Reconstructive & Plastic Surgery
Reconstructive and plastic surgery restores the form and function of the body after cancer treatment, trauma, burns or congenital differences. Using techniques from skin grafts to microsurgical tissue transfer (flaps), surgeons rebuild structures such as the breast, head and neck, or limbs — aiming to return both appearance and the way the body works.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Reconstructive and plastic surgery covers a broad range of operations that rebuild parts of the body affected by cancer surgery, injury, burns, infection or conditions present from birth. Common examples include breast reconstruction after mastectomy (using implants or the patient's own tissue), head-and-neck reconstruction after tumor removal, repair of complex wounds, scar revision, and microsurgical free-flap transfer in which tissue and its blood supply are moved from one part of the body to another and reconnected under a microscope. Many reconstructions are planned alongside the cancer-removing operation so that form and function are restored as part of the same treatment journey.
At Florence, reconstructive surgeons work closely with oncology, breast, and head-and-neck teams so that reconstruction is integrated into the wider cancer plan. For international patients, a coordinator arranges the consultation, imaging review and a clear, staged treatment plan with a transparent, personalized cost estimate before travel. Our specialists can review records and photographs remotely for complex cases, and because some reconstructions are performed in stages, the team maps out the timeline and aftercare so much of it can be supported after you return home.
Who is a candidate?
- People who have had, or will have, cancer surgery that removes tissue needing reconstruction — for example mastectomy or head-and-neck tumor removal
- Patients with significant wounds, tissue loss or defects after trauma or burns
- Those with scarring or contractures that limit movement or function and may benefit from revision
- People with congenital differences affecting form or function
- Patients seeking restoration of a body structure's appearance and the way it works
- Individuals fit for the planned operation and any staged surgery, confirmed at assessment
What happens
- 1
Consultation and planning
A reconstructive surgeon assesses the area to be rebuilt, reviews imaging and your overall health, and — often with the oncology or breast team — designs a plan that may be immediate, delayed or staged.
- 2
Preparation
You are prepared for surgery with any needed tests, and the team explains the technique chosen, such as an implant-based or your-own-tissue (flap) reconstruction, and what recovery will involve.
- 3
The procedure
Under general anesthesia the surgeon reconstructs the area — for example transferring tissue as a flap and reconnecting its blood vessels under a microscope, or placing an implant — to restore form and function.
- 4
Early recovery
You are monitored closely, especially after flap surgery where the team checks the blood supply to the transferred tissue. Drains, dressings and graduated activity are managed during the hospital stay.
- 5
Healing and follow-up
Tissues settle and refine over weeks to months, and minor adjustment procedures are sometimes planned. International patients receive a clear aftercare plan and can be supported remotely after returning home.
Benefits
- Restores both the appearance and the function of areas affected by cancer, trauma or burns
- Allows reconstruction to be integrated with cancer surgery as one coordinated plan
- Offers a choice of techniques — implants or the patient's own tissue — tailored to each person
- Microsurgical flap transfer can rebuild complex defects with natural, living tissue
- Can significantly support confidence, comfort and return to daily activities
Risks & considerations
- Bleeding, infection or delayed wound healing, as with any major surgery
- Partial or, rarely, complete loss of a flap if its blood supply is compromised
- Scarring and the possible need for staged or minor revision procedures
- Implant-related issues over time when an implant-based technique is used
- Differences in symmetry or sensation that may need further adjustment
- The usual risks of general anesthesia, assessed before surgery
Where it is performed
This procedure is performed by our Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Department.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Reconstructive & Plastic Surgery — frequently asked questions
Cost and stay vary widely between, say, a scar revision and a microsurgical breast or head-and-neck reconstruction. Your coordinator prepares a transparent, personalized estimate covering each stage before you travel, and maps out the expected length of stay, which can range from a few days to about two weeks for complex flap surgery.
Yes. You can send your medical records, imaging and photographs for a remote review, so our reconstructive surgeons can advise on the most suitable technique, whether surgery should be immediate or staged, and outline the plan before you arrive.
Often it can. Immediate reconstruction is performed during the same operation as tumor removal in many cases, while delayed or staged reconstruction is chosen when that is safer or better suited to your overall treatment.
Both are valid options with different advantages. Implant-based reconstruction is generally simpler, while using your own tissue (a flap) gives a natural feel and lasting result. Your surgeon recommends the best fit for your body, treatment and goals.
Reconstruction is sometimes completed in stages, with planned minor procedures to refine shape, symmetry or detail. Your team will explain the full timeline so you know what to expect at each step.
Recovery depends on the procedure. Smaller reconstructions heal within a few weeks, while major flap surgery takes several weeks to a few months, with tissues continuing to settle and soften over that time.
Related treatments
Considering reconstructive & plastic surgery?
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