Post-Trauma Reconstructive Surgery
Whether you have experienced a traumatic injury or you know someone who has, you’re probably familiar with the physical and emotional strain that is associated with it. Everyone deals with trauma differently, but the experienced physicians at SSM Health will be next to you the entire time on your recovery journey. We can help you understand your options and develop a treatment plan to fit your needs.
What is Traumatic Injury?
Sharp and blunt trauma can include lacerations, deep abrasions and tears of the skin and fat layers. Deeper soft tissue injuries to the muscles can also occur, as well as injuries to tendons, blood vessels and nerves. While these external injuries are easily seen, the severity of the injury is not always so easy to detect. Your doctor will first evaluate and assess your wounds to help determine the best course of action.
What Qualifies for Trauma Plastic Surgery?
The human body is made up of a delicate mixture of bones, muscles and skin, and we never know when an unexpected event could happen. If a traumatic injury has happened to you or a loved one, seeking out the assistance of a board-certified plastic surgeon with the ability to perform reconstructive surgery, is crucial. We provide expert, compassionate care for patients with:
- Facial deformities
- Craniofacial deformities
- Extremity injuries
- Complex wounds, including burns
Treatment & Scarring
General abrasions are often treated topically with ointments or special dressings. Deeper lacerations typically require the repair of nerves, vessels, muscles or tendons. Sometimes, when there is a larger amount of skin missing, skin grafts or reconstruction may be necessary.
Despite the most careful closure, soft tissue injuries can leave permanent scars. Your physician will be able to speak with you about secondary scar revisions and if they may improve the appearance of any bothersome scars.
Additional steps can be taken to improve your recovery after a traumatic injury. Your physician will likely provide an after-care plan and schedule routine checkups. Getting plenty of rest or the right nutrition, for example, are other ways to make a world of difference in the recovery process. Your after-care plan may include:
- How to care for the surgical site(s)
- Medications to apply or take orally
- Specific concerns to look out for
- When to follow up with your surgeon
Hopefully you’ll never experience this type of injury, but should the unfortunate circumstance arise, you’ll be in good hands with a highly skilled SSM Health physician and health care team.