Reconstructive Surgery

Medically Reviewed by Nayana Ambardekar, MD on March 24, 2024
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
2 min read

Do you have a child who was born with a birth defect, such as cleft lip or palate? Are you a woman who has undergone a mastectomy? Or, perhaps you've experienced a traumatic injury or disease that has permanently affected some part of your body that you want fixed.

Reconstructive surgery can help repair the part of your body that is affected by any of these issues. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, about 1 million reconstructive surgery procedures were performed in 2022 in the U.S..

If you can imagine how many injuries, birth defects, or disfigurement issues arise in our imperfect lives, there is a procedure that can help improve the problem, whatever it may be. These include:

  • Breast reconstruction or reduction. These procedures are available for women who have undergone a mastectomy or for women who have abnormally large breasts that are causing back problems or other related health issues; men also undergo breast reduction.
  • Surgeries for feet and hands. This surgery is available for people affected by any number of maladies, including tumors (cancerous and non-cancerous) and webbed or extra toes or fingers. People also can receive treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Wound care. For individuals who have been severely burned or cut, skin grafts or other reconstructive techniques are available.
  • Microsurgery or flap procedures. These surgeries can be performed to replace parts of the body affected by injury or disease, such as cancer.
  • Facial surgeries. These can be performed to correct facial defects such as cleft lip, breathing problems such as snoring, or chronic infections, such as those that affect the sinuses.

Like your issue that you want corrected, your procedure will be very individual. Your surgeon will take a detailed medical history and evaluate your case based on your desired results and medical necessity.

For example, do you have a traumatic burn that affects underlying muscles and impacts your mobility? Have you had cancer and require surgery on multiple body parts? Your surgeon will help you weigh all the options and the two of you can decide together which one best suits you.

Unlike elective cosmetic procedures, most insurance carriers cover the costs of reconstructive surgery, especially if you are experiencing a functional problem. To be safe, be sure to have your surgeon write a letter and take photos detailing your case.