Comprehensive Care for Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Conditions

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Conditions

At PACE Hospitals, we diagnose and treat a wide range of plastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgery conditions. To help patients easily find relevant treatments and procedures, our plastic & reconstructive surgery conditions are organized by reconstructive, cosmetic, trauma, burns, hand surgery, and post-cancer restoration specialties.

Facial Trauma

Soft tissue lacerations 

Soft tissue lacerations on the face, including areas such as the lips, cheeks, ear, nose, and eyelids, occur when the skin or mucous membranes are cut or torn. These injuries can result from accidents such as falls, car crashes, or sports-related incidents, as well as from physical altercations, animal bites, or even accidents involving glass. This causes visible cuts, bleeding, swelling, and bruising at the injury site, and in some cases, pain, making speaking, chewing, or blinking of nerves or muscles difficult. Treatment depends on the depth and extent of the wound. Small or superficial cuts may be treated with cleaning and simple suturing, while deeper or more complex lacerations often require plastic surgery to precisely repair tissues, reduce scarring, and restore function.

Facial bone fractures 

Facial bone fractures, including those of the lower jaw, upper jaw, zygoma (cheekbones), and Le Fort fractures (involving multiple bones), occur as a result of high-impact trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents, physical altercations, falls, or workplace accidents. Symptoms of these fractures include pain, tenderness, and swelling at the fracture site, visible deformities or asymmetry in the face, and difficulty with functions if fractures affect the jaw or oral cavity. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture. Some minor or non displaced fractures may be managed with observation, while many facial fractures require surgery to realign and stabilise the bones, restore facial symmetry, and prevent long term functional problems.

Complex facial injuries and avulsions 

These injuries are severe trauma that causes damage to the face, which includes the tearing away of skin, muscle, or bone. These injuries are typically caused by accidents, gunshot wounds, or assaults. Because these injuries are usually severe, reconstructive surgery is often required to restore both function and appearance, using techniques such as tissue flaps, skin grafts, and nerve repair to rebuild the lost tissue.

Hand & Upper Limb Trauma

Lacerations of wrist, hand, and fingers 

Lacerations are cuts or tears in the skin and underlying tissues caused by sharp objects such as knives, glass, or metal. These injuries can also occur due to falls, sports accidents, or workplace incidents. This can result in difficulty performing tasks that require hand movements, such as gripping objects, writing, or eating. Management depends on how deep and complex the injury is. Minor cuts may only need cleaning and simple stitches, while deeper lacerations involving tendons, nerves, or vessels often need surgical repair by a plastic surgeon to restore hand function and prevent complications.

Tendon, nerve, and vessel injuries 

These injuries occur when the tendons, nerves, or blood vessels in the hand or wrist are damaged due to trauma, such as deep cuts, crush injuries, or fractures. Tendon injuries impair movement, nerve damage can lead to numbness or loss of sensation, and blood vessel damage affects circulation. When tendons, nerves, or blood vessels are damaged, surgery is usually required to repair them, restore movement and sensation, and prevent permanent impairment, and ensure proper healing. This may involve tendon repair, nerve grafting, or vascular reconstruction to regain mobility and sensation.

Crush injuries of hand and forearm

Crush injuries to the hand and forearm occur when intense force or pressure is applied to these areas, often during industrial accidents, motor vehicle collisions, or heavy object impacts. These injuries can result in significant damage to the bones, muscles, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. In extreme cases, these injuries may lead to tissue necrosis or amputation. Most significant crush injuries need surgical treatment to remove dead tissue (debridement), reconstruct damaged structures, and repair blood vessels, which helps restore function and reduce the risk of infection.

Fingertip injuries and amputations 

These occur when the tip of a finger is severely injured or completely severed, often due to accidents with sharp tools, machinery, or accidents such as closing a door on a finger. These injuries can involve damage to the skin, bone, nerves, tendons, and blood vessels, depending on the severity of the injury. In many fingertip injuries, especially when there is tissue loss or amputation, surgical procedures are often required to reconstruct the fingertip, protect the bone, and preserve as much length and function as possible.

Glass cut injuries 

These kinds of injuries occur when a person comes into contact with broken glass, resulting in cuts and lacerations to the skin, and possibly deeper structures such as tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. These injuries are common in everyday accidents, especially in households, workplaces, or during traffic accidents. If the injury is deep enough, it can result in loss of function, reduced sensation, or impaired movement. Many glass cuts can be treated by thoroughly cleaning the wound and closing it with sutures, but deeper injuries involving tendons, nerves, or vessels may need surgical exploration and repair to restore full function.

Burns & Thermal Injuries

Thermal burns

These injuries are caused by exposure to high heat sources such as flames, hot liquids, oil, or steam. These burns can range from minor to severe depending on the temperature of the source and the duration of exposure. Thermal burns commonly occur due to fires, kitchen accidents, or industrial incidents. The severity of symptoms depends on the depth of the burn, which can damage the skin and deeper tissues, including muscles and bones, in extreme cases. Deeper or extensive burns often require wound debridement, skin grafting, and reconstruction of deeper tissu es by a plastic surgeon. Not all burns require surgery. Superficial and some partial thickness burns can often be treated with dressings, pain control, and careful wound care, while deeper or extensive burns usually need surgical debridement and skin grafting for proper healing.

Scalds 

Scalds are a type of thermal burn caused by exposure to hot liquids like water, tea, coffee, or food. They are typically caused by accidents in the kitchen or spills of hot beverages. Scalds affect the upper body and extremities, with symptoms ranging from mild redness and pain to more severe blistering and skin damage. The severity depends on the temperature of the liquid and the length of exposure. In more severe scalds, surgery may be needed to treat deep burns, prevent infection, and minimise scarring, especially when large areas are involved or joints are affected.

Chemical burns 

Chemical burns are caused by the exposure of the skin or mucous membranes to corrosive chemicals such as acids, industrial solvents, or alkalis substances. These burns can occur in household accidents, industries, or during chemical spills. Unlike thermal burns, the severity of a chemical burn depends on the concentration of the chemicals, duration of exposure, and pH. This type of burns can also affect internal organs if the substance is inhaled or ingested.

Electrical burns 

Electrical burns occur when a person comes in contact with an electric current. These burns can be caused by electrical appliances, high-voltage electrical wires, or lightning. Electrical burns can cause deep tissue damage that may not be visible immediately, but as the current can travel through the body, damages internal tissues and organs, in addition to burning the skin. Immediate treatment focuses on stabilizing the patient and preventing shock.

Pediatric burns 

Pediatric burns are burns sustained by infants and children, who are more susceptible to burns due to their smaller body size, thinner skin, and higher surface-area-to-body-weight ratio. Common causes include hot liquids, contact with hot objects, electrical burns, or fire-related accidents. The severity of symptoms can vary from mild redness and pain to more serious symptoms such as blistering, inflammation, and skin necrosis. In children with deeper or extensive burns, surgery plays a significant role in early wound care, debridement, skin grafting, and restoring mobility. Plastic surgery is particularly important to manage scarring and prevent functional impairments when burns affect the hands, face, or joints.

Burn contractures and scar deformities 

These are common complications of severe burns, where scar tissue forms and causes the skin to tighten and shorten, leading to restricted movement, especially around joints. These contractures can occur in any area of the body but are most common in the elbows, knees, and neck. Burn scar deformities can lead to visible scarring, disfigurement, and functional limitations, such as difficulty with walking, grasping objects, or facial expressions. Hypertrophic scars and keloid scars are common types of burn scar deformities. Plastic and reconstructive surgery is critical for scar revision, contracture release, and functional reconstruction. 

Foot & Lower Limb Injuries

Lacerations and soft tissue injuries 

Lacerations and soft tissue injuries of the lower limb involve damage to the skin, muscles, and surrounding tissues due to trauma such as accidents, falls, or sharp object injuries. These injuries may lead to tissue loss, irregular wounds, and exposure of deeper structures. Proper wound closure, tissue repair, and coverage are important to restore both function and appearance of the area. Plastic surgeons perform layered closure, skin grafts, and flap coverage to ensure optimal healing, prevent infection, and less scarring.

Degloving injuries 

Degloving injuries are severe soft tissue injuries in which the skin and underlying tissues are peeled away from the deeper structures, usually due to high impact trauma. These complex wounds often expose muscles, tendons, or bone and do not heal on their own. Plastic and reconstructive surgery uses techniques such as skin grafts, local or free flaps, and microvascular reconstruction to cover the defect, protect vital structures, and preserve limb function as much as possible.

Diabetic foot ulcers and non-healing wounds 

Diabetic foot ulcers are chronic wounds that occur due to poor blood supply and nerve damage diabetes patients. These wounds do not heal quickly and may worsen with time, resulting in infection or tissue loss. They frequently require sophisticated wound care, debridement, skin grafting, and flap coverage to aid recovery. Surgeons perform procedures called limb salvage, that prevent amputation and restore function by improving tissue coverage and blood supply.

Gangrene requiring reconstruction or amputation coverage 

Gangrene is the death of tissue caused by the loss of blood supply. It often occurs in severe infections, diabetes, or blood vessel diseases. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the affected part through amputation. Surgeries help cover the amputation stump, ensures proper healing, and prepares the limb for prosthetic use. Reconstructive methods like flap surgery provide strong and functional coverage, which helps reduce complications and enhances mobility.

Complex limb defects 

These defects involve tissue loss, which can impact skin, muscles, and sometimes bones, due to trauma, infection, or tumor removal. These defects do not heal on their own and need specialised reconstruction. They fall under plastic and reconstructive surgery because they require techniques like skin grafts, local or free flaps, and microvascular surgery to restore the structure and function of the limb. The goal is to preserve the limb, restore movement, and improve appearance

Nail & Minor Soft Tissue Conditions

Ingrown toenail 

An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. This can cause pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Treatment may involve lifting or trimming the nail, removing part of the nail edge, or in recurrent cases, permanently correcting the nail growth.

Paronychia 

Paronychia is an infection of the skin around the nail. It usually occurs after minor injury, nail biting, or poor nail care. The area becomes red, swollen, painful, and may contain pus. Early cases can be treated with warm soaks and antibiotics, while more severe infections may need drainage of pus.

Nail avulsion and nail bed injuries 

These injuries occurs when the nail is partially or completely torn off, often due to trauma like crush injuries. The underlying nail bed (the tissue that supports nail growth) may also be damaged. Treatment involves carefully cleaning the area, repairing the nail bed if needed, and sometimes replacing the nail or using a splint to guide proper regrowth.

Subungual hematoma 

This condition occurs when blood collects under the nail, usually from trauma like crushing the finger or toe, such as when a door injures it or a heavy object falls on it. This buildup of pressure causes intense pain, discoloration of the nail, and sometimes separation of the nail. This can disrupt daily activities like writing, typing, or walking, especially if the toes are affected. Properly draining the hematoma, checking for any damage to the nail bed, and keeping the nail structure intact are crucial. In more serious cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure, fix the nail bed, and avoid permanent nail deformity.

Nail lacerations 

Nail lacerations are cuts or tears that involve the nail and the nail bed underneath. They usually occur from sharp injuries, crush trauma, or accidents with machinery. These injuries can harm both the nail plate and the delicate nail bed, resulting in bleeding, pain, and uneven nail growth. This can make everyday tasks difficult, such as gripping objects, buttoning garments, or walking (when toenails are affected). Doctors often treat these injuries through plastic and reconstructive surgery because it is crucial to carefully repair the nail bed. This restoration promotes regular nail growth and appearance.

Wounds & Soft Tissue Defects

Chronic non-healing wounds 

Chronic non-healing wounds are wounds that do not heal within the normal time period, usually persisting for more than 4 to 6 weeks. These wounds commonly occur due to conditions such as diabetes, poor blood circulation, infection, or repeated trauma to the same area. Because of these factors, the natural healing process is impaired. Plastic and reconstructive surgery is important in such cases because these wounds often cannot close on their own. Surgical management involves removal of dead or infected tissue and procedures like skin grafting or flap coverage to promote healing, prevent infection, and restore the affected area.

Pressure sores (bedsores) 

Pressure sores, also known as bedsores, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissues caused by prolonged pressure, especially in patients who are bedridden or unable to move. They commonly develop over bony areas such as the back, hips, and heels. The main causes include immobility, poor nutrition, and reduced blood supply to the skin. As these sores progress, they can become deep wounds exposing muscle or bone. Plastic and reconstructive surgery is required in advanced cases to clean the wound and provide tissue coverage, which helps in healing, prevents further complications, and restores tissue integrity.

Traumatic skin loss 

Traumatic skin loss refers to the loss of skin and underlying soft tissue following injuries such as road accidents, machinery injuries, or severe trauma. This results in exposure of deeper structures like muscles, tendons, or bones, making natural healing difficult. Plastic and reconstructive surgery plays a crucial role in managing these injuries because large areas of skin loss cannot heal by themselves. Surgeons use techniques such as skin grafts or flap reconstruction to cover the defect, protect underlying tissues, and restore both function and appearance.

Complex wound infections 

These wound infections are severe infections involving deeper tissues that delay or prevent normal wound healing. These infections may arise from untreated wounds, contaminated injuries, diabetes, or weakened immunity. The affected area may have pus formation, tissue damage, and delayed healing. Plastic and reconstructive surgery is necessary to manage these wounds by removing infected and dead tissue and providing healthy tissue coverage. This helps control the infection, promotes healing, and prevents further tissue loss or serious complications.

Facial & Body Soft Tissue Injuries

Dog bites and animal bites 

These are injuries caused by the teeth of animals, leading to damage to the skin and underlying tissues. These injuries can be minor cuts to deep wounds, which can involve muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. They are commonly caused by stray or domestic animals, especially in unprovoked or accidental encounters. These wounds have a high risk of infection due to bacteria present in animal saliva and may also cause tissue loss or irregular wounds. Plastic and reconstructive surgery is done to properly clean the wound, remove damaged tissue, and repair it in a way that restores both function and appearance.

Assault injuries 

Assault injuries are caused by physical violence using sharp objects like knives or axes, or blunt force such as sticks or punches. These injuries can result in deep cuts, crushing of tissues, or damage to underlying structures like muscles, bones, and nerves. These injuries require careful repair to restore both function and appearance.

Skin lesion

Skin lesions are abnormal growths or changes in the skin, such as moles, cysts, lipomas, or tumors, which can be benign or malignant. They may develop due to factors like aging, sun exposure, infections, or genetic causes. Some lesions may increase in size, change in color, or cause discomfort, and in certain cases may become cancerous. The removal of these lesions, especially when they are large, located on visible areas like the face, or require careful reconstruction after removal. Surgery ensures safe removal of the lesion and restores the normal appearance of the skin with minimal scarring.

Congenital (Birth) Deformities

Cleft lip and cleft palate 

These are birth deformities where there is a gap or split in the upper lip or roof of the mouth present at birth. These usually occur due to failure of facial structures to fuse properly during fetal development. Children with this condition may have difficulty in feeding, speech, and normal facial development. Surgery is important to close the defect, improve feeding and speech, and restore normal facial appearance.

Craniofacial anomalies 

Craniofacial anomalies are a group of congenital conditions, that affect the bones and soft tissues of the skull and face, leading to abnormal shape or structure. These may be caused by genetic factors or developmental disturbances during pregnancy. Such conditions can affect breathing, vision, brain development, and facial symmetry. Plastic and reconstructive surgery is required to correct the deformity, improve function, and achieve a more normal appearance. These cases often need staged surgeries as the child grows.

Syndactyly (fused fingers/toes) 

Syndactyly is a congenital condition where a baby is born with two or more fused or webbed fingers or toes. It is usually caused by genetic factors or developmental abnormalities. This condition can limit movement and affect hand or foot function, especially when fingers are involved. Surgery is done to separate the fused digits, which allows better movement, function, and more improved appearance.

Polydactyly (extra digits) 

Polydactyly is a congenital condition in which a person is born with extra fingers or toes. It occurs due to abnormal development during fetal growth and can also be influenced by genetic factors. The extra digit may be small or fully formed and can interfere with normal hand or foot function. Plastic and reconstructive surgery is performed to remove the extra digit and reconstruct the area to ensure proper function and a normal appearance.

Ear and nasal deformities 

Ear and nasal deformities are congenital abnormalities affecting the shape, size, or structure of the ears or nose, present from birth. These may be caused by genetic factors or developmental problems during pregnancy. Such deformities can lead to functional problems such as hearing difficulty (in ear deformities) or breathing issues (in nasal deformities), along with cosmetic concerns. Through surgical correction of shape and structure, improving function, and restoring a normal appearance, these goals can be achieved.

Reconstructive Surgery (Post Disease / Cancer)

Post-tumor resection reconstruction refers to the surgical repair of defects created after removal of a tumor. When tumors are excised, especially large or deep ones, they can leave behind loss of skin, soft tissue, or even bone. These defects may affect both appearance and function depending on the location. Surgery is required to restore the lost tissue, cover the defect, and improve both function and cosmetic outcome.

Head and Neck Cancer Defects

Head and neck cancer defects occur after surgical removal of cancers involving areas such as the mouth, jaw, tongue, throat, or face. These defects can result in difficulty in speaking, swallowing, breathing, and facial disfigurement. Surgery plays a crucial role in restoring these functions and improving appearance.

Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy

Breast reconstruction is performed after mastectomy, which is the removal of the breast due to cancer. The loss of the breast can affect both physical appearance and psychological well-being. Reconstructive surgery helps in recreating the breast shape using implants or the patient’s own tissue. Which improves body image, confidence, and overall quality of life after cancer treatment.

Scar & Skin Deformities

Hypertrophic Scars

These are thick, raised scars that develop at the site of a healed wound due to excessive collagen formation. They usually form after burns, injuries, or surgical wounds. These scars remain confined to the original wound area but may cause itching, pain, and restriction of movement if located near joints. Surgery is needed when the scar affects function or appearance.

Keloids

They are overgrown, raised scars that extend beyond the boundaries of the original wound. They are caused by an abnormal healing response, that is influenced by genetic factors, and can occur even after minor injuries (like cuts, acne, or piercings). This may cause itching, discomfort, and cosmetic concerns. Surgery helps to reduce the size of the keloid and improve appearance, often combined with other treatments to prevent recurrence.

Burn Contractures

Burn contractures happen when scar tissue from burns tightens the skin. This leads to restricted movement around joints, like the neck, hands, or limbs. They are caused by deep burns that heal with heavy scarring. This tightening can make it hard to do everyday tasks such as bending, walking, or using the hands. Doctors perform plastic and reconstructive surgery to remove the tight scar tissue and improve movement.

Hand Elective & Functional Conditions

Carpal tunnel syndrome 

This is a problem caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist, leading to issues in the hand. It commonly occurs due to repetitive hand movements, prolonged wrist strain, or conditions such as diabetes and arthritis. Patients generally experience numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hand, making it difficult to perform activities such as gripping objects, writing, or typing. Plastic and reconstructive surgery is required in severe cases to relieve the pressure on the nerve, restore hand function, and prevent permanent nerve damage.

Trigger finger 

This is a condition in which a finger gets stuck in a bent position and then suddenly straightens with a snap, due to inflammation of the tendon. It is caused by repetitive use, strain, or underlying conditions. This condition makes it difficult to perform activities like holding objects, gripping, or straightening the finger smoothly. Plastic and reconstructive surgery is needed when conservative treatment fails, to release the tight tendon sheath. Surgery allows smooth movement of the finger and restoring normal function.

Dupuytren’s contracture 

It is a condition where the tissue under the skin of the palm thickens and tightens, causing the fingers (usually ring and little finger) to bend towards the palm. It is associated with genetic factors and age-related changes. This condition slowly cause difficulty in straightening the fingers, which hence affects daily activities. Plastic and reconstructive surgery is required to remove or release the tightened tissue, helping to restore finger movement and improve hand function.

Tendon adhesions and stiffness 

Tendon adhesions happen when scar tissue forms around tendons after injury or surgery, which restricts smooth movement. This leads to stiffness and reduced mobility of the fingers or hand. It is usually caused by previous trauma, surgery, or prolonged immobilisation. Patients may find it difficult to bend or straighten their fingers properly, affecting daily tasks. Surgery may be required to release the adhesions, restore tendon movement, and improve overall hand function.

Aesthetic (Cosmetic) Surgery Procedures

Nose reshaping 

Nose reshaping is a cosmetic condition where the shape or size of the nose is altered due to congenital deformity, injury, or a person's aesthetic concerns. Some individuals may have breathing difficulty due to structural problems, that's why they opt for this. This can affect facial appearance and confidence. Surgery is performed to reshape the nose, improve symmetry, and correct functional issues like breathing, thereby enhancing both appearance and function.

Facelift (surgical lifting of the face) 

Facial aging leads to sagging skin, wrinkles, and loss of facial firmness due to aging, sun exposure, and loss of skin elasticity. This can affect appearance and self-confidence. Plastic surgery is done to tighten the skin and underlying tissues, giving a more youthful appearance and improving facial contour.

Lip and facial cosmetic corrections (including lip augmentation, chin surgery) 

These conditions involve irregular shape, size, or asymmetry of lips and facial features concerns, which may be present from birth or can also develop while aging. They can affect facial balance and appearance. Plastic surgery helps by reshaping or enhancing these structures (such as lip augmentation or chin correction) to improve facial harmony and overall appearance.

Scar improvement procedures (including scar revision, laser treatment) 

Scars that are becoming prominent, thick, or cosmetically noticeable after injuries, burns, or surgeries. Some scars may also restrict movement. Plastic and reconstructive surgery is used to reduce the visibility of scars and improve skin appearance, using techniques like scar revision or laser treatment, thereby improving both function and cosmetic outcome.

Gynecomastia (Male Breast)

Gynecomastia or male breast is an increase in the amount of breast gland tissue in boys or men. This usually due to hormonal imbalance, obesity, or certain medications. This can cause discomfort and psychological distress. Plastic surgery is performed to remove excess breast tissue and fat, restoring a normal chest contour and improving confidence.

Accessory Breast

Accessory breast (polymastia) is a harmless, congenital condition where extra breast tissue develops outside the normal breast area. It may cause discomfort or cosmetic concern. Plastic surgery is required to remove the extra tissue, and improving appearance and comfort.

Wrinkles

Wrinkles are lines and folds in the skin that occur due to aging, sun exposure, and loss of skin elasticity. This is commonly caused due to aging. Wrinkles mainly affect the face and can impact appearance. Plastic surgery treatments help to reduce wrinkles and improve skin smoothness, enhancing a more youthful look.

Important note: While cosmetic procedures can significantly improve appearance and confidence, all surgeries and minimally invasive treatments carry potential risks, such as bleeding, infection, scarring, changes in sensation, or the need for revision. A qualified plastic surgeon will discuss benefits, risks, and realistic expectations before planning any procedure.

Why choose PACE Hospitals?