast reconstruction after mastectomy and scar revision. Reconstructive surgery aims to restore function and appearance, helping patients lead a life that helps them feel confident in their appearance.

Why Choose Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery?

Patients choose plastic and reconstructive surgery for various reasons, including:

• Restored Function: Improve the functionality of body parts affected by injury or medical conditions.
• Boosted Confidence: Feel more confident and comfortable in your own skin.
• Improved Quality of Life: Enjoy a better quality of life with restored physical abilities and appearance.

Procedures

Arm Lift

An arm lift (brachioplasty) is a procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms. It is commonly performed on patients who have underdone significant weight loss to address sagging skin.

Generally an arm lift is performed under a general anesthetic on an outpatient basis. The incision typically extends from the armpit to the elbow along the inside of the arm. Liposuction may also be performed on the arm at the same time.

All risks and alternatives will be discussed prior to surgery.

Breast Lift

A breast lift (mastoplexy) raises the breasts by removing excess skin. The nipple/areola is also lifted.

A breast lift is a good option if:

• You feel that your breasts sag
• You have lost shape and volume
• Your nipple/areola complex points down
• One breast is lower than the other

General anesthesia is administered and an incision is typically made around the areola, down the center of the breast, and along the breast crease. The scar resembles an anchor shape.

Breast Reconstruction

To restore one or both breasts to near normal shape, breast reconstruction often involves several procedures performed in stages.

Implant Reconstruction

First, a temporary tissue expander is placed to create the space that will eventually hold the permanent implant. A biological graft may be utilized to help shape the space.

Expansion will begin in the operating room and then completed during office visits. Expansion is complete when the desired size has been achieved. Once completed, the expander will be exchanged for a permanent implant.

Additional procedures may involve nipple reconstruction and fat transfer to enhance the overall appearance.

Oncoplastic Reconstruction

When breast conservation surgery is performed to remove diseased tissue, the defect may be reconstructed using rearrangement techniques. This option is best suited for large breasts and is similar to breast reduction surgery.

Flap Reconstruction

This utilizes tissue transfer from other areas of the body and typically requires microsurgical techniques.

All risks and alternatives will be discussed prior to surgery.

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery is performed to remove excess skin and tissue. The result is a small, uplifted, more proportionate breast size.

Indications for the procedure would include:

• Large, heavy breasts
• Shoulder grooving
• Neck and back pain
• Difficulty with exercise
• Difficulty finding clothing
• Improved self-confidence from procedure

Measurements are made on the breasts prior to surgery. The nipple/areola size is reduced, and excess skin and tissue is removed. The nipple position is elevated and the resulting scar resembles an anchor shape.

Eyelid Surgery

Upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is performed to improve appearance and remove excess skin which may cause the lids to feel heavy.

Local anesthesia is used to numb the upper eyelids. You may also receive oral medication to help you relax. An elliptical excision of excess skin is removed and the resulting scar lies within the normal crease of the eyelid. Sutures are removed five to seven days later.

All risks and alternatives will be discussed prior to surgery.

Skin Cancer Removal

Common skin cancers include:

• Basal cell carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Melanoma

Common skin tumors include:

• Inclusion cysts (sebaceous cyst)
• Lipomas (fatty tumor)

Skin cancer removal is performed to remove cancerous cells from the skin. The goal is to completely remove the cancer with the least amount of damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Skin tumor removal is performed to eliminate subcutaneous cysts or fatty growths.

Local anesthesia is typically used.

1. Excision involves removal of the lesion with skin closures.
2. Flap reconstruction involves closing the wound with adjacent tissue repositioning.
3. Skin graft closure involves taking skin from another area to cover the wound site.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. The belly button is repositioned and the muscle wall is typically tightened with sutures.

Common causes for this procedure include:

• Aging
• Pregnancy
• Weight loss

General anesthesia is administered and an incision is made from hip-to-hip above the pubic bone. The skin and fat is lifted up, underlying muscles are tightened, and then the skin is pulled down like a window shade. The excess skin is removed and the incision is closed. A new opening for the belly button is created and the original belly button is brought out through the opening.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are considering plastic or reconstructive surgery, schedule a consultation with our expert surgeons to discuss your goals and explore the best treatment options for you. We are here to help you look and feel your best.