Plastic reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal parts of the body. These abnormalities may exist since birth or may be caused due trauma, infection, or other diseases. Such defects can have a lasting effect on one’s self-image. Different types of plastic surgery procedures are used for reconstructive surgeries. Some of the most commonly used procedures are given below.

1. Skin grafting and flap surgery
Skin grafting is performed on damaged skin caused by trauma. It is also performed on missing skin caused by certain health conditions. In this procedure, skin from another body part is harvested and used to restore appearance on the damaged portion. Depending upon the type of skin grafting needed and the amount of skin that needs to be removed, skin grafting can be further classified into several different types. Flap surgery is a process similar to skin grafting where healthy, live tissue from one part of the body is transplanted to another part of the body where there is a loss of muscle movement or skeletal support.

2. Breast reconstruction
People who have had a mastectomy in the past or are unhappy with the shape of their breasts can undergo breast reconstruction surgery. This surgery helps modify the breasts’ appearance, symmetry, and size, either with breast implants or using the person’s tissues from a different part of the body.

3. Cleft lip and palate repair
A cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects that commonly occur in children. A gap or an opening in the upper lip is called a cleft lip, whereas an opening in the roof of the mouth is called a cleft palate. This defect can be quite difficult to live with since it largely alters the appearance and reduces the quality of life. The surgery performed to rectify a cleft palate is called palatoplasty. And the surgery for treating a cleft lip is called cheiloplasty.

4. Scar revision
Trauma wounds often leave behind scars that can largely alter a person’s appearance. Scar revision surgeries are performed to reduce the appearance of these scars. Depending on the size and intensity of the scar, the treatment method may range from just mild treatments and minimally invasive procedures to extensive surgical replacement of scar tissue.

5. Skin cancer removal
In some cases, doctors recommend the removal of lesions observed in skin cancer patients. This is performed to reduce the amount of cancerous growth on the body and improve the patient’s appearance.

6. Tissue expansion
Tissue expansion is a surgical procedure in which a small silicone balloon expander is inserted under the skin. This expander then slowly inserts a fluid into the cavity to aid extra skin growth in the area. Such tissue expansion surgeries are usually performed after breast removal to reconstruct the shape of the breasts.