Traumatic experiences affect both the body and the mind. When accidents happen, the scars can affect mobility, function, and self-worth. In the last years, there have been great advances in reconstructive medicine thanks to which more and more patients are regaining the possibility of going back to their normal everyday lives. At Northeastern Plastic Surgery, our head surgeon Dr. Fodero has put together a guide to update you on where reconstructive surgeries stand today.
What Constitutes Reconstructive Surgery?
Within the umbrella of plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery is performed to restore form, function and appearance to areas of your body that may have been damaged or disfigured by birth defects, injury, cancer, other diseases or significant weight loss.
What to Expect?
When getting reconstructive surgery, you can expect to begin the process with a thorough consultation. During your appointment, Dr. Fodero and his team will assess your case, evaluating your specific needs and explaining what the procedure will entail. Depending on the complexity of the surgery, it might take one session or multiple stages.
After the procedure, as with most plastic surgeries, you can expect some swelling, bruising and discomfort. Recovery times will vary depending on the type of reconstruction and may involve physical therapy, follow-up appointments or additional treatments. We strongly recommend patience and adhering to post-operative care guidelines provided by your surgeon; this way, you’ll ensure the best possible results.
Types of Reconstructive Surgeries in Florham Park, New Jersey
Some of the reconstructive surgeries performed are:
- Breast reduction
- Breast Implant Removal
- Scar revision
- Septoplasty – Rhinoplasty
- Body contouring
- Massive weight loss surgery
- Facial Lacerations
Breast Reduction
Your journey begins with a thorough consultation, where our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Fodero, will discuss your goals, answer your questions, and create a plan tailored to your needs and desired outcome.
The procedure typically lasts between two to four hours. It involves removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, followed by reshaping and lifting the breasts to achieve a more proportionate and youthful contour.
Following the surgery, you’ll notice an immediate difference in how you feel and look, but you’ll need some time to heal.
Expect some swelling and discomfort, but don’t worry —it won’t last long! We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions and be with you every step of the way to ensure a smooth recovery.
The final results of your surgery will shine through over the next few months as your breasts settle into their new shape. Get ready to enjoy a lighter, more comfortable, and confident you!
Learn more about breast reduction
Breast Implant Removal
Your breast implant removal journey will begin with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Fodero. During this appointment, you’ll discuss your reasons for removal, your medical history, and your desired outcome. Dr. Fodero will also explain how the procedure works, potential risks, and the recovery process.
Before the surgery, you’ll need specific pre-operative instructions. This may include avoiding certain medications, fasting for a few hours before the procedure, and arranging for someone to drive you home afterward.
On surgery day, you’ll be given anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. You could either get general anesthesia (meaning you’ll be completely sedated) or local anesthesia.
Dr. Fodero will make an incision, typically in the same location as your original breast augmentation scars to minimize additional scarring. The most common incision sites are around the areola, under the breast fold, or through the armpit.
Dr. Fodero will carefully remove the implants. If you have silicone implants, they will be removed intact. If you have saline implants, they may be deflated before removal. Our surgeon will also remove any scar tissue (capsulectomy) if necessary.
The surgeon will close the incision with sutures once the implants are removed. They may also practice drainage tubes to prevent fluid buildup, which will be removed a few days after surgery.
After the surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area where you’ll be monitored as you wake up. You’ll also receive detailed post-operative care instructions, including how to take care of your incisions, manage pain, and recognize signs of complications.
Learn more about breast implant removal
Scar revision
A scar revision is done to alter the appearance of a scar. Although usually thought of as merely cosmetic, it can also restore function to a part of the body or improve itchy tissue.
Although there are several over-the-counter creams to reduce scars, Dr. Fodero’s professional and personalized approach has proven to produce more pronounced and lasting results that will have your skin feeling brand new.
Anybody who has had scarring as a result of injuries or acne is a good candidate. Scars can manifest in different forms, such as deep pits, keloids (bumpy texture), hypertrophic, or contractures. The specific treatment that you’ll get will depend on the type of scar, which our qualified professional staff can assess.
Learn more about scar revision
Septoplasty – Rhinoplasty
After Dr. Fodero has established the best approach for your rhinoplasty, he’ll explain the process so that you feel comfortable and excited.
On the day of, patients are administered general anesthesia so that they can rest comfortably. During the surgery, the surgeon readjusts the bone and cartilage underneath the skin.
Dr. Fodero is an expert at performing rhinoplasty in Florham Park, NJ, and masters both “closed” or “open” procedures. In the closed technique, he makes all incisions inside the nostrils. In open rhinoplasty, most of the incisions are also made inside the nostrils, but there is a small one over the columella —the tissue that links the nasal tip to the nasal base.
After the procedure, he provides personalized aftercare instructions for a safe and rapid recovery. You will need to take time off work or other duties to give your nose time to heal and protect it from any unwanted impact. During that time, any surgical bruising and swelling will subside.
Body contouring
Body contouring is a combination of surgical procedures that involves the removal of excess fat and skin to reshape certain problem areas. These include:
- Your arms
- your abdomen
- Your thighs
- Your buttocks
Learn more about body contouring
Massive Weight Loss
The skin is the most elastic organ on our bodies and, as such, stretches when we gain weight. However, it loses elasticity over time. So much so that once the weight is gone, it is hard for it to go back to its original position —no matter how much exercise you do. As a consequence, if you have experienced massive weight loss, you might be left with loose skin and folds that hide your newly downsized figure.
Learn more about massive weight loss surgery
Facial Lacerations
Facial lacerations are cuts or tears in the skin of the face, often caused by trauma such as accidents, falls, sports injuries, or sharp objects. These can vary in depth and severity, ranging from superficial cuts that affect only the outer layer of the skin to deep wounds that penetrate muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
During your consultation, Dr. Fodero will thoroughly review your injury, along with your medical history, and order any pertinent tests to design a personalized plan to move forward.
Learn more about facial lacerations
Thinking of Getting Reconstructive Surgery?
At Northeastern Plastic Surgery, Dr. Fodero is well-known for his skilled hands, which can help you regain the confidence that you have lost. Whether you are looking to restore function after an injury, correct a congenital condition or a botched surgery, Dr. Fodero provides compassionate, personalized attention. With a patient.centered approach and state-of-the-art technologies, we ensure your recovery is as smooth and successful as possible. Schedule a consultation to start feeling like yourself again today at our New Jersey practice by calling (973) 295-6565 or using our online scheduling tool.