Plastic Surgery at The Christ Hospital

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Plastic surgeons of The Christ Hospital Health Network provide a personalized approach to your surgery along with safe and realistic results. You can expect new and innovative techniques with current best-in-class surgical approaches. 

Medical Procedures to Repair and Reconstruct Function and Appearance

Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty dedicated to reconstruction of facial and body defects due to birth disorders, trauma, burns and disease. Plastic surgery is intended to correct dysfunctional areas of the body and is reconstructive in nature. While many plastic surgeons choose to com​plete additional training and perform cosmetic surgery as well, the basis of their surgical training remains reconstructive plastic surgery. Reconstructive plastic surgery procedures we currently offer include:​


 

Breast  Reconstruction

Women at high risk or diagnosed with breast cancer may require reconstructive surgery of the breast though procedures like lumpectomies, mastectomies and double mastectomies. The removal is typically performed by a surgical oncologists or general surgeon who has extensive training in breast cancer surgeries. Once removal is completed, women may decide to have their breasts augmented to fill in the areas where tissue was removed and/or have their nipple and areola reconstructed. These procedures require a plastic surgeon.  Typical breast reconstruction procedures include:

  • Breast implants look like teardrop-shaped pouches filled with saltwater or silicone gel. The surgeon inserts an implant into a pocket he or she creates behind the muscle in your chest. The surgeon may need to temporarily place a balloon-like expander under your chest muscle to gradually stretch the tissue first, which can take several months, before inserting the implant more permanently. 

  • Flap surgery is more complex than inserting an implant. There are many types. The TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis muscle) procedure in which tissue—including fat, muscle and blood vessels—is taken from the tummy area and tucked into an envelope of the native breast skin. The DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator), a surgery that uses the skin, fat and blood vessels from the tummy to reconstruct the breasts. Unlike the TRAM flap, the DIEP flap preserves patient's tummy muscles. Other flap options include taking skin, fat, muscle and blood vessels from areas such as the buttocks or back. 

  • ​​Nipple and areola reconstruction is a possibility once the reconstructed breast has fully healed. In this procedure, the surgeon rebuilds the nipple by transferring tissue or skin from another part of the body onto the new breast. Tattooing may be used to match your natural nipple and areola (the darker area surrounding the nipple).​

Head and Neck Reconstruction 

Head and neck cancer may involve the face, scalp, ears, nose, mouth, tongue, throat, and glands of the face and neck. Structural changes, and sometimes deficits in the function of head and neck organs may occur. With complex tumors of the oral and nasal cavities, a two-team surgical approach is often utilized, with an otolaryngologist responsible for removing the tumor, and plastic​ surgeon​ dedicated to the reconstruction. This often shortens the length of the operation, since the plastic surgery team can harvest the tissue from a different part of the body while the otolaryngology team is removing the tumor. A secondary reconstructive procedure may be necessary for some patients. Reconstruction after head and neck cancer surgery tries to preserve both appearance and function of the involved area.​


 

Tissue Transplant  

Tissue transplants​ (from a deceased donor) provide a means for reconstructive surgeons to repair parts of the body, restoring appearance and in many cases function and feeling. The most common reasons for patients to undergo tissue transplant is after treatment for cancer or after trauma, burn or injury. The plastic surgeon removes tissue, including skin, fat, muscle, nerves and bone, from one part of the body and moves it to the part of the body where it is needed. The arteries and veins are re-attached and, in some cases, the nerves are as well.​​


 

Cosmetic Procedures to Enhance Appearance

Cosmetic surgeries are entirely focused on enhancing a patient’s appearance, specifically related to improving aesthetic appeal, symmetry and proportion. Cosmetic surgery can be performed on all areas of the body. Because the treated areas function properly, cosmetic surgery is elective – a personal decision, without the need of a referral from a physician. Cosmetic procedures include:


 

Breast Procedures

Breast plastic surgery, whether breast augmentation, reduction or lift, is a very personal and important decision. Every woman is unique, and careful consideration must be given to each woman’s body frame and desired outcome before any type of breast plastic surgery is performed. Our plastic surgeons will answer all of your questions to make sure that you are comfortable with your decision to have breast surgery. Procedures Include:

  • Male Breast Reduction Surgery

  • Breast Lift Surgery

  • Breast Augmentation

  • Breast Reduction​

Face Procedures

The effects of sun exposure, gravity and stress can lead to horizontal lines on the forehead, puffy bags under the eyes, wrinkles around the mouth and nose and loose skin around the neck. Therefore, facial cosmetic surgery can take many forms. Some women and men choose facial procedures to feel rejuvenated. Others desire a change in the shape or size of a specific facial feature. The goal is to achieve natural results. Procedures Include:

  • Facelift
  • Brow Forehead Lift
  • Ear Shaping
  • Eyelid Surgery
  • Fat Injections
  • Chin Enhancement
  • Nose Surgery​

Body Procedures

A wide variety of cosmetic procedures are available to help reshape and redefine your body. The type of surgery best for you depends on a number of factors including your general health, age, skin tone, and body type, as well as your personal body contouring goals. By understanding how the tissues of your body grow, age and respond to injury and healing, our plastic surgeons are able to tailor the procedure to your particular body type to achieve a natural, well-proportioned figure. Procedures Include:

  • Tummy Tuck

  • Body Lift

  • Leg And Thigh Lift

  • Liposuction

  • Upper Arm Lift

  • ​Body Contouring After Weight Loss​

Skin Procedures

Individualized skin care involves carefully assessing your skin type and its specific needs. Procedures Include:

  • Botox

  • Microdermabrasion

  • Laser Skin Resurfacing

  • IPL Photofacials

  • Light Peels

  • Permanent Hair Reduction

  • ​TCA Peels

  • Injectable Fillers​​