PLASTIC and REGENERATIVE SURGERY at J|medical

Patients may decide to resort to plastic surgery for various reasons, many of which are not linked to a mere aesthetic aspect. The problems for which one turns to the plastic surgeon can concern medical disorders, trauma, malformations, outcomes of surgical interventions (a typical example is difficult wounds).

What exactly is plastic surgery? It is a branch of medicine that focuses on the correction, reconstruction, and possible aesthetic improvement of the human body. Depending on the objectives to be achieved (often complementary), it is divided into reconstructive surgery and aesthetic surgery.

What does reconstructive surgery deal with? Reconstructive surgery aims at the restoration of the anatomical and functional integrity of a damaged part of the body.

And aesthetic surgery? Aesthetic surgery aims at the improvement of physiognomy.

How does the plastic surgeon intervene? They have specific competence in choosing and applying the most suitable therapeutic aids to the individual case to obtain a resolution of the problem.

What happens during the visit? The plastic surgeon collects information on the patient and inquires about any ongoing pathologies. Once all the information is collected, they evaluate the extent of the defect the patient wants to correct (or eliminate entirely). During this appointment, the plastic surgeon analyzes the patient’s expectations, reassures them about the intervention, and listens to the psychological motivations that pushed them to take this step. During the visit, the doctor may request further diagnostic investigations (for example laboratory tests or radiological exams).

• What services does J|medical offer? The plastic and regenerative surgery services offered by the center are divided into:

outpatient services: medical or diagnostic procedures that are performed during a medical visit

plastic surgery interventions in the operating room: therapeutic procedures that are performed under complex outpatient surgery regimen in our operating rooms

SERVICES OFFERED AT J|medical

• Scar correction. The evolution of the scarring process is not an entirely controllable event because it depends on many factors, such as the tension the skin has undergone during healing, the size and depth of the trauma, the thickness and color of the skin, and adequate blood circulation. This means that the quality of scars depends on the type of trauma, the subject’s skin type, and the precautions taken during healing. Nevertheless, after the period of time necessary for scarring, the intervention of a specialist plastic surgeon can contribute to significantly improving the appearance of scarring outcomes.

• Otoplasty. It is an intervention aimed at correcting the shape, position, or size of the ears. It is an operation to reduce their protrusion and improve symmetry, with a notable impact in terms of psychological and aesthetic benefits.

• Removal of cysts / lipomas. Cysts and lipomas are abnormal formations of subcutaneous tissue that can be removed with a non-invasive intervention.

• Removal of moles. Faced with the presence of moles with potentially pathological characteristics, the specialist can indicate their removal and a possible histological examination, to prevent potential health problems.

• Removal of benign and malignant skin tumors. Skin tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumors have the potential to spread to other tissues and organs of the body, while benign ones do not spread and are generally less dangerous. The diagnosis and management of these pathologies require careful specialist medical evaluation which may lead to their removal. Non-cancerous tumors, such as fibromas, lipomas, or sebaceous cysts, are usually removed for aesthetic reasons, when they cause discomfort, or if potentially dangerous; cancerous tumors are treated for therapeutic and preventive purposes with different modalities upon specialist indication.

• Removal of foreign body granulomas. It is a medical procedure that consists of the removal of inflammatory tissue called granuloma that has formed in response to the introduction of a foreign body into the body which caused an inflammatory reaction. The granuloma can cause pain, swelling, or localized infections. Removal is performed to eliminate the inflammatory tissue and the foreign body, relieving symptoms and preventing further complications in a minimally invasive surgical procedure.

• Surgical toilet of complex skin lesions. In the case of skin lesions that present particularly complex characteristics, the specialist doctor may advise proceeding with an operation to remove damaged tissues, to avoid complications. A therapeutic procedure is then performed in order to restore the function and aesthetics of the treated area.

• Treatment of hypertrophic/keloid scars. Hypertrophic scars and keloids are abnormal scars that can form during the skin healing process. Both are the result of excessive production of scar tissue and can generate discomfort. Hypertrophic scars and keloids are thicker and more prominent scars that can also extend beyond the boundaries of the original wound area. In both cases, treatment may include the use of creams or gels, corticosteroid injections, laser therapy, or surgery. The therapeutic solution chosen will depend on the specific characteristics of the scar.

• Removal of common warts/molluscum contagiosum/seborrheic warts/milia. They manifest as unwanted skin growths and formations and, sometimes, can be infectious. They are therefore removed with surgery by dermatologists or plastic surgeons, using various techniques depending on the type of pathology and its position.

• Dressing of complex skin wounds. In order to promote healing and prevent infections of complex wounds that may be caused by trauma, surgery, or medical conditions, it is fundamental for correct scarring to turn to a specialist who can suggest the application of specific treatments at the wound level.

• Dressings of arterial, venous, and diabetic skin ulcers and dehiscent surgical wounds. These are different types of lesions on the skin (or mucous membranes). They can occur following various reasons, such as circulatory problems, prolonged pressures, trauma, or chronic diseases. They are characterized by tissue loss and can be painful, inflamed, or infected. The management of ulcers provides for specific treatments to promote healing, prevent complications, and reduce patient discomfort. Similarly, the care of dehiscent surgical wounds is crucial, which can entail risks of infections, slow down the healing process, and require constant attention. In both cases, the competence and experience of the medical and nursing staff are decisive. Accurate management of dressings and wounds not only contributes to the optimal healing of the patient but also reduces the risk of complications, such as infections, aesthetically unfavorable scars, or delays in healing.