Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Surgical procedures are performed by our Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Irfan Galaria. Dr. Galaria specializes in the removal of skin cancers and complex facial reconstruction and repairs. We understand that a diagnosis of cancer can be difficult to hear and our team will spend time discussing the treatment and surgery plan with you. Dr Galaria is uniquely trained to repair lesions on the face as well as large wounds requiring flap and graft closures. These procedures are performed using the most minimally invasive techniques possible to reduce recovery times and allow patients to quickly return to their normal activities and show off their stunning aesthetic results.

# Skin cancer

Skin cancer is, unfortunately, a growing disease, with over a million new cases reported each year. While it can be fatal, many cases, especially those detected early, can be treated effectively. But after skin cancer is removed, it can leave behind unsightly scars or deformities.

Now, the remaining traces of skin cancer can be repaired through skin cancer reconstructive surgery. The cosmetic surgery to repair skin to its original state depends on the severity of the skin cancer and the type of procedure used to remove it. Reconstructive surgery can also be combined with a face or brow lift for maximum renewal. You don’t have to live with a daily reminder of skin cancer anymore.

# Scar revision

Scar revision is performed to reduce the appearance of scars caused by injury or previous surgery. Scars are by definition permanent, but surgery can narrow, fade and otherwise reduce the appearance of severe or unattractive scarring, which is especially helpful in areas of cosmetic importance such as the face and hands.

There are many surgical methods of scar revision, only some of which may be appropriate for a particular type of scar or its location. These include surgical excision, skin grafts, flap surgery and Z-plasty (repositioning a scar so that it aligns with the face and is less noticeable). The effectiveness of scar reduction depends on a number of factors, including the nature of the injury, your body’s healing mechanism, the size and depth of the wound, how much blood supplies the area and the thickness and color of your skin.

# Breast Cancer Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure commonly performed after a mastectomy to offer patients psychological and aesthetic benefits when recovering from breast cancer. This procedure allows many women to fully return to the life they enjoyed before being diagnosed with breast cancer, with barely any signs of the disease remaining. Although the treatment of cancer is the main focus for both patient and doctor, restoring your appearance after breast cancer can often help ensure a complete recovery of body and mind.

For many women, breasts are an important symbol of femininity that helps define their self-confidence and body image. The emotional affects of an altered appearance can be as psychologically damaging as the initial cancer diagnosis. Breast reconstruction serves to restore a woman’s body to its original condition after the treatment of breast cancer. Most of the aesthetic changes caused by breast cancer treatments such as a partial or simple mastectomy can be significantly helped by breast reconstruction.

# Burns

Burns involve an injury to the skin and associated tissue, often caused by fire, chemicals, heat, electricity, the sun or other factors. They can range in severity and are classified as first, second, third or fourth degree burns, based on their depth and the degree of damage to skin tissue. Burns can often leave patient self-esteem physical disfigurements, depending on the cause and severity of the burn.

Improving the aesthetic appearance of burns can help the patient’s self esteem and prevent permanent scarring. Burn treatments usually involve skin grafting and cosmetic reconstruction, and may be performed in an emergency facility or later on. These treatments also focus on restoring function to the burned skin to reduce the risk of complications such as loss of mobility or a loss of one of the senses.

# Cleft lip/palate

Cleft lip and cleft palate are openings or splits in the upper lip, the roof of the mouth (palate) or both. Cleft lip and cleft palate result when facial structures that are developing in an unborn baby don’t close completely. Cleft lip and cleft palate are among the most common birth defects. They most commonly occur as isolated birth defects but are also associated with many inherited genetic conditions or syndromes. Having a baby born with a cleft can be upsetting, but cleft lip and cleft palate can be corrected. In most babies, a series of surgeries can restore normal function and achieve a more normal appearance with minimal scarring.