If aesthetic surgery is the face of plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery is its soul! This soul finds solace in restoring the form and function of body parts affected by deformity, disease, or disability due to birth defects, trauma, infections, or tumors. Reconstructive surgery is the inconspicuous core of Plastic Surgery, of which very little is known. July 15th is celebrated worldwide as Plastic Surgery Day, commemorating the birth of Sushruta: Father of Plastic Surgery. This July, we attempt to uncover the widespread role of reconstructive surgery: both restorative and reformative.
Various subspecialties constitute ‘Reconstructive surgery’, often based on body part reconstruction or based on the surgical technique involved. In Hand surgery, the focus is restoration of function so a person can return to his original occupation. Joining back all structures of a completely severed finger or hand, starting from bone, tendon, nerve, and finally the vein and artery ensures restoration of circulation in the amputated finger bringing it to life! These small structures are joined under the microscope using micro sutures held in micro-tipped instruments to ensure tender handling of these vulnerable structures. This scientific ballet is called Microsurgery.
