Plastic and reconstructive surgery focuses on restoring form and function after injury, disease, congenital abnormalities or previous operations. Consultation includes examination of the affected area, review of medical history and discussion of treatment options. Surgery may involve skin grafting, tissue rearrangement or other reconstruction depending on the condition and the patient's needs.
Burn injuries may damage the skin and underlying tissues, sometimes requiring specialised wound care or reconstructive procedures. Treatment depends on burn depth, affected area, infection risk and healing progress. Reconstructive surgery may be considered for selected scars and contractures after the initial injury, particularly when movement or function is restricted.
Scar revision surgery aims to improve selected scars caused by injury, burns or previous operations. Depending on scar type and location, treatment may include surgical revision, pressure therapy, injections or other techniques. Complete scar removal is generally not possible, and treatment aims to improve appearance, comfort or function where appropriate.
Hand injuries may involve skin, tendons, nerves, blood vessels and bones. Plastic surgical assessment focuses on the affected structures, injury severity and the need for reconstruction. Treatment may involve wound repair, soft-tissue coverage or specialist procedures, followed by appropriate rehabilitation to support hand movement and daily activities.
Skin grafting transfers healthy skin from one area of the body to cover selected wounds or tissue defects. It may be used following burns, injuries or other conditions where normal wound closure is difficult. The success of a graft depends on wound preparation, blood supply, infection control and appropriate postoperative care.
Flap reconstruction uses skin and sometimes deeper tissues with an existing or surgically reconnected blood supply to cover defects. It may be required when exposed structures or extensive tissue loss make simple closure unsuitable. The selected flap depends on defect location, tissue requirements, blood supply and the patient's medical condition.
Pressure sores develop when prolonged pressure damages skin and underlying tissues, especially in patients with reduced mobility. Treatment focuses on relieving pressure, wound care, infection assessment and nutritional support. Selected advanced ulcers may require surgical cleaning or flap coverage, alongside ongoing measures to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Diabetes can delay wound healing and increase the risk of infection, particularly in the feet and lower limbs. Reconstructive assessment considers blood supply, infection, tissue viability and glucose control. Some wounds require surgical cleaning, grafts or flap coverage as part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan.
Facial injuries may affect skin, muscles, nerves, bones or other structures. Evaluation focuses on identifying the extent of damage and protecting important facial functions. Reconstructive treatment can involve wound repair, scar management or coordination with maxillofacial specialists when fractures or complex injuries are present.
Cleft lip and cleft palate are congenital conditions affecting the development of the upper lip or roof of the mouth. Management requires age-appropriate assessment and often involves a multidisciplinary team. Reconstructive surgery may be recommended to improve selected feeding, speech or structural problems. Specific paediatric surgical availability should be confirmed.
Congenital hand abnormalities can affect finger formation, alignment or movement. Specialist assessment considers the type of deformity, hand function and the child's development. Some conditions may require reconstructive surgery or hand therapy. Treatment is individualised, and certain cases benefit from coordinated paediatric and rehabilitation care.
Breast reconstruction may be considered following breast cancer surgery, trauma or selected congenital abnormalities. Options can include implants or reconstruction using the patient's own tissues. Planning depends on previous treatment, medical condition, reconstruction goals and coordination with the relevant breast and oncology specialists.
Hair transplantation involves moving suitable hair follicles from a donor area to selected regions of hair loss. Assessment considers the cause of hair loss, scalp condition, donor hair availability and realistic expectations. Not all forms of hair loss are suitable for transplantation, and medical treatment may be recommended before surgery.
Following removal of certain skin cancers, reconstructive surgery may be needed to close the resulting wound and preserve function. Treatment options depend on the location and size of the defect, remaining tissue and cancer treatment plan. Reconstruction should be coordinated with the team responsible for tumour management.