Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

We provide abdominal wall reconstruction for these treatments: 

• Complex hernias too difficult to treat with standard methods 
• Recurring hernias 
• Open wounds that cannot be closed through other means 
• Abdominal scar tissue that complicates healing 
• Traumatic injuries 

The abdominal wall protects the organs with three layers of muscle. During abdominal wall reconstruction, our surgeons redistribute abdominal tissue and muscles so that the muscle layers are located as close to the midline as possible. This corrects abdominal weakness and restores support to organs and tissues. 

For hernia repair, our approach differs from the traditional method, in which a general surgeon places a mesh patch over an area of weakened tissue. These repairs may fail if the abdominal muscle becomes scarred, holding the different muscle layers together. Our surgeons will separate the muscles and rearrange them so that we can close the hernia and support the area as it heals.  

In other cases, infections or open wounds may complicate hernia repair. Abdominal wall reconstruction provides a way to reshape the abdomen and reinforce the repair with a bioprosthetic patch that the body gradually absorbs. 

Working together with BIDMC orthopedic specialists, we provide comprehensive care for hand, wrist and elbow injuries and diseases. Our goal is to provide the highest standard of care possible. You will receive an individualized treatment and rehabilitation program. We will design a program to help you return to function as quickly and safely as possible.

We treat these and other conditions: 

• Arthritis 
• Carpal tunnel syndrome 
• Dupuytren’s contracture 
• Fractures and dislocations 
• Ligament sprains and strains 
• Tendinitis 
• Traumatic injuries requiring upper extremity reconstructive microsurgery and replantation

We partner with BIDMC otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat specialists) to provide reconstructive surgery of the head and neck. Our team aims to improve your function, quality of life and appearance. 

BIDMC surgeons care for those who’ve had trauma and for those with aesthetic (cosmetic) concerns. We also provide reconstruction for those treated for cancer: 

• Cancers of the oral cavity:  
  
  • Larynx 
  • Pharynx  
  • Salivary glands
• Advanced cancers of the skin in the head and neck region:
  • Basal cell 
  • Melanoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma 

Our team of experienced, board-certified surgeons can provide reconstructive surgery to restore or improve your function, quality of life and appearance using the latest, most effective surgical approaches.

Our plastic surgeons work together with vascular and endovascular surgeons, podiatrists and other specialists. We reconstruct the feet, ankles and legs, called the lower extremities. Our goal is to preserve or restore limb function whenever possible. Our collaborative approach can improve your outcome. 

We specialize in advanced microsurgery and soft tissue reconstruction of the lower extremities for those with these conditions: 

• Cancer 
• Diabetic ulcers
• Traumatic injuries 
• Vascular disorders 

We provide a comprehensive evaluation, develop a treatment plan, review your progress and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. 

The Center for Peripheral Nerve Injury and Restoration provides comprehensive care. Learn about our nerve care offerings, including nerve restoration.

Rhinoplasty is the art of enhancing the shape of the nose. It also may improve breathing. We perform functional rhinoplasty to improve breathing in people who: 

• Have had prior nose surgery. 
• Experienced nasal trauma, such as a broken nose.  
• Have anatomy that causes breathing problems. 

We can use nose reconstruction to improve the nasal airway as well as the appearance of the nose. Insurance may cover portions of nose surgery relating to breathing issues. 

BIDMC plastic surgeons also offer cosmetic rhinoplasty.

We provide reconstructive surgery during or after cancer treatment. You may have reconstructive surgery during your breast or skin cancer treatment.

Lymphedema is an uncomfortable swelling. It may develop after cancer treatment. BIDMC is one of the few hospitals in the nation to offer innovative surgical techniques to manage lymphedema. If you have lymphedema (fluid retention), your cancer care team may suggest lymphatic surgery to improve your quality of life.