Reconstructive
Reconstructive Surgery
- Burns & Scarring
- Breast Cancer Surgery (Removal and Reconstruction)
- Hand Surgery
- Skin Cancer Surgery
- Scar Revision
The skin is the largest organ in the human body, apart from its other intricate functions it serves as one of the greatest symbols of one’s identity. Thus, any disruption of this layer immediately changes one’s identity not only to the world, but also to oneself. Burns, therefore, are threats not only to function, but to identity.
Reconstructive burn surgery aims to restore function and identity through the use of various techniques, both surgical and non-surgical. The appearance of the skin is hence improved.
Burns can be classified as:
– acute (immediately occurring)
– and chronic (months to years after the incident).
Acute burns are best managed as soon as they present, as delays may compromise the prognosis and final outcome. The management therein varies with the severity/degree of burns, with some requiring more elaborate reconstructive procedures such as skin grafts, use of bio-medical technologies, and other plastic surgical techniques, over and above non-surgical methods.
Chronic burns often limit function by pulling skin together, such as in burns that occur over the elbow joint where the arm is pulled and limited into a flexed position. These are called contracture deformities and may occur in any part of the body. In such cases, reconstructive surgery is often required to restore parts to their normal position and regain better function.
Apart from functional limitations, chronic burns often manifest with disfiguring scarring. These may be in any configuration (flap, raised, broad, tight band, or even Keloid). Reconstructive surgery techniques employed in removing/revising the scars will thus be dependent on the configuration therein. These may range from borrowing skin from one site of the body and patching another (skin graft), reorientating surrounding skin to cover the removed scar (local flaps), or taking a thicker part of tissue from one site of the body and relocating it to another with it’s own blood supply (micro-surgery free flap procedures).
During a detailed Consultation the procedure, options and shortcomings are discussed after assessment.
Recovery
Recovery varies considerably depending on the severity and requirements needed. Scar healing can take a short or a long time. It is imperative that you follow the doctor’s post-operative wound care instructions.
Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in woman worldwide, with every woman having a 14% lifetime risk of being diagnosed. Men are also not excluded, as breast cancer accounts for 1% of all cancers in males.
As a double qualified specialist (General Surgeon and Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon), Dr Ngwenya is skilled with both cancer removal surgery and Breast Reconstructive Surgery.
Breast Cancer surgery has evolved over the years, with various other surgical options other than only the traditional Mastectomy (complete removal of the breast and armpit lymph gland). The aim is that we not only preserve life by removing the cancer, but also improve the quality of life after breast cancer surgery by restoring the normal breast architecture.
Dr Ngwenya will outline the type of options suitable to the patient and the breast cancer stage. The reconstructive procedure may be immediate after breast removal cancer surgery or at a later stage (after completion of required treatments).
Contact Dr Ngwenya for a Consultation to discuss your specific requirements, where the procedure, shortcomings and concerns will be discussed after a detailed assessment.
Recovery
Hospital stay for a Breast Cancer Surgery average over 2 days or less. If you have Reconstruction at the same time, you may be in the hospital a little longer. Detailed pre- and post-operative instructions will be provided to guide you through the journey and to ensure that you are informed and as comfortable as possible.
Hand surgery covers a broad range of procedures which plastic surgeons perform to restore functionality, and aesthetics. Some conditions include:
- Rheumatic disease (Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis causing damage to the hand structure)
- Congenital problems present at birth
- Hand injuries and infections
- Degenerative changes to the structures in the hand
Types of surgery include the following options and is dependent on the cause of the problem:
- Surgical drainage or debridement
- Skin grafts
- Skin flaps
- Tendon repair
- Nerve repair
- Bone fixation
- Fasciectomies Replantation
Contact Dr Ngwenya for a Consultation to discuss your specific requirements where the procedure, shortcomings and concerns will be discussed after a detailed assessment.
Recovery
Dependent on the surgical procedure, where after post surgery instructions will be supplied and a follow up arranged with our resident Physio and Occupational Therapist.
Skin cancer is the fifth most common cancer worldwide after Breast, Lung, Colorectal, and Prostate cancer. It is categorized into Melanoma and Non-Melanoma skin cancers (of which Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Basal Cell Carcinoma are the most common). The most common cause of skin cancers, apart from Genetic Predisposition, age and skin tone, is prolonged exposure to sunlight (UV radiation). Melanoma is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide, with as small as a 5mm cancer responsible for 80% of all skin cancer deaths.
An expedited and skillful diagnosis and management of skin cancer is essential to preserving life, function and form. Diagnosis is normally done via a biopsy and the method used for management of skin cancers varies with the type and stage of the cancer. Surgery remains the gold standard of treatment for skin cancer, and reconstructive options dependent on the final defect to be repaired. The surgery is often complex due to the sensitive facial structures (eyes, nose, lips, ears) and involves rearranging of tissue surrounding the resection to hide the scars in the natural contours of the face.
Recovery
Depending on the type of skin cancer and age of the patient surgery is performed with a local anesthesia or general anesthesia, and is variable but often short amount of downtime can be expected. There may be swelling and bruising can take up to 14 days to settle. More extensive reconstruction may require the patient to stay in hospital overnight with a longer period to heal.
Scars revision in plastic surgery improves the appearance of a scar on the body. Each scar is different and depending on the extent of the surgery can be done while you are awake (local anaesthesia) or asleep (general anaesthesia). Treatments employed can make it less noticeable.
Revision surgery for scars is often best performed 6 to 18months (after the scar matures) after the injury.
Scar Revision/ keloid removal
Scars are tell-tail signs of previous trauma to the skin. Unfortunately, some may be unappealing, especially when located in cosmetically sensitive areas. Scar revision aims to replace, reorientate, and/or minimize the appearance thereof by means of surgical and/or non-surgical modalities. As one’s history cannot be wholly erased, there is also no procedure that can make a scar disappear completely. However, the unpleasing effects therein may be lessened.
Revision surgery for scars is often best performed 6 to 18months (after the scar matures) after the injury.
Contact Dr Ngwenya for a Consultation to discuss your specific requirements where the procedure, shortcomings and concerns will be discussed after a detailed assessment.
Recovery
The initial healing phase of a surgical scar revision may include swelling, discoloration and discomfort and may take up to 2 weeks. Healing will continue for several weeks and as the new scar heals it will slowly refine and fade.
Call Dr Ngwenya for a Consultation now enquiries@drngwenya.co.za
+27 069 427 6096 or email onReconstructive Surgery
Burns & Scarring
Breast Cancer Surgery (Removal and Reconstruction)
Hand Surgery
Skin Cancer Surgery
Scar Revision
Call Dr Ngwenya for a Consultation now enquiries@drngwenya.co.za
+27 069 427 6096 or email onDr Edward Ngwenya 2021. All Rights Reserved.
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