[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2024\/11\/plastic-surgery\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2024\/11\/plastic-surgery\/","headline":"Plastic Surgery \u2013 More Than Just Cosmetic Care","name":"Plastic Surgery \u2013 More Than Just Cosmetic Care","description":"

<\/p>","datePublished":"2024-11-22","dateModified":"2024-11-22","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/plastic-surgery-regions","name":"Plastic Surgery","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/plastic-surgery-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/plastic-surgery\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/GettyImages-1598818513-1.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/GettyImages-1598818513-1.jpg","height":866,"width":1999},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2024\/11\/plastic-surgery\/","about":["Family Health","Living and Wellness"],"wordCount":570,"articleBody":"When you hear the term “plastic surgery,” you may picture face lifts, nose jobs, or liposuction.While all of those services \u2013 and many more \u2013 are offered by the experts at UPMC Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, it\u2019s within the \u201creconstructive\u201d portion of that name that you\u2019ll find procedures deemed \u201cmedically necessary.\u201dThese 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 ReductionOne 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.\u201cThe patients I see may also have shoulder grooving or rashes,\u201d says Dr. Ashley Leberfinger, MD, a plastic surgeon at UPMC Williamsport Divine Providence Campus. \u201cSome of them can\u2019t find a bra that fits them.\u201dDr. Leberfinger adds that many patients in their 50s and 60s don\u2019t realize breast reduction may be an option for them, and some primary care providers aren\u2019t aware that they can refer their patients for this procedure.And breast reduction isn\u2019t only for women. UPMC plastic surgeons offer gynecomastia repair to men living with enlarged breasts.Breast ReconstructionIt\u2019s not uncommon for breast cancer patients to undergo a mastectomy \u2013 partial or complete removal of a breast \u2013 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.\u201cWe serve as the \u2018end-of-the-journey\u2019 doctors after a cancer experience,\u201d Dr. Leberfinger says. \u201cWe can restore patients to their previous appearance and quality of life.\u201dBurns and TraumaPeople 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\u2019s body and surgically attaching it to an area that\u2019s been burned or scarred.\u201cSkin grafts help with healing and can provide patients with a fuller range of motion,\u201d Dr. Leberfinger says. \u201cThe cosmetic benefits can also improve self-confidence.\u201dOther Medically Necessary ProceduresOther plastic surgery procedures that may be considered medically necessary, depending on circumstances, include:Blepharoplasty \u2013 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 \u201chooding\u201d that may interfere with vision.Hand surgery \u2013 Treatment for a variety of conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis, and trigger finger.Panniculectomy \u2013 Surgery to remove excess skin in the lower belly causing discomfort or irritation, such as rashes.Pediatric plastic surgery \u2013 Treatment for conditions such as brachial plexus, cleft lip, cleft palate, ear deformities, and vascular malformations.Rhinoplasty \u2013 A nose job to address breathing issues or recurring sinus infections.The UPMC Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryRegardless 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.\u201cPatients should always seek out a board-certified or board-eligible plastic surgeon,” she says. “We\u2019ve been well trained in performing these procedures and can pretty much do everything from head to toe.\u201dReconstructive 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.Sources"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2024","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2024\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"11","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2024\/\/11\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Plastic Surgery \u2013 More Than Just Cosmetic Care","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2024\/11\/plastic-surgery\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]