The Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons
Whether from disease or injury, people are often faced with conditions that require correction with plastic surgery. Reconstructive plastic surgery can be performed on nearly any area of the face or body to provide patients with a renewed sense of confidence, a positive outlook on life and restored functionality.
Reconstructive surgery involves using a variety of techniques to repair areas affected by disease or injury. A surgeon may use augmentation, which involves the use of implants, to “fill in” or enhance sunken in areas. Breast augmentations are regularly performed on women who have had one or both breasts removed due to cancer. A fat transfer can provide a similar effect and involves removing fat cells from one area of the body and replacing them in another. Some other common reconstructive surgery techniques include:
Learning you have skin cancer can be overwhelming, but the good news is that most skin cancers are easy to remove if caught early. Skin cancer removal procedures are highly successful, putting you on the road to recovery in a very short amount of time. Often even when a dermatologist removes a cancer, you may want or need a plastic surgeon to reconstruct the area where the cancer was removed, especially on the face.
Cleft lip and cleft palate are common birth defects that can occur when tissues do not close normally during the development. Restorative surgery to correct these issues will encourage proper speech development, nutrition and dental health for children who suffer from these fixable problems.
Autologous breast reconstruction uses your body’s own tissue—usually from the abdomen, back, thigh, or buttocks—to rebuild the breast following breast cancer. Unlike implant-based reconstruction, this method creates a new breast mound using fat, skin, and sometimes muscle, often providing a more natural look and feel.
Reconstruction of the breasts following cancer is an essential component of cancer therapy which emphasizes quality of life. There are multiple techniques for breast reconstruction ranging from use of implants to one’s variations of each.
When hand conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, or Dupuytren’s disease interfere with everyday life, surgical treatment can offer lasting relief. FSPS member surgeons, many of whom are fellowship trained in hand surgery with additional certifications in this specialty, provide expert diagnosis and state-of-the-art treatment across Florida to restore comfort and mobility.
Scar revision is a cosmetic procedure aimed at improving or reducing the appearance of scars. Whether from surgery, injury, or a medical condition, scars can sometimes be a source of self-consciousness. Scar revision aims to improve their scar’s appearance.
A burn injury is an injury to the skin or deeper tissues caused by heat, cold, electricity, chemicals, or radiation. The most common type of burn injury is a thermal injury.
Craniofacial Surgery is a specialized area of Plastic Surgery that pertains to reconstruction of the bone or soft tissues of the head, face and neck region. It is a broad term that describes not a condition, but rather a category of techniques that have been developed over the last 50 years to enable surgeons to restore form and function to the head and neck region. Craniofacial surgery may be required to address conditions arising from birth or acquired deformities resulting from trauma or other surgical procedures.
Gender affirming surgery helps align physical features with a person’s gender identity and can be a profoundly meaningful step for many transgender and nonbinary individuals. While not all plastic surgeons perform these procedures, many FSPS member surgeons offer gender affirming care as part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan focused on safety, dignity, and support. Under Florida Law, these surgeries are only available to patients 18 years old and up.
Pediatric Plastic Surgery refers to reconstructive surgical procedures in children. Pediatric plastic surgeons may have additional training in this subspecialty. Some pediatric plastic surgeons may treat patients up to the age of 21 years, especially if their condition is specific to a birth or developmental issue.
Mohs Micrographic surgery is a specialized surgical technique used to remove many skin cancers while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. The procedure is typically performed by dermatologists who are fellowship trained in Mohs Surgery. It involves removing thin layers of skin, examining them under a microscope, and repeating the process until no cancer cells are found in the remaining tissue. This is usually done in a single day. Literature shows that performing Mohs surgery on skin cancers results in a smaller excision and a lower risk of recurrence. Plastic Surgeons often coordinate with dermatologists to close the Mohs defect created with the excision.
That will depend a great deal on the type of procedure you are having. Many are performed under general anesthesia. You could require more than one procedure to achieve the results you desire and could, therefore, undergo both general and local anesthesia.
Ideal candidates are individuals in good overall health, with realistic expectations and specific aesthetic goals. They should have a positive mindset and be prepared for the recovery process.
• Initial Consultation: Discuss goals, medical history, and procedure details.
• Day of Surgery: Procedure performed under anesthesia, typically outpatient.
• Immediate Aftercare: Instructions for post-operative care and monitoring.
• Follow-Up Visits: Regular check-ups to ensure proper healing.
Recovery times vary depending on the procedure. Patients are advised to follow their surgeon’s instructions, avoid strenuous activities, and attend follow-up appointments.