Reconstructive Surgery Procedures at the Medical College of Wisconsin

Body contouring after major weight loss improves the shape and tone of underlying tissue and removes excess sagging fat and skin. Procedures may include abdominoplasty or panniculectomy, lower body lift, thigh lift, breast lift or reduction, and brachioplasty. Occasionally, one or more of these procedures may be covered by insurance if deemed medically necessary. See descriptions of each procedure under the cosmetic surgery procedures section. Learn more about body contouring after bariatric surgery.

Also known as reduction mammaplasty, a breast reduction removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body and to alleviate the discomfort associated with overly large breasts. The procedure is usually outpatient, lasts 2-3 hours, and is performed under general anesthesia. Side effects may include temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness, and/or a burning sensation. Risks of surgery can include infection, bleeding, fluid collections, asymmetry, and/or excessive scarring. Patients are usually able to return to work after 2-3 weeks, but should refrain from strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks. Reduction mammaplasty is occasionally covered by insurance if the procedure is deemed to be medically necessary. Learn more about breast reductions.

Hyperhidrosis is a condition that results is excessive sweating, most commonly from the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and under the arms. It typically begins in childhood or adolescence and is often associated with emotional distress. There are several treatment options, including prescription strength medications, injections, and surgical procedures. Plans are individualized and depend on the severity and location of a patient’s symptoms. Dr. David Larson is a member of the International Hyperhidrosis Society. Learn more about Hyperhidrosis.

Most skin cancers, whether they are basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, melanomas, or other types of cancers, are removed surgically. If the cancer is small, the wound left behind generally heals without difficulty. However, when the cancer is large, or in a difficult location on the body, surgical excision can leave behind a large scar or a permanent change in a body structure. In these cases, a plastic surgeon is an important resource and can offer different reconstructive techniques—from simple scar revision to a transfer of tissue—to restore most patients to acceptable appearance and function. Learn more about melanoma and skin cancer surgery.

Scarring is an individual and unpredictable process. Many variables can affect the severity of scarring, including the size and depth of the wound, the blood supply to the area, the thickness and color of your skin, and the direction of the scar. While no scar can be completely removed, our surgeons can often improve the appearance of a scar, making it less obvious through the injection or application of certain steroid medications, use of laser, or through surgical procedures known as scar revisions. The type of procedure performed depends on each patient’s history and type of scar. Learn more about scar revision.

Our surgeons offer a variety of options for wound repair, from wound care clinics to skin grafting, to pedicle and free flap repair. Every circumstance is different, and plans are individualized to give optimal results.