nipple-areola reconstruction is a set of techniques used to recreate the nipple and the darker surrounding skin (the areola) on the breast. It is most commonly performed after breast cancer surgery (such as mastectomy) as a finishing stage of breast reconstruction. It can also be used in selected cosmetic or corrective situations to improve nipple-areola appearance, position, or symmetry. Reconstruction may involve surgery, medical tattooing (micropigmentation), prosthetics, or a combination.

tissue expansion is a reconstructive technique that helps the body create extra skin and soft tissue over time. It typically uses a temporary device placed under the skin to gradually stretch it in a controlled way. It is used in reconstructive plastic surgery and, in selected situations, cosmetic surgery planning. The goal is to generate tissue that closely matches the color, texture, and thickness of nearby skin.

A tissue expander is a temporary, implantable device designed to gradually stretch skin and soft tissue. It is commonly placed surgically under the skin and then slowly filled over time to create additional tissue. It is used in both reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery, often as a staged approach before a final procedure.

implant-based breast reconstruction is a reconstructive breast surgery that restores breast shape and volume using a medical implant. It is most often performed after mastectomy for breast cancer treatment or risk reduction. It can be done at the time of mastectomy or in a later, separate operation. It is a reconstructive procedure (not purely cosmetic), though cosmetic principles like symmetry and proportion are central to planning.

A latissimus dorsi flap is a surgical technique that moves tissue from the upper back to another area of the body. It commonly includes skin, fat, and sometimes part of the latissimus dorsi muscle, carried on its blood supply. It is widely used in reconstructive surgery, especially breast reconstruction, and may also be used in other soft-tissue repairs. In select situations, it can support cosmetic goals such as restoring contour or symmetry after previous surgery or injury.

TRAM flap reconstruction is a surgical breast reconstruction technique that uses tissue from the lower abdomen to create a breast mound. “TRAM” refers to the transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap, meaning skin, fat, and some abdominal muscle are transferred. It is most commonly used after mastectomy as reconstructive surgery, and it may also be used in complex revision cases.

DIEP flap breast reconstruction is a surgical breast reconstruction that uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen to create a breast mound. It preserves the abdominal muscles by using perforator blood vessels (the “DIEP” vessels) to keep the transferred tissue alive. It is most commonly used for reconstructive breast surgery after mastectomy, and can be used on one or both sides. It can be performed alone or, in selected cases, as part of a combined approach with other reconstructive methods.

free flap reconstruction is a surgical method that moves living tissue from one part of the body to another. The transferred tissue keeps its own blood supply, which is reconnected to new blood vessels using microsurgery. It is most often used in reconstructive plastic surgery after cancer, trauma, or complex wounds. In selected settings, it can also support aesthetic goals by restoring shape, symmetry, and contour.

Microsurgical reconstruction is a type of reconstructive surgery that uses an operating microscope and very fine instruments to repair or reconnect tiny blood vessels and nerves. It is commonly used to transfer living tissue (skin, fat, muscle, and sometimes bone) to rebuild areas affected by cancer surgery, trauma, or congenital differences. It is primarily reconstructive, but it can also support aesthetic goals such as improved symmetry and contour after major tissue loss. The defining feature is “microvascular” work: joining small arteries and veins to keep transferred tissue healthy.

carpal tunnel release is a surgical procedure that reduces pressure on the median nerve at the wrist. It works by opening the tissue band that forms the “roof” of the carpal tunnel. It is commonly used in hand and plastic surgery to improve nerve-related symptoms and hand function. It is considered primarily reconstructive and functional rather than cosmetic.

nerve repair is a surgical approach used to reconnect or reconstruct an injured nerve. Its goal is to help restore nerve signaling for sensation, movement, or both. It is used in reconstructive plastic surgery and may also be relevant after cosmetic procedures when a nerve is injured.

tendon repair is a surgical procedure that reconnects or reattaches a damaged tendon so it can transmit muscle force to a joint or bone again. It is most commonly performed after tendon cuts (lacerations) or ruptures from trauma or sports injuries. In plastic and reconstructive surgery, tendon repair is often part of hand, wrist, and forearm reconstruction where function and appearance are closely linked. It may also be used alongside other repairs (skin, nerve, vessel, or bone) after complex injuries.

hand reconstruction is a set of procedures that restore the structure of the hand after injury, disease, or congenital differences. It commonly aims to improve function (movement, strength, sensation) and appearance (shape, soft-tissue coverage, scars). It is primarily a reconstructive plastic and orthopedic hand surgery field, and it can overlap with cosmetic goals in select cases. The plan is individualized and may involve skin, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, bone, joints, and nails.

bilateral sagittal split osteotomy is a surgical procedure that cuts and splits the lower jaw (mandible) on both sides so it can be repositioned. It is most commonly used in orthognathic (jaw) surgery to correct bite and jaw alignment problems. It can be performed for functional reconstruction, facial balance, or both. Fixation is typically achieved with small plates and screws to hold the jaw in its new position while it heals.

Le Fort I osteotomy is a surgical procedure that cuts and repositions the upper jaw (the maxilla). It is used to correct bite problems and facial imbalance by moving the maxilla in a controlled way. It is commonly performed in orthognathic (jaw) surgery for functional correction and facial harmony. It can be part of reconstructive care after trauma, congenital conditions, or tumor-related surgery.

orthognathic surgery is a surgical procedure that repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. It is used to correct jaw alignment problems that affect bite, facial balance, and airway-related function. It is performed for reconstructive goals, functional improvement, and, in some cases, aesthetic refinement. It is commonly planned in coordination with orthodontic treatment.

Craniosynostosis surgery is an operation to treat craniosynostosis, a condition where one or more skull sutures fuse earlier than expected. It aims to restore a more typical skull shape and support normal space for the growing brain. It is primarily a **reconstructive** craniofacial procedure, though it also affects appearance and symmetry. It is most commonly performed in infancy or early childhood, depending on the type and severity.

cleft palate repair is surgery to close an opening (cleft) in the roof of the mouth (the palate). It aims to restore more typical separation between the mouth and nasal cavity. It is primarily a reconstructive plastic surgery procedure, and it can also affect facial and speech-related appearance. It is commonly performed as part of multidisciplinary cleft care (plastic surgery, ENT, speech-language pathology, dentistry/orthodontics).

cleft lip repair is a surgical procedure that closes and reshapes a split (cleft) in the upper lip. It is primarily a reconstructive plastic surgery operation, with cosmetic goals closely tied to function. It aims to restore more typical lip anatomy, including the skin, red lip (vermilion), and underlying muscle. It may also include early correction of related nasal asymmetry, depending on the case and surgeon.

lymph node dissection is a surgical procedure that removes one or more lymph nodes from a specific body region. It is most commonly used in cancer care to check whether disease has spread and to guide treatment planning. In plastic and reconstructive care, its relevance often relates to reconstruction after cancer surgery and managing lymphedema risk. It is not typically performed for cosmetic goals, but it can affect appearance and function in areas such as the underarm, neck, or groin.