Reconstructive

Dr. Ledding provides reconstructive surgeries for a wide variety of issues, including congenital defects, post-traumatic injuries such as facial fractures, acute and secondary burns, and post-cancer reconstruction, such as breast reconstruction and skin cancer reconstruction. He is well-versed in the most advanced techniques, including microsurgery.

No two patients are the same, however, so he will spend time with you during your initial consultation and examination to discuss your options and his recommended surgical plan for you.

Who is a Good Candidate for Reconstructive Surgery?

Only an examination and consultation with Dr. Ledding can determine if you are a good candidate for reconstructive surgery.

Is Reconstructive Surgery an Outpatient Procedure?

Reconstructive surgery is highly variable depending upon your particular case. For some patients, the procedure may be done using a local anesthetic, while others will require general anesthesia. Many patients can go home the same day, but others will need to spend some time in the hospital.

What Incisions Are Used For Reconstructive Surgery?

Incision location and size will depend on the type of surgery you receive. Dr. Ledding always does his best to keep incisions to a minimum and in discreet locations. He will review his incision plan with you prior to your surgery.

What are the Most Common Types of Reconstructive Surgery?

Reconstructive surgery for trauma or congenital defects is very common. The patient may be more concerned about a cosmetic outcome, but the function is also an issue. This is the case with nose surgery, for example. The patient may have breathing problems that need to be addressed at the same time as improving the appearance of the nose. Read about nose surgery.

Hand surgery may involve cosmetic elements, but it is usually about improving the function of the hands. Read more about hand surgery.

Ear surgery is another type of reconstructive procedure, which is primarily about aesthetics and may involve reshaping the ear lobes. Read about ear surgery.

Correction of deformities as a result of facial fractures may involve bone grafts, while reconstruction after acute and secondary burns usually require skin grafts.

Breast reconstruction is a common procedure after a mastectomy to rebuild the breast tissue. Read more about breast reconstruction.

Another typical type of reconstructive surgery is after removal of skin cancer. This often requires skin grafts to replace the cancerous skin that had to be removed. Read more about skin lesion removal.

What Happens Immediately After Reconstructive Surgery?

After some time spent in the recovery room following your surgery, your incisions will be dressed with bandages. Some patients may need to wear a splint or compression band for a period of time. While some can go home the same day with instructions for after-care and an appointment for a follow-up exam, others will need to spend a night or more in the hospital.

When Can I Return to Work After Reconstructive Surgery?

Prior to your surgery, Dr. Ledding will tell you how much time you will need off from work based on your particular case. He will also let you know when you can resume exercise or sports activities.

What Post-Operative Symptoms Can I Expect After Reconstructive Surgery?

Your recovery will include some bruising, numbness, and pain for a period of time. The recovery period will vary depending on the type and extent of your surgery. If skin or bone grafts are necessary, the donor site must heal, as well as the site that received the grafts.

You can take prescription or non-prescription medications to ease you through the healing period.

Swelling usually takes the longest to resolve, gradually improving over a period of months. There are sutures in most cases that will be removed in about a week or two.

Are There Scars After Reconstructive Surgery?

There are scars after reconstructive surgery, but Dr. Ledding will try to place them in discreet areas whenever possible. We will also provide strategies for healing the scars as quickly as possible, and they will fade and become less prominent over time.

Contact our office for a consultation to discuss reconstructive surgery with Dr. Ledding.