Plastic surgery encompasses a number of reconstructive and cosmetic procedures.
Reconstructive procedures are performed to correct abnormal body structures caused by congenital defects, developmental issues, injury, infection or disease. The goal of reconstructive surgery is often to improve functions, but it is done in many cases to create a normal or near-normal appearance.
Cosmetic procedures change normal body structures to improve a patient's appearance. Many health insurance plans cover reconstructive surgery, but cosmetic surgery is usually not covered because it is elective.
Plastic surgery performed at Mission includes, but is not limited to:
- Breast reconstruction following breast cancer or other surgery. A breast that has been removed due to cancer (or other disease or injury) can be restored by plastic surgeons to become close in form and appearance to a natural breast. In general, breast reconstruction procedures involve either skin expansion or flap reconstruction techniques followed by restoration of the nipple and areola.
- Surgical management of skin cancer and non-cancerous lesions. Most of these cases involve the removal (excision) of several types of skin cancer, mainly in head, neck and other sun-exposed areas. However, other types of skin growth may be excised for cosmetic reasons or to prevent development of skin cancer. Excision is followed by reconstruction, usually involving a skin flap or skin graft technique.
- Breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty). This is most often considered a reconstructive (versus cosmetic) procedure where the surgeon removes weight or volume from the breast on each side to relieve symptoms such as neck, back and shoulder discomfort. Reduction mammoplasty is usually performed after other treatments-such as physical therapy, chiropractic therapy, support ware or medication-have failed.
- Cosmetic surgery. A limited number of cosmetic procedures are done at Mission. Most cosmetic surgery is handled in the offices of plastic surgeons. Facial procedures include eyebrow lifts, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), and facelifts. Body contouring procedures include breast lifts (mastopexy), tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) and liposuction.
