Reconstructive Surgery: What You Need to Know

Reconstructive surgery isn’t just about repairing what’s been injured or changed—it’s about helping you feel like yourself again. Whether you're recovering from cancer treatment, a traumatic injury or a condition you’ve lived with since birth, reconstructive surgery can support your healing, restore your function and help you regain confidence in your everyday life.

Reconstructive surgery helps restore parts of your body affected by injury, illness or congenital differences. Unlike cosmetic surgery, which is typically for aesthetic reasons, reconstructive procedures are often necessary to improve your health, function or quality of life. If you've had surgery for cancer, suffered an injury or developed a chronic condition that affects your appearance or ability to function, reconstructive surgery may be part of your path forward. “We try to restore your norm—to help you look good and feel good about yourself,” says Dr. Stephanie Caterson, a reconstructive surgeon at ChristianaCare. “It’s about restoring confidence.”

Every person’s needs are different. Your reconstructive plan will depend on your health history, goals and unique situation. Here are a few of the most common types of reconstructive surgery you might consider. 1. Breast Reconstruction This is one of the most common types of reconstructive surgery. If you've had or are planning for a mastectomy or lumpectomy, breast reconstruction can help restore the shape and appearance of your chest. You may have choices that include:

• Implants.
• Your own tissue (such as from your abdomen).
• A combination of both (hybrid).

The ChristianaCare Center for Breast Reconstruction team uses advanced techniques like the DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) flap, which allows us to use your abdominal tissue to reconstruct your breast, often with a natural feel and less impact on the donor site, resulting in fewer long-term side effects. Always discuss your options with your care team so you can choose what’s best for you. 2. Head and Neck Reconstruction If you’ve undergone treatment for head or neck cancer, you may be facing changes in how you eat, speak or breathe. Reconstructive surgery can help restore both function and appearance. These procedures often use microsurgery to transfer tissue from another part of your body to rebuild areas such as your jaw, tongue or face. Oral and maxillofacial surgeries can also be used to correct congenital or acquired dental and facial abnormalities. Your ability to speak clearly, chew and swallow comfortably or even breathe easily can be improved through careful, customized surgical planning. 3. Extremity Reconstruction An injury, infection or chronic illness, like diabetes, can affect your arms or legs in ways that interfere with your mobility and independence. Reconstructive procedures can help close wounds, rebuild tissue and preserve limb function—so you can get back to doing what matters to you. We’ll create a personalized care plan tailored to your needs, explain what to expect, and support you before, during and after surgery.

Some procedures use a technique called microsurgery, which involves connecting tiny blood vessels under a microscope. This allows us to move tissue from one part of your body to another while maintaining blood flow and function. One example is the perforator flap technique, which uses only the tissue you need, minimizing damage to the donor area and helping you heal more comfortably. In breast reconstruction, this technique allows surgeons to use tissue from your lower abdomen, similar to a tummy tuck, in a way that looks and feels natural without compromising the abdominal muscles. All our reconstructive surgeons have advanced fellowship training in these techniques, so you’re in expert hands.

ChristianaCare’s approach to reconstructive surgery is collaborative and patient-centered. Your care team, comprised of highly skilled and experienced professionals including plastic surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, nurses and physical therapists, works together to support your recovery, ensuring you are in expert hands. If you’re considering reconstructive surgery, you’ll meet with your care team for a thorough consultation. This first visit can last up to two hours as we talk through your goals, concerns and medical background. We’ll answer your questions and tailor a treatment plan that fits your medical needs and lifestyle. We want to understand what matters most to you, not just medically but personally. You’ll learn about your options, the steps involved in the surgery and what your recovery will look like. If your care involves more than one specialist, we’ll coordinate everything so you don’t have to. After surgery, we’ll closely monitor your recovery, provide instructions for care at home and ensure you have everything you need to heal well, including physical therapy and follow-up visits to help ensure your smooth and optimal recovery. And if you've had reconstruction before that didn’t meet your expectations, we offer revision surgeries, too, most of which are covered by insurance.

If you’re thinking about reconstructive surgery—whether for yourself or someone you love—you don’t have to face it alone. Our team at ChristianaCare is here to listen, guide and support you from start to finish. We also encourage the involvement of your family and caregivers in the process, as their support can be instrumental in your recovery. Reconstructive surgery is a process that often unfolds over time, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether you’re healing after cancer, recovering from trauma or hoping to restore comfort and confidence, we’re ready to help you feel whole again. At ChristianaCare, we’re not just a surgical team, we’re your partners in healing. We’re here to guide you through every step of your reconstructive journey. If you’d like to learn more about your options, you can call 302-623-3605 to schedule a consultation. When you call, our friendly staff will guide you through the process, answer any questions you may have and help you find a convenient time for your consultation. You can count on us to be there, every step of the way.