Reconstructive & cosmetic plastic surgery

We believe everyone deserves to feel comfortable and confident in their own skin. At Aurora, our innovative cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeons combine artistry and clinical excellence to help you achieve your goals.

Our board-certified physicians and medical team work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan to help enhance your natural beauty, improve your confidence and support your overall well-being. From cosmetic enhancements to reconstructive care, our team is here to guide you with compassion, expertise and attention to detail.

What is plastic surgery?

Plastic surgery includes the repair, reconstruction and enhancement of specific parts of your body. When plastic surgery is cosmetic, it’s used to change appearance through minimally invasive procedures or surgeries. Reconstructive surgeries focus on restoring functionality to body parts affected by birth defects, trauma, disease and more.

What are the different types of plastic surgery?

Plastic surgery is typically categorized as cosmetic surgery or reconstructive surgery. Sometimes people will have cosmetic surgery performed while going through reconstructive plastic surgery to consolidate recovery. This is especially common with breast cancer surgery where both mastectomy and breast reconstruction are performed.

Reconstructive plastic surgery

Reconstructive plastic surgery involves restoring body parts to normal functionality and appearance. It can also correct deformities created by congenital defects, injury or medical conditions such as cancer. Some examples include cleft lip repair, cleft palate repair, breast reconstruction following mastectomy, and burn injury surgery to reduce scarring and improve mobility.

The primary goal of reconstructive plastic surgery is to restore physical functionality to a normal baseline.

Cosmetic plastic surgery

Cosmetic surgery is performed to improve appearance. Often these procedures aren’t medically necessary, but they can enhance your appearance, improve your body image and increase your confidence. Cosmetic procedures include procedures such as facelifts, breast augmentation, liposuction and tummy tucks.

Cosmetic surgery & reconstructive surgery services

Head & face plastic surgery

Head and face plastic surgery includes treatment for soft tissue injuries, skin lesion excision (including Mohs surgery for skin cancer) and facial fractures. It also includes functional and cosmetic surgeries such as facelifts, eyelid procedures, eyebrow lifts and more.

Hand & wrist reconstruction

Hand and wrist reconstruction surgery can help if you suffer from arthritis or need trauma repair, nerve decompression or soft tissue reconstruction.

Lower extremity surgery

Limb preservation, chronic wound care and burn injury treatment are among the common lower extremity surgeries performed on hips, legs and feet.

Trunk surgery

Body contouring, abdominal wall reconstruction and pressure-sore management are among the common trunk surgeries performed on the central body including the chest, belly, back and pelvis.

Breast procedures

• Breast reconstruction
• Breast augmentation
• Breast implant removal
• Breast lift
• Breast reduction
• Breast asymmetry correction
• Male breast reduction (not offered at Aurora Medical Center – Burlington)
• Nipple & areola reconstruction
• Secondary breast revisions

Cosmetic surgeries

Injectables & skin treatments

• Botox
• Chemical peels
• Hospital-grade skincare products (vary by location)
• Injectables & fillers

Body contouring & lifts

• Body contouring
• Liposuction
• Lower body lift
• Post major weight loss surgery
• Post pregnancy cosmetic procedures (mommy makeover)
• Thigh & arm lift
• Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)

What is the process of plastic surgery?

While each plastic surgery procedure is different, they follow a similar process.

Before your procedure, you’ll meet with a plastic surgeon for a consultation to review your medical history, discuss your goals and create a plan for your procedure. Your surgeon will discuss any risks associated with your specific procedure.

After this consultation, you’ll start preparing for your plastic surgery by completing some basic bloodwork. You’ll also work with your surgeon and your health care provider to determine if you’ll need stop taking any medication prior to your surgery.

Your recovery time depends on your procedure. Typically, you’ll recover in a post-surgical area. This recovery period can be a couple of hours or even overnight depending on your procedure. You’ll then be sent home with detailed instructions for post-surgery recovery care and restrictions.

What are the risks of reconstructive plastic surgery?

Like any medical procedure, there are risks involved when it comes to cosmetic surgery and reconstructive plastic surgery, including:

• Abnormal scarring that can affect natural movements
• Blood clots
• Bleeding
• Bruising or redness
• Fluid buildup
• Infection
• Nerve damage
• Pain or irritation
• Separation at the incision site
• Small nodules or lumps (granulomas)

Each plastic surgery procedure carries its own specific risks. Your plastic surgeon will walk you through these specific risks before your procedure.

What are the benefits of plastic surgery?

Plastic surgery can provide many benefits such as:

• Improved mental health
• Improved mobility
• Improved quality of life
• Increased self-esteem and improved body image
• Restored functionality