Soft Tissue Surgery​
Soft Tissue Surgery​
Soft tissue surgery is an artform that requires precision, delicacy, and experience. Patients may need it to remove lesions, soft tissue tumors, treat the effects of facial trauma, or improve the appearance of scars. At Philadelphia Facial Plastic Surgery & Medspa, Dr. Spalla brings his expertise to soft tissue surgeries to create stunning results for his patients.
What is Soft Tissue Surgery?
Soft tissue surgery focuses on repairing and reshaping the body’s soft tissues. These tissues include muscles, fat, skin, and cartilage. This type of surgery is often performed to correct congenital defects, injuries, or aesthetic concerns.
Some soft tissue surgery procedures like rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) aim to restore balance and enhance a person’s appearance. By carefully manipulating the body’s soft tissues, Dr. Spalla makes careful adjustments that result in natural-looking improvements.
One of the key advantages of soft tissue surgery is its versatility. It can address a wide range of issues throughout various parts of the body. Additionally, advancements in surgical techniques have made these procedures safer with shorter recovery times.
Mohs Reconstruction
After undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery to remove skin cancer, patients may require a procedure known as Mohs reconstruction. This surgical technique focuses on restoring the shape, function, and appearance of the treated area.
The specific approach used in Mohs reconstruction depends on the location and size of the defect. Options include primary closure, flaps, grafts, or tissue expansion. During primary closure, the wound edges are sutured together to minimize scar visibility and promote healing.
Flaps involve transferring nearby healthy tissue to fill in the defect’s space while preserving blood supply for successful attachment. Local flaps use adjacent skin from around the wound site.
Regional or distant flaps borrow tissues from other areas such as the forehead or neck. Occasionally, a free flap may be necessary when extensive tissue loss occurs.
Advantages of Mohs Reconstruction
Superior cosmetic outcomes
Preservation of functionality
Efficiency and convenience
Scar Revision
Scars can be a significant concern for many individuals, affecting self-esteem and confidence. At Philadelphia Facial Plastic Surgery & Medspa, we specialize in scar revision procedures to help our patients achieve smoother and less noticeable scars.
Surgical TechniquesDr. Spalla utilizes various surgical techniques to improve the appearance of scars. These may include:
- W-Plasty. This technique involves creating small incisions that intersect at an angle, resulting in a zigzag pattern. It helps break up the linear scar line and reduces its visibility.
- Z-Plasty. In this procedure, adjacent triangular flaps are created on either side of the scar and then swapped. This technique helps reposition the scar so that it aligns with natural skin creases or lines.
- Punch Excision. For smaller scars such as acne pits or deep pockmarks, punch excision replaces them with tiny circular excisions before stitching them closed.
- Laser Resurfacing. At times, scars may be best managed without surgery at all. For select cases, resurfacing the scar and surrounding tissue with a CO2 laser may be ideal.
- Injections. Scars that are raised or thicken may be best managed, at least initially, with injections. Most of the time a steroid solution is used, but this is occasionally combined with other medications for an optimal outcome.
When surgical techniques are used, Dr. Spalla always aims to create a more aesthetically pleasing result. He will thoroughly discuss the proposed treatments with you and come up with a shared decision in your treatment.
Skin Lesion Excision
Skin lesion excision is a common procedure performed to remove abnormal growths from the skin. These growths may include moles, cysts, warts, and skin tags. During the procedure, Dr. Spalla will carefully remove the lesion and close the area delicately.
Skin lesions can be aesthetically unpleasant or cause discomfort. Removing them can improve both appearance and quality of life. In some cases, removing a skin lesion allows for pathology testing to determine if it is cancerous or not. If cancerous cells are found, further treatment can be initiated promptly.
Contour Deformities
Types of Contour Deformities
There are several types of contour deformities that can occur in the soft tissues of the face. One common type is known as a depression, which presents as an indent or hollow in the skin. Another type is called a bulge or prominence, where there is an abnormal fullness or bump on the surface. Other contour deformities may include irregularities in texture, such as rough patches or uneven areas. Whatever contour deformity you’re dealing with, Dr. Spalla is equipped to treat it.
Causes and Treatment Options
Contour deformities can be caused by a variety of factors including trauma, surgery complications, aging, and genetic predisposition. In some cases, these deformities may also result from certain medical conditions like cysts or tumors. Dr. Spalla has several ways to address contour deformities and will personalize your options for treatment.
Benefits of
Soft Tissue Surgery
Surgical Techniques
Enhanced Self-Confidence
Versatility
What to Expect During Soft Tissue Surgery
Before undergoing soft tissue surgery, you’ll sit down for a thorough consultation with Dr. Spalla. During this appointment, he’ll assess your medical history and discuss any pre-existing conditions that may affect the procedure. You should also inform him of any medications you are currently taking as well as the use of any nicotine-containing products.
Soft tissue surgery typically involves making small incisions in the skin and manipulating or removing tissue to achieve desired results. The length and complexity of the procedure can vary depending on individual needs. Anesthesia is administered to ensure comfort throughout the procedure.
During recovery, pain medication may be prescribed to manage discomfort. Swelling and bruising are common after soft tissue surgeries but will subside over time and rest is essential during this period for proper healing.
Dr. Spalla will give you further specific instructions regarding your procedure and post-operative care.It is important not to rush back into strenuous activities as this could hinder healing and potentially compromise results.
Frequently Asked Questions
In some cases, non-surgical treatments such as medications, injections, lasers, chemical peels, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes may be considered as alternatives. The appropriateness of these alternatives depends on the specific condition. Discuss all of your treatment options with Dr. Spalla.
Like any surgical procedure, there are risks involved with soft tissue surgery. Although they are minimal, they can include infection at the surgical site, bleeding during or after the operation, adverse reactions to anesthesia or medications used during the procedure, scarring or wound healing issues, and potential damage to surrounding structures. Dr. Spalla will discuss the risks of your specific procedure with you beforehand.
Age is not a restriction, your overall health and medical condition are more crucial factors. Dr. Spalla will assess the risks and benefits of surgery based on your health status. At times, Dr. Spalla will enlist the help of other providers such as your primary care physician to help ensure a safe and speedy recovery.
The cost of soft tissue surgery varies widely, and the type of procedure and the complexity involved plays a large role in the cost. Some operations may qualify for insurance coverage depending on the purpose of the treatment. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Spalla to discuss your soft tissue surgery costs further.
