When you hear the term “plastic surgery,” you may picture face lifts, nose jobs, or liposuction.
While all of those services – and many more – are offered by the experts at UPMC Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, it’s within the “reconstructive” portion of that name that you’ll find procedures deemed “medically necessary.”
These are typically performed to restore form and/or function to a person’s face or body.
Here are some examples of plastic surgeries that go beyond just cosmestic care.
Breast Reduction
One procedure is breast reduction.
Excessively large breasts can cause pain in the back or neck and may get in the way of performing basic daily tasks.
“The patients I see may also have shoulder grooving or rashes,” says Dr. Ashley Leberfinger, MD, a plastic surgeon at UPMC Williamsport Divine Providence Campus. “Some of them can’t find a bra that fits them.”
Dr. Leberfinger adds that many patients in their 50s and 60s don’t realize breast reduction may be an option for them, and some primary care providers aren’t aware that they can refer their patients for this procedure.
And breast reduction isn’t only for women. UPMC plastic surgeons offer gynecomastia repair to men living with enlarged breasts.
Breast Reconstruction
It’s not uncommon for breast cancer patients to undergo a mastectomy – partial or complete removal of a breast – as part of the treatment process.
They may also choose this as a prevention effort if at high risk for developing breast cancer.
Plastic surgeons can then use implants to reconstruct the breast.
“We serve as the ‘end-of-the-journey’ doctors after a cancer experience,” Dr. Leberfinger says. “We can restore patients to their previous appearance and quality of life.”
Burns and Trauma
People who have been severely burned or lived through other forms of physical trauma may require a skin graft.
This involves removing healthy skin from part of a patient’s body and surgically attaching it to an area that’s been burned or scarred.
“Skin grafts help with healing and can provide patients with a fuller range of motion,” Dr. Leberfinger says. “The cosmetic benefits can also improve self-confidence.”
Other Medically Necessary Procedures
Other plastic surgery procedures that may be considered medically necessary, depending on circumstances, include:
- Blepharoplasty – Surgery on eyelids to remove excess skin or address muscles causing droopiness and impaired vision. The procedure can treat an extreme excess of eyelid skin which can produce “hooding” that may interfere with vision.
- Hand surgery – Treatment for a variety of conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis, and trigger finger.
- Panniculectomy – Surgery to remove excess skin in the lower belly causing discomfort or irritation, such as rashes.
- Pediatric plastic surgery – Treatment for conditions such as brachial plexus, cleft lip, cleft palate, ear deformities, and vascular malformations.
- Rhinoplasty – A nose job to address breathing issues or recurring sinus infections.
The UPMC Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Regardless of the surgery, Dr. Leberfinger emphasizes the importance of choosing a well-established health care system staffed by experts with years of education and experience.
“Patients should always seek out a board-certified or board-eligible plastic surgeon,” she says. “We’ve been well trained in performing these procedures and can pretty much do everything from head to toe.”
Reconstructive plastic surgery at UPMC can help people return to leading their lives by restoring appearance, functionality and mobility.
Find more information about UPMC Plastic Surgery here.