Plastic surgery is more than just improving a feature or enhancing overall looks. An experienced plastic surgeon can provide services in an emergency situation to mend broken bones or repair open wounds. Here are some instances where these specialists may be called to help in an emergency:
1. Nose Injuries
If a patient receives a hit to the nose that is hard enough to cause a break, they may require plastic surgery to repair the broken bone. The surgeon not only fixes the structure and appearance of the broken nose, but they also make it easier for the patient to breathe once the nose has been repaired. A deviated septum is one common health condition that results from impact to the nose. Rhinoplasty, or a nose job, is used to fix the deviation and allow air to move through for easier breathing. Without plastic surgery, a broken nose may heal crookedly, negatively impacting its function and symmetry.
2. Facial Fractures
If a person is involved in a car accident or other traumatic event, they may sustain fractures to the face. Broken cheekbones, jawbones, or other bones cause significant pain and impact the face’s appearance if they heal incorrectly. If a plastic surgeon handles the repairs, they align the bones to help them heal correctly and prevent future deformities. If only one side of the face is affected, the surgeon will work to create symmetry for both sides of the face.
3. Facial Lacerations
A car accident or animal bite on the face can cause lacerations to the cheeks, chin, forehead, or other areas. If these wounds aren’t cleaned and treated correctly, the person may develop an infection and have significant scarring. A plastic surgeon will carefully close the wounds to reduce scarring. For deep wounds that require skin grafting, the surgeon removes skin from other sites, such as the abdomen or back, and grafts it to the face. Skin grafting is performed after the initial injury has been treated and cleaned thoroughly.
4. Detached Body Parts
A plastic surgeon is called in when a patient comes into the emergency room with a severed body part. The surgeon is qualified to reattach the part successfully because they understand the techniques involved in restoring body tissues and leaving minimal scarring. While arms and legs are the largest body parts that can be reattached, a plastic surgeon may also reattach a small portion of an ear or lip. The surgical process begins with a thorough cleaning to remove any debris and dirt from the open wound. Multiple surgeries and help from other specialists may be necessary for the body part to be reattached and look natural.
5. Eyelid Damage
The eye and surrounding tissues are susceptible to injury in a traumatic situation. If eye injuries are not treated correctly, they can harm the individual’s vision in the future. Cosmetic surgeons can repair a damaged eyelid or eyebrow to make sure the eye opens and closes normally. This prevents injured eyelids from becoming hooded or obstructing the line of vision.
6. Infections
A plastic surgeon may be called to treat an infection caused by a previous surgery. One of the biggest risks of a surgical procedure is the development of infection at the incision site. If a person has had a procedure performed in recent days or weeks and the incision isn’t cleaned properly, they can develop an infection that becomes painful and feverish. The person may need to go to the emergency room for treatment, where a plastic surgeon is called to treat the infection and save as much tissue as possible. To avoid post-surgery infections, individuals should seek out reputable and experienced plastic surgeons and follow all post-operative care instructions.
Choose an Experienced Plastic Surgeon for Emergencies
An experienced plastic surgeon with the skills and expertise to handle emergency procedures plays a significant role in maintaining patient health. They treat the initial issue, such as broken bones or lacerations, and schedule follow-up appointments. During these visits, they monitor the patient’s recovery progress and adjust the post-operative care plan. Reputable surgeons also perform secondary surgeries that are necessary to restore the person’s health, appearance, and functionality. Contact an experienced surgeon today to learn about their standard and emergency services.
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