Patient Stories: Reconstructive Surgery
Stephanie
- Retired Pharamacist
- 60
- Female
- Wound Closure
Over the course of 10 years, I had breast reduction and a tummy tuck to fight the aging process. Both were enormously successful and I was entirely pleased. Then, two years ago, I had a procedure to remove bilateral glutteal ischeal pressure sores – or cysts on my bottom. It turned into a very difficult surgery and resulted in the development of an open wound the size of a grapefruit at the base of my tailbone. I was then transfered from a community hospital to a University Hospital, where a board certified ASPS member plastic surgeon took over my case. This plastic surgeon was able to close a very complex wound and free me from a wound vac and from additional months of hospitalization. I had never understood the dynamics of wound care from a plastic surgery standpoint; only from infectious disease, by way of my profession. I now understand the role of the plastic surgeon and how their expertise, not only put me back together again, but literally saved my life. That is a whole lot more important than breast reduction or botox. Plastic Surgery is indeed a fine art and in the hands of the skilled ASPS professional, it is a life saver.
Russell
- Engineering Tech
- 36
- Male
- Scapular Flap Replacement of Left Face
I was admitted to the burn unit for level 1 trauma and treated by the finest Plastic Surgery professionals in the world (a little biased ya think). I was dragged under a DUI piloted Van for 440 feet and lost my left zygoma (cheekbone). Along with this loss came avulsions (tearing away of skin) over 12 percent of my body. My surgery and recovery has been miraculous. I would never have thought it possible to lead the kind of life I do now. Without this type of trauma unit and surgery professional, many individuals like me would be left for dead.
Natalie
- Student/Dancer
- 13
- Female
- Reconstructive Surgery After Dog Bite
My story is about when I got bit by a dog. I was two years old (it happend to be my mom's b-day too). Anyways I was outside and my grandmother was raising stray dogs, well apparently I guess I did something wrong and the next thing I knew I was under the dog as my face was getting ripped apart. My family took me to the ER and I got one hundred and fifty stitches, I got the stitches on my neck and the whole right side of my face. I thank God that I am here today! Also the dog was only two inches away from my eye and my throat. It was the worst thing still that happend in my life. Sometimes I will have dreams about it. I remember the whole thing - even getting attacked!
I have already had three plastic surgeries and they helped so much. My surgeon was really nice. I might be having my last surgery when I am seventeen. Yes teens call me scarface and everything but it doesn't bother me. I am so used to it. Some of my friends say it fits me. I just wanted to tell this story so it can help other teens and adults knowing that there are also young people that had this. Even though I am only thirteen I am still a regular teenager and now you can hardly notice it sometimes, I even forget it is there! So thank you for your time and able to read this.
Shannon
- Student
- 15
- Female
- Reconstructive Surgery After Dog Attack
I was badly mauled by a dog in the summer of 2003. I had reconstructive surgery in Oklahoma and when we came back from our vacation my plastic surgeon did miracles on my face. You can hardly tell; he truly is a miracle worker. In fact, I had one more surgery recently and my scars will be better. Thank you doctor, you're the best.
