What we can improve.
Reconstructive surgery treats missing or altered tissue. This may range from a small skin defect to a repair involving several structures. During your consultation, we review the cause, previous treatment and condition of the area, as well as the limitations that affect you most.
Bringing reports, pathology results and earlier photographs can be helpful. When cancer or a complex injury is involved, treatment is coordinated with the relevant specialists. The reconstructive aim needs to fit within that overall plan.
Options and scars.
Options range from closing a wound directly to moving nearby skin, using grafts or transferring tissue with flaps. We choose the alternative that provides suitable coverage and function with an operation proportionate to the defect.
Not every problem can be resolved in one operation. Sometimes tissue coverage or treatment of the cause comes first, with adjustments to shape, volume or scars later. I will explain possible stages, donor areas and the limitations to expect.
Specific treatments.
Breast reconstruction
After a mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery, reconstruction can restore volume and shape using implants, your own tissue or a combination. It is planned with the team treating the breast, taking radiotherapy and future treatment into account. Reconstruction can be immediate or delayed; choosing not to have reconstruction is also valid.
Options and timing differ between patients. Reconstruction using your own tissue also requires care of the area it comes from. Later reviews may consider symmetry adjustments, fat transfer or nipple and areola reconstruction. Before you decide, we explain the hospital stay, drains, movement and possible stages.
Reconstruction after skin cancer surgery
When a skin tumour is removed, the first aim is to treat the lesion with appropriate margins. We then plan how to close the defect, particularly around the nose, eyelids or lips, where shape and function are closely linked.
Stitches may be sufficient, or skin from another area or a nearby flap may be needed. Reconstruction may take place during the same operation or after margins are confirmed, depending on the case. Follow-up includes wound care and monitoring of the underlying condition; if analysis shows that further removal is needed, the plan is adapted.
Reconstruction after trauma
An accident can leave hollows, scars attached to deeper tissue, skin loss or restricted movement. We assess which structure is affected and which changes may improve comfort or function, as well as shape.
Treatment can include releasing a scar, redistributing tissue, adding volume or covering an area with a graft or flap. Tendon, nerve or bone involvement requires coordinated specialist assessment. Recovery needs to protect the repair without losing movement in structures that can safely be exercised.
Burn reconstruction
A burn can leave changes in colour and texture or scars that tighten and pull on the skin. When a joint, eyelid or another mobile area is affected, restoring range of movement and protecting the tissues is a priority.
Scar care, rehabilitation and, where needed, surgery to release tightening and provide coverage are considered. Several stages may be necessary. Splints, exercises and follow-up are important to maintain improvement and identify new areas of tension during healing.
Reconstruction with grafts and flaps
A graft transfers skin to an area that must nourish it for it to take. A flap brings tissue with its own blood supply; it may come from nearby or require a more complex transfer. The depth of the defect and the exposed structures guide the choice.
As well as the reconstructed area, the donor site needs care. During the first few days, circulation and tissue survival are checked, and pressure or movements that could compromise them are avoided. Some reconstructions need a hospital stay, specific monitoring and coordination with a specialist team.
What recovery involves.
The first few days
Recovery depends on the tissue reconstructed. A small closure may allow a gentle routine early; a graft needs protection while it takes, and a flap may require closer monitoring or a hospital stay. Before surgery, we agree on wound care and checks of the donor area.
Returning to your routine
Movement is advised according to the structures affected. A splint, restrictions on loading or rehabilitation may be needed. Protecting a repair and avoiding stiffness must be balanced through specific instructions.
How the result develops
Scars, volume and sensation change over several months. With staged reconstruction, the next step is decided according to healing and treatment of the underlying condition. Follow-up also assesses what you have regained when moving, dressing and carrying out daily activities.
Safety and possible risks.
Tissue circulation, smoking, nutrition and previous scars influence the choice of technique. Previous radiotherapy is also included in planning, as it may affect skin quality and healing.
Infection, bleeding or problems with a graft or flap taking can occur, including partial or complete loss of the transferred tissue. Some situations need further wound care or surgery. There may also be limitations in the donor area. Explaining alternatives and arranging checks helps you approach the process with a clear plan.
What we will discuss.
- Which function or discomfort you want to improve first.
- Your reports and previous treatments.
- Whether there will be a donor area and how it recovers.
- Which stages and rehabilitation the plan involves.
Frequently asked questions.
Can an area operated on years ago be reconstructed?
In many cases, later improvements can be assessed. The current tissue condition, previous treatment and the aim you would like to achieve are important.
What is the difference between a graft and a flap?
A graft depends on the receiving area for its nourishment; a flap carries its own blood supply. The choice depends on what needs covering and the quality of the tissues.
Will the reconstruction be exactly like the original tissue?
The aim is to restore coverage, function and shape, but differences in colour, texture, volume or sensation may remain. We will discuss which are expected in your case.
Keep exploring.
Revisión inicial del contenido: Dr. Luis Martín Suárez · 2026-09-13
Timeframes are a guide. The technique, suitability and aftercare are agreed during consultation according to your case and progress.