Initial consultation
At your initial consultation, our expert surgeons will discuss your individual circumstances, including the history of the condition and your particular concerns. They will conduct an in-depth visual and manual assessment of the area of concern. This will include assessing the exact anatomical area of injury, the size and depth of the area of concern, as well as the colour and texture of surrounding tissues.
State-of-the-art diagnostics available for you
Although not always required, it is occasionally necessary to request X-rays and other scans to assess the integrity of the underlying muscle and bone structure which may inform the best surgical technique.
The right treatment for you, always
Various types of plastic surgery reconstruction can be considered, and your surgeon will agree the best way forwards for your individual circumstance prior to your procedure.
Plastic surgeons consider different forms of skin graft depending on the specifics of each surgery:
- Full thickness grafts are harvested from the entire thickness of the skin, from an appropriate donor site. Partial or split thickness grafts include the upper part of the skin only.
- Composite grafts are those in which other soft tissue or bone is harvested with the skin.
The skin graft site will be selected depending on the type of skin graft performed. Common graft sites for small areas may include:
- Ear
- Inner arm
- Upper eyelid
- Scalp
- Groin
Common graft sites for more extensive areas may include:
- Thigh
- Buttocks
- Back
- Arm
- Abdominal wall
A flap reconstruction transfers tissue along with its existing vascular supply. Sometimes, microsurgery can then be used to reconnect the vascular supply to the surrounding area.
Tissue expansion is another type of surgical technique sometimes used instead of a harvested graft. It is performed by slowly filling a balloon structure placed under the skin with water. This has the effect of stretching the skin so it is able to cover the adjacent wound or scar, appropriately.
Following reconstructive surgery, the wounds are treated with specialised dressings and ointments applied under the supervision of a qualified specialist in this area.