Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive Procedures

People who need reconstructive plastic surgery travel from Missoula and Helena to our Kalispell practice because of our board-certified plastic surgeons’ reputation for producing excellent results in even the most difficult cases. When performed by experienced surgeons such as Dr. Michelle Spring or Dr. Michael Hromadka, reconstructive plastic surgery restores both form and function or corrects concerns created by congenital issues, trauma, or medical conditions such as cancer.

Cosmetic vs. Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

Even though the reasons people may seek reconstructive surgery differ from those of cosmetic plastic surgery patients, the 2 types of plastic surgery share many of the same goals. Dr. Spring and Dr. Hromadka always seek to produce the best cosmetic results possible when performing reconstructive procedures.

Both of our surgeons discuss the procedures with patients during consultations and describe the potential results to ensure that patients’ expectations match possible outcomes.

Reconstructive Procedure Options

Reconstructive plastic surgery covers a wide range of operations and requires surgeons with the experience and specialized training necessary to perform these demanding and highly skilled procedures. Dr. Spring and Dr. Hromadka perform the following reconstructive plastic surgery procedures in Kalispell:

Cleft lip and palate: Approximately 7,000 children are born with a cleft lip and/or palate each year in the U.S., according to the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA). Surgery to repair a cleft lip and cleft palate is one of the most common reconstructive procedures performed by plastic surgeons around the world, and it is usually initiated when a child is 6 to 18 months old. Children this age heal more quickly and typically won’t remember the procedure as they get older.
Breast reconstruction: Reconstructive breast surgery following mastectomy is an option that many women diagnosed with breast cancer choose. Breast reconstruction uses breast implants or creates a breast skin flap with tissue taken from other parts of the body, such as the back, abdomen, or buttocks. Patients will discuss the timing and type of surgery that is right for them with their team of providers.
Gender Confirmation: Surgical options for transgender or gender-nonconforming patients comprise a wide range of techniques that involve a multi-disciplinary team, including board-certified plastic surgeons. Our surgeons perform gender confirmation procedures such as transfeminine top surgery, transfeminine bottom surgery, facial masculinization surgery, transmasculine top surgery, and transmasculine bottom surgery.
Facial Trauma: Facial plastic surgery following an injury caused by a car accident, physical violence, or some other incident often restores a patient’s confidence in their appearance. Advanced microsurgery techniques along with procedures to repair soft tissue injuries are used in most procedures. Plastic surgery can also restore function for cases involving fractured facial bones.
Scar Revision: Scars can cause people to feel self-conscious about their appearance as well as impede function. Since there are many types of scars, scar revision procedures vary and may involve topical treatments, minimally invasive procedures, or surgical revision using advanced wound closure techniques.
Burn treatment: Surgery for burn victims include both acute and reconstructive procedures. Acute surgery is performed immediately after a person suffers burns. Reconstructive plastic surgery for burns improves basic functions and makes scars less noticeable. Because burn scars can limit the normal motion of the neck, shoulder, hands, or legs, surgery helps restore those functions.
Soft Tissue Masses: Soft tissue reconstruction after removing tumors is complicated and requires a plastic surgeon’s technical expertise and experience.

If you’re in Helena, Missoula, or elsewhere in Montana and researching plastic surgeons for reconstructive plastic surgery, contact our Kalispell office at (406) 756-2241 for more information or request a consultation using the online form.