Reconstructive Surgery, Including Scar Revision, in St. George, Utah

Though many people think only of cosmetic treatments such as facelift, breast augmentation, and skin rejuvenation when they think of plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery procedures such as scar revision are equally important. Located in St. George, Utah, Dr. Robert Rhodes performs a variety of reconstructive procedures to help patients who have injuries, defects, and other conditions. The goal of reconstructive surgery is to restore normal appearance and functionality to the patient's body, as shown in plastic surgery before-and-after pictures from our practice.

Scar Revision
Cleft Palate Surgery
Burn Care
Reconstructive Hand Surgery
Reconstructive Surgery for Facial Trauma

Scar Revision

Scars – often from accidental injury or a poorly healed surgical incision – can be responsible for lasting insecurity. A serious scar may be absolutely disfiguring. Scar revision, a reconstructive surgery option available in St. George from Dr. Rhodes, is a way to reduce the prominence of disfiguring scars with surgery.

There are many different scar revision techniques for different kinds of scars, but most focus on making a new incision to remove scar tissue or conceal it in a natural fold or crease of the skin. In some cases (burn injuries, for instance), a skin graft may be the best option. Many facial scars can be improved using laser skin resurfacing, either alone or in combination with reconstructive surgery.

While it is not possible to remove a scar altogether, many scars can be dramatically improved. In most cases, scar revision is a relatively superficial procedure, and Dr. Rhodes' St. George-area patients are able to return to normal activities quickly.

The biggest key to success is closely following Dr. Rhodes' post-surgical instructions in order to ensure that no complications arise during healing. Infections during the healing process frequently contribute to scar tissue formation, making the procedure much less effective. With this in mind, reconstructive surgery patients should be disciplined and very careful during the healing process.

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Cleft Palate Surgery

A cleft palate poses problems for the long-term health and development of any child. It could create complications related to eating, drinking, speech, hearing, and a variety of other daily activities.

The best approach is usually reconstructive cleft palate surgery performed when the child is about 18 months old. The procedure involves closing the muscles and skin of the palate, reconstructing the roof of the mouth to allow for normal functionality. In some cases, a series of procedures may be the best way to refine the shape, functionality, and appearance of the mouth and gums.

It is crucial for the parents of a child recovering from cleft palate surgery to closely follow special feeding instructions from Dr. Rhodes. Failing to do so could lead to healing problems.

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Burn Care

After a serious burn injury, the victim often needs skin grafts and other reconstructive surgery to restore form and functionality to the injured body part. Burns may be responsible for blocked nasal airways, disfiguring scars, problems making facial expressions, drooling, and other significant functional and aesthetic problems. Each case is different, and a combination of sophisticated reconstructive surgery techniques may be required to treat the condition fully.

It is important to be realistic about the outcome of reconstructive surgery after a burn injury. Significant improvement is almost always possible, but returning to pre-injury appearance is not usually a realistic goal for victims of catastrophic burns.

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Reconstructive Hand Surgery

Reconstructive surgery can be used to restore form and functionality to the hands of patients with both acquired and congenital hand defects. Dr. Rhodes treats patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger fingers, and other acquired conditions of the hand as well as patients with birth defects such as syndactyly (webbed fingers) and polydactyly (extra fingers).

The surgical techniques and recovery times involved vary widely depending on the specific condition being treated. Dr. Rhodes always provides comprehensive care for reconstructive surgery patients at his St. George, Utah practice throughout the treatment and recovery process.

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Reconstructive Surgery for Facial Trauma

Traumatic injuries from car accidents and other mishaps often cause serious damage to the delicate structures of the face. Dr. Rhodes is a skilled cosmetic surgeon with the specialized knowledge and artistry required to treat facial trauma victims.

Rhinoplasty and other facial plastic surgery techniques can be used to reconstruct the face after an accident. Breathing, swallowing, and other essential capabilities can easily be impaired by serious injuries. These functional concerns are at least as important to take into account as aesthetic issues when reconstructing the face.

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Schedule a Reconstructive Surgery Consultation

Correcting disfiguring and disabling conditions is an important part of Dr. Rhodes' work as a plastic surgeon. Scar revision and other reconstructive surgery treatments are available at his St. George practice to those in need. Contact Dr. J. Robert Rhodes today to schedule a consultation.

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