Plastic Surgery at AS Medical Complex

Comprehensive Reconstructive, Cosmetic & Plastic Surgical Care

The Plastic Surgery Department at AS Medical Complex provides comprehensive assessment, surgical consultation, reconstructive treatment, cosmetic surgical care, and postoperative follow-up for patients requiring restoration or improvement of the form, function, and appearance of different parts of the body.

Plastic surgery is a broad surgical specialty covering both reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery.

Reconstructive plastic surgery may be required after trauma, burns, congenital abnormalities, cancer surgery, infection, tissue loss, complex wounds, scars, or previous operations.

Cosmetic plastic surgery focuses on improving or reshaping selected areas of the face or body according to the patient’s individual concerns, anatomy, health, and realistic treatment goals.

At AS Medical Complex, every patient should receive an individualized assessment before any surgical procedure is recommended.

Our Plastic Surgery Services

The Plastic Surgery Department at AS Medical Complex may provide assessment and management for:

• Reconstructive plastic surgery

• Cosmetic plastic surgery

• Facial reconstruction

• Facial rejuvenation

• Rhinoplasty

• Reconstructive nasal surgery

• Scar revision

• Hypertrophic scars

• Keloids

• Burn reconstruction

• Burn scar treatment

• Scar contracture release

• Skin grafting

• Flap reconstruction

• Soft-tissue reconstruction

• Complex wounds

• Traumatic tissue loss

• Hand injuries

• Hand reconstruction

• Tendon injuries

• Selected nerve injuries

• Congenital hand abnormalities

• Reconstruction following tumor removal

• Breast reconstruction

• Breast reduction

• Breast lift

• Breast augmentation consultation

• Breast asymmetry

• Gynecomastia surgery

• Body contouring

• Abdominoplasty

• Liposuction

• Excess-skin removal

• Arm contouring

• Thigh contouring

• Post-weight-loss reconstruction

• Eyelid surgery

• Ear reconstruction and reshaping

• Selected facial contouring procedures

• Congenital abnormalities requiring reconstruction

• Post-traumatic facial defects

• Revision plastic surgery

• Postoperative wound care

• Plastic-surgery second opinions

The exact procedure recommended depends on the patient’s diagnosis, anatomy, medical history, expectations, surgical risks, and available services.

Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

Reconstructive plastic surgery focuses on restoring tissue, anatomy, and function affected by:

• Trauma

• Burns

• Congenital abnormalities

• Previous surgery

• Cancer treatment

• Infection

• Tissue loss

• Severe scarring

• Complex wounds

The objective may be to:

• Restore normal tissue coverage

• Protect exposed structures

• Improve movement

• Restore hand function

• Reconstruct facial structures

• Release restrictive scars

• Restore tissue removed during surgery

• Improve appearance following major injury

• Improve quality of life

Skin Grafting

A skin graft involves transferring skin from one part of the patient’s body to another area requiring coverage.

Skin grafting may be considered for selected:

• Burns

• Traumatic wounds

• Areas of skin loss

• Wounds following removal of abnormal tissue

• Chronic wounds

• Reconstructive defects

Successful healing depends on adequate blood supply, good wound preparation, control of infection, and appropriate postoperative care.

Flap Reconstruction

A flap involves moving tissue while maintaining or recreating its blood supply.

A flap may contain:

• Skin

• Fat

• Muscle

• Fascia

• Bone

• A combination of tissues

Flap reconstruction may be considered when a wound is too complex for simple closure or skin grafting.

It can help cover:

• Exposed bone

• Tendons

• Blood vessels

• Nerves

• Deep tissue defects

Burn Reconstruction

Burn injuries may damage the skin and deeper tissues.

Plastic-surgery treatment after burns may involve:

• Wound reconstruction

• Skin grafting

• Flap surgery

• Burn scar treatment

• Contracture release

• Tissue rearrangement

• Functional reconstruction

Not every burn requires surgery.

The treatment depends on the depth, size, location, cause of the burn, and overall health of the patient.

Burn Scar Contractures

Burn scars may sometimes tighten and restrict movement.

Contractures commonly affect areas such as:

• Neck

• Shoulder

• Elbow

• Hand

• Fingers

• Hip

• Knee

• Ankle

Treatment may involve:

• Physiotherapy

• Scar management

• Splinting

• Contracture-release surgery

• Skin grafting

• Flap reconstruction

The aim is to improve movement and everyday function.

Scar Revision

Scars may become:

• Raised

• Thick

• Wide

• Depressed

• Discolored

• Painful

• Itchy

• Restrictive

Scar revision aims to improve the appearance or function of a scar.

A scar usually cannot be completely removed.

Treatment may aim to make it:

• Less noticeable

• Flatter

• Better aligned

• Less painful

• Less restrictive

Treatment may include injections, silicone therapy, surgical revision, tissue rearrangement, or other approaches depending on the scar.

Hypertrophic Scars

A hypertrophic scar is a raised and thickened scar that generally remains within the original wound area.

Symptoms can include:

• Redness

• Raised appearance

• Itching

• Tenderness

• Tightness

Treatment depends on the scar’s location, size, age, symptoms, and previous treatment.

Keloids

Keloids are raised scars that may grow beyond the boundaries of the original injury.

They may develop after:

• Surgery

• Piercing

• Burns

• Trauma

• Acne

• Other skin injuries

Keloids can recur after treatment.

Management may require a combination of treatments rather than surgical removal alone.

Complex Wound Reconstruction

Plastic surgeons may help manage selected wounds that cannot be closed easily.

These may include:

• Traumatic wounds

• Complex surgical wounds

• Tissue defects

• Exposed bone or tendon

• Wounds following tumor removal

• Selected diabetic wounds

• Chronic tissue defects

Treatment may require coordination with General Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Orthopedics, Infectious Disease, Endocrinology, and other departments.

Trauma Reconstruction

Major injuries may damage:

• Skin

• Muscles

• Tendons

• Nerves

• Bones

• Blood vessels

• Facial structures

Plastic surgeons may participate in reconstruction after:

• Road traffic accidents

• Workplace injuries

• Falls

• Burns

• Machinery injuries

• Hand trauma

• Facial trauma

Complex trauma often requires multidisciplinary surgical care.

Hand Surgery

The hand contains many bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.

Plastic and reconstructive surgeons may assess selected conditions such as:

• Hand trauma

• Deep cuts

• Tendon injuries

• Nerve injuries

• Soft-tissue loss

• Finger injuries

• Burns

• Scar contractures

• Congenital hand abnormalities

The aim of treatment is to preserve or restore movement, sensation, grip strength, and hand function.

Tendon Injuries

Tendons connect muscles to bones and allow movement.

Deep injuries may damage these structures.

Symptoms may include:

• Inability to bend a finger

• Inability to straighten a finger

• Weak movement

• Pain

• Abnormal finger position

Significant tendon injuries may require surgical repair followed by structured rehabilitation.

Nerve Injuries

Nerve injury may result in:

• Numbness

• Tingling

• Loss of sensation

• Muscle weakness

• Reduced hand function

• Nerve-related pain

Selected nerve injuries may require microsurgical or reconstructive repair.

Recovery depends on the nerve involved, severity of injury, time since injury, and rehabilitation.

Facial Reconstruction

Plastic surgeons may reconstruct facial defects resulting from:

• Trauma

• Burns

• Tumor surgery

• Congenital abnormalities

• Previous operations

• Severe scars

Facial reconstruction considers both appearance and important functions such as:

• Breathing

• Eye protection

• Eating

• Speaking

• Facial movement

Complex cases may require coordination with ENT, Ophthalmology, Dental services, Neurosurgery, and other specialists.

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is surgery performed to change the shape, proportions, or selected structural features of the nose.

Patients may consider rhinoplasty for:

• Cosmetic concerns

• Nasal asymmetry

• Previous trauma

• Congenital differences

• Reconstructive reasons

Before surgery, the surgeon considers:

• Nasal skin

• Cartilage

• Nasal bones

• Facial proportions

• Previous operations

• Breathing problems

• Patient expectations

Rhinoplasty results vary according to individual anatomy and healing.

Functional Nasal Reconstruction

Some patients have structural nasal problems following trauma, previous surgery, or congenital abnormalities.

Reconstructive surgery may be considered to improve structural support.

Patients who also experience breathing difficulty may require coordinated assessment with the ENT Department.

Revision Rhinoplasty

Revision rhinoplasty may be considered after previous nasal surgery when there is:

• Persistent deformity

• Nasal asymmetry

• Structural problems

• Scar-related changes

• Functional concerns

Revision surgery may be more complex because previous surgery alters normal anatomy and available cartilage.

Facial Rejuvenation

Plastic-surgery consultation may be provided for selected age-related facial concerns such as:

• Loose facial skin

• Lower-face sagging

• Jawline changes

• Neck laxity

• Eyelid changes

• Other facial contour concerns

Treatment should be based on individual anatomy rather than age alone.

Facelift

A facelift is a surgical procedure designed to improve selected signs of facial aging.

It may address:

• Loose facial tissue

• Lower-face sagging

• Jawline changes

• Selected neck changes

A facelift does not stop the natural aging process.

Results and duration vary between patients.

Neck Lift

A neck lift may address:

• Loose neck skin

• Changes in neck contour

• Excess tissue

• Selected muscle-related changes

Some patients may undergo a neck lift alone, while others may require combined facial procedures.

Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty is surgery involving the upper or lower eyelids.

It may be considered for:

• Excess upper-eyelid skin

• Lower-eyelid bags

• Eyelid contour concerns

• Functional visual obstruction caused by excess upper-eyelid tissue

When vision is affected, Ophthalmology assessment may also be appropriate.

Ear Surgery

Otoplasty or reconstructive ear surgery may be considered for:

• Prominent ears

• Ear asymmetry

• Congenital ear differences

• Selected traumatic deformities

Treatment depends on patient age and individual ear anatomy.

Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction may be considered following:

• Mastectomy

• Partial breast surgery

• Trauma

• Congenital abnormalities

• Other breast tissue loss

Reconstruction may use:

• Implants

• The patient’s own tissue

• Local tissue rearrangement

• Combination techniques

The appropriate method depends on cancer treatment, previous radiation, available tissue, body anatomy, general health, and patient preference.

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery removes selected breast tissue and skin to reduce breast size.

Patients with significantly enlarged breasts may experience:

• Neck pain

• Shoulder pain

• Back discomfort

• Bra-strap pressure

• Skin irritation

• Difficulty exercising

• Functional limitations

Breast reduction can therefore have both functional and cosmetic benefits.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure intended to increase or restore breast volume.

Depending on the patient, it may involve:

• Breast implants

• Fat transfer in selected cases

• Other appropriate techniques

Patients considering implants should understand:

• Implant type

• Implant position

• Possible complications

• Future monitoring

• Possibility of revision surgery

Breast implants may require future assessment or replacement.

Breast Lift

A breast lift, or mastopexy, reshapes and elevates breast tissue and skin.

It may be considered for changes following:

• Pregnancy

• Weight loss

• Aging

• Breast asymmetry

A breast lift primarily changes shape and position rather than significantly increasing breast size.

Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia refers to enlargement of male breast glandular tissue.

Possible causes include:

• Hormonal changes

• Certain medicines

• Puberty

• Aging

• Some medical conditions

Further assessment may be appropriate when enlargement is:

• New

• One-sided

• Painful

• Associated with a firm lump

• Associated with nipple discharge

Gynecomastia Surgery

Selected patients with persistent gynecomastia may consider surgery.

Treatment may involve:

• Removal of glandular tissue

• Liposuction

• Combination treatment

The surgical approach depends on the amount of tissue, skin elasticity, and degree of enlargement.

Body Contouring

Body-contouring surgery may address:

• Excess skin

• Localized fat

• Tissue laxity

• Changes after major weight loss

• Changes following pregnancy

• Age-related body changes

Procedures may include:

• Abdominoplasty

• Liposuction

• Arm lift

• Thigh lift

• Other contouring procedures

Body-contouring surgery should not be considered a replacement for appropriate weight-management treatment.

Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, removes selected excess abdominal skin and may address weakened abdominal tissues where clinically appropriate.

It may be considered after:

• Pregnancy

• Significant weight loss

• Age-related changes

• Other abdominal contour changes

Abdominoplasty is different from weight-loss surgery.

Liposuction

Liposuction removes selected localized fat deposits using specialized surgical instruments.

Treatment areas may include:

• Abdomen

• Flanks

• Thighs

• Arms

• Chin

• Other selected areas

Liposuction is primarily a body-contouring procedure and is not a treatment for obesity.

Post-Weight-Loss Reconstruction

Substantial weight loss can leave excess loose skin around:

• Abdomen

• Arms

• Thighs

• Breasts

• Chest

This may cause:

• Skin irritation

• Hygiene difficulties

• Difficulty exercising

• Functional discomfort

Selected patients may be considered for staged body-contouring surgery.

Panniculectomy

A panniculectomy removes a hanging apron of excess abdominal skin and tissue.

It may be considered when excess tissue causes:

• Recurrent skin irritation

• Hygiene problems

• Functional limitations

• Other clinically significant concerns

Arm Lift

An arm lift may remove or reshape significant loose tissue from the upper arms.

It may be considered following major weight loss or age-related skin laxity.

The expected scars should be discussed before surgery.

Thigh Lift

A thigh lift may address significant loose or hanging skin involving the thighs.

Treatment planning considers the balance between:

• Improved contour

• Functional improvement

• Scar placement

• Surgical risk

Skin & Soft-Tissue Reconstruction

Plastic surgeons may provide reconstruction after removal of selected skin or soft-tissue abnormalities.

Techniques may include:

• Direct closure

• Skin grafting

• Local flap reconstruction

• Other reconstructive procedures

When cancer is involved, appropriate treatment of the disease remains the priority.

Congenital Reconstructive Surgery

Plastic surgery may help manage selected conditions present from birth.

These may include:

• Cleft lip

• Cleft palate

• Ear abnormalities

• Hand abnormalities

• Facial differences

• Other congenital soft-tissue conditions

Complex congenital reconstruction may require several specialties and multiple stages of treatment.

Cleft Lip & Palate

Cleft lip and cleft palate involve incomplete development of the lip and/or palate.

Treatment may require coordinated care involving:

• Plastic Surgery

• Pediatrics

• ENT

• Dental services

• Speech and Language Pathology

• Nutrition

• Other specialists

Availability of dedicated cleft surgery at AS Medical Complex should be confirmed according to hospital services.

Cosmetic Surgery Consultation

Cosmetic surgery should begin with a detailed medical and surgical consultation.

The consultation may review:

• Patient concerns

• Desired changes

• Medical history

• Previous surgery

• Current medications

• Smoking

• Allergies

• Previous cosmetic procedures

• Expectations

• Surgical risks

• Recovery requirements

A responsible consultation focuses on realistic results rather than guarantees.

Realistic Expectations

Plastic surgery cannot guarantee:

• Perfect symmetry

• Invisible scars

• An exact photographic result

• Identical results between patients

• Permanent prevention of aging

Results depend on:

• Anatomy

• Healing

• Skin quality

• Procedure

• General health

• Scar formation

• Postoperative care

Preoperative Assessment

Before surgery, the medical team may review:

• Medical history

• Previous operations

• Previous surgical complications

• Allergies

• Anesthesia history

• Current medications

• Blood-thinning medicines

• Diabetes

• Hypertension

• Heart disease

• Lung disease

• Kidney disease

• Smoking

Depending on the operation, investigations may include:

• Complete Blood Count

• Kidney-function tests

• Blood glucose

• Coagulation tests

• ECG

• Imaging

• Other relevant investigations

Smoking & Plastic Surgery

Smoking can negatively affect:

• Blood circulation

• Wound healing

• Tissue survival

• Scar healing

• Infection risk

• Surgical outcomes

This is particularly important for procedures involving skin grafts, flaps, breast surgery, body contouring, and major reconstruction.

Patients may be advised to stop smoking before and after surgery.

Diabetes & Plastic Surgery

Diabetes may influence:

• Wound healing

• Infection risk

• Blood circulation

• Recovery

Patients with diabetes may require careful blood-glucose management and medical optimization before elective surgery.

Medication Before Surgery

Patients should tell the surgical team about all:

• Prescription medicines

• Over-the-counter medicines

• Vitamins

• Herbal supplements

Some medicines may affect bleeding, anesthesia, blood pressure, blood sugar, or healing.

Patients should not independently stop important medication without medical advice.

Anesthesia for Plastic Surgery

Plastic-surgery procedures may use:

• Local anesthesia

• Local anesthesia with sedation

• Regional anesthesia

• General anesthesia

The appropriate method depends on the procedure, duration, surgical area, and patient’s overall health.

Surgical Risks

Every operation has potential risks.

Depending on the procedure, these may include:

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Hematoma

• Seroma

• Wound-healing problems

• Scarring

• Asymmetry

• Changes in sensation

• Nerve injury

• Blood clots

• Anesthesia complications

• Tissue loss

• Need for revision surgery

Procedure-specific risks should be discussed before treatment.

Informed Consent

Before surgery, patients should understand:

• Their diagnosis or concern

• The proposed operation

• Expected benefits

• Important limitations

• Potential risks

• Alternatives

• Expected scars

• Recovery requirements

• Possibility of additional surgery

Patients should have the opportunity to ask questions before making a decision.

Recovery After Plastic Surgery

Recovery varies according to the procedure.

Patients may temporarily experience:

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Discomfort

• Tightness

• Reduced movement

• Changes in sensation

Postoperative care may include:

• Dressings

• Medication

• Wound care

• Drain care

• Compression garments

• Activity restrictions

• Follow-up appointments

Wound Care After Surgery

Patients should follow specific instructions regarding:

• Dressing changes

• Showering

• Surgical tapes

• Sutures

• Scar care

• Activity

Contact the surgical team if there is:

• Increasing redness

• Significant swelling

• Pus

• Fever

• Wound separation

• Increasing pain

• Persistent drainage

Hematoma

A hematoma is a collection of blood within tissue.

Symptoms may include:

• Rapid swelling

• Increasing pain

• Tightness

• Bruising

• New asymmetry

A significant or rapidly expanding hematoma may require urgent surgical assessment.

Seroma

A seroma is a collection of clear fluid beneath the skin.

It may occur following selected:

• Breast procedures

• Abdominal surgery

• Body-contouring operations

Management depends on its size, symptoms, and the type of operation.

Blood Clot Prevention

Major surgery and reduced mobility can increase blood-clot risk in selected patients.

Preventive measures may include:

• Early mobilization

• Compression devices

• Medication where clinically indicated

• Other measures based on individual risk

Return to Activity

Return to work, driving, exercise, lifting, and sports depends on the procedure performed.

Patients should follow individualized instructions because internal tissues continue healing even when external wounds appear improved.

Revision Plastic Surgery

Revision surgery may be considered for:

• Scar problems

• Asymmetry

• Implant-related concerns

• Structural problems

• Functional problems

• Complications

• Changes over time

Revision procedures may be more complex because previous surgery can alter normal anatomy.

Multidisciplinary Plastic Surgery Care

Depending on the patient's condition, Plastic Surgery may coordinate care with:

• General Surgery

• Orthopedics

• Vascular Surgery

• ENT

• Ophthalmology

• Neurosurgery

• Gynecology

• Oncology

• Dermatology

• Pediatrics

• Infectious Disease

• Radiology

• Anesthesia

• Physiotherapy

• Speech and Language Pathology

• Psychology

• Other relevant specialties

This is particularly important for major trauma, burns, cancer reconstruction, complex wounds, congenital abnormalities, and hand injuries.

When Should You Visit a Plastic Surgeon?

You may consider plastic-surgery consultation if you have:

• A scar causing functional or cosmetic concern

• Burn scars

• Scar contracture

• Tissue loss after injury

• A complex wound

• A hand injury affecting function

• A congenital abnormality

• A reconstructive problem following surgery

• A defect after tumor removal

• A need for breast reconstruction

• Symptomatic enlarged breasts

• Gynecomastia

• Facial or nasal deformity

• A cosmetic concern requiring surgical assessment

• Excess skin after major weight loss

• A need for body-contouring assessment

• A complication after previous plastic surgery

• A need for a reconstructive or cosmetic second opinion

When Is Emergency Plastic Surgical Care Required?

Seek urgent or emergency medical attention for:

• Major burns

• Deep burns

• Electrical burns

• Chemical burns

• Burns involving the face or airway

• Severe hand trauma

• Major facial injuries

• Significant soft-tissue loss

• Heavy uncontrolled bleeding

• Rapidly expanding swelling after surgery

• Severe wound infection

• Black or dying tissue

• Sudden loss of blood supply to reconstructed tissue

• Significant breathing problems after facial or neck surgery

• Sudden chest pain or shortness of breath after surgery

• Severe postoperative deterioration

Emergency treatment should prioritize the patient’s life and vital functions before definitive reconstruction.

Long-Term Follow-Up

Some reconstructive and cosmetic procedures require ongoing follow-up.

Follow-up can help the surgeon:

• Monitor wound healing

• Assess scars

• Review reconstructed tissue

• Monitor implants where relevant

• Evaluate function

• Identify complications

• Coordinate rehabilitation

• Plan secondary procedures where required

At AS Medical Complex, our goal is to provide continuity of care from initial assessment and surgical planning through reconstructive or cosmetic treatment, recovery, rehabilitation, and long-term follow-up.