Reconstructive Surgery
We are focused on restoring both your appearance and your quality of life.
Rebuild confidence and function with reconstructive surgery
Why choose Intermountain?
- Fellowship-trained, board-certified reconstructive plastic surgeons
- Proven expertise in breast, hand, facial, and trauma-related surgeries
- Access to advanced microsurgical techniques and wound care
What to expect
- A multidisciplinary care team that includes surgeons, oncologists, and therapists
- A customized plan to ensure physical function and aesthetic outcome
- Expert guidance from consultation through full recovery
- Insurance coordination and patient navigation for complex procedures
Breast reconstruction
Learn more about our breast reconstruction and reduction services.
Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure to take out breast implants, often due to personal preference, complications (e.g., rupture, capsular contracture), or medical concerns. It can be performed with or without a lift or reconstruction.
Good candidates
- Individuals experiencing discomfort, aesthetic changes, or implant-related complications. Also appropriate for those who no longer want implants.
Post-surgery expectations
- Recovery includes bruising and swelling for a few weeks. Some may opt for reshaping or a lift during the same procedure to maintain breast contour.
FAQs
- Can I get new implants later? Yes, implant replacement or reconstruction is an option.
- Will my breasts return to their original shape? That depends on implant size, duration, and skin elasticity.
Breast reconstruction restores breast shape after mastectomy or lumpectomy using implants, natural tissue (such as DIEP flaps), or a combination. It can be performed immediately or delayed.
Good candidates
- Individuals undergoing or who have completed breast cancer surgery, or those with a genetic predisposition who undergo preventive mastectomy.
Post-surgery expectations
- Recovery depends on the technique. Implant reconstruction typically requires a shorter healing time; tissue-based options may involve longer recovery but offer more natural results.
FAQs
- Do I have to reconstruct right away? No—reconstruction can be immediate or delayed.
- Is it covered by insurance? Yes, under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act.
Breast reduction reduces the size and weight of large breasts, relieving neck, back, and shoulder pain while improving body proportion and physical comfort.
Good candidates
- Patients with physical discomfort, posture issues, or lifestyle limitations due to overly large breasts.
Post-surgery expectations
- You’ll experience swelling and bruising, with most returning to normal activity within 2–3 weeks. Final results take several months to settle.
FAQs
- Will it affect breastfeeding? It can, depending on the extent and technique used.
- Is it purely cosmetic? No—it often improves physical health and quality of life.
Additional reconstruction services
Learn more about reconstructive options and how we can help you regain form and function.
Giant nevi removal is the surgical removal of large, pigmented birthmarks (nevi) that may carry a risk of becoming cancerous or cause emotional/social distress.
Good candidates
Children or adults with large nevi, particularly if located in visible areas or changing in appearance.
Post-surgery expectations
May require multiple procedures and tissue expansion. Healing varies by size and depth of removal.
FAQs
- Is removal always necessary? Not always—monitoring is an option unless there’s cancer risk or psychosocial concern.
- Will the scar be noticeable? Scarring depends on size and surgical method but typically improves over time.
Hand surgery combines elements of orthopedic and plastic surgery to restore strength, flexibility, and function after injury, congenital differences, or chronic conditions. It may address fractures, tendon injuries, nerve damage, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and Dupuytren’s contracture.
Good candidates
- Anyone experiencing pain, numbness, weakness, deformity, or limited hand/arm movement due to trauma, overuse, or congenital issues.
Post-surgery expectations
- Depending on the procedure, recovery may involve splinting, physical therapy, and temporary limits on hand use. Outcomes typically include improved motion, strength, and pain reduction.
FAQs
- Will I need physical therapy? In most cases, yes—therapy is key for regaining function.
- Can you treat nerve pain or tingling? Yes, procedures like nerve decompression can relieve symptoms.
Lymphedema surgery aims to reduce swelling and improve lymphatic function. Options include lymphovenous bypass, vascularized lymph node transfer, and debulking procedures for advanced cases.
Good candidates
Patients with chronic swelling in the arms or legs following cancer treatment, surgery, or trauma, particularly when non-surgical methods aren’t effective.
Post-surgery expectations
Swelling reduction may be gradual. Compression garments and therapy are typically still recommended post-op to maintain results.
FAQs
- Is surgery a cure for lymphedema? It’s not a cure but can greatly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
- How soon will I see results? Some patients see changes within weeks, but full results may take months.
Orthognathic surgery realigns the jaws to improve facial symmetry, bite function, and airway health. It’s often part of a treatment plan involving orthodontics.
Good candidates
People with misaligned jaws, bite issues (overbite, underbite), obstructive sleep apnea, or significant facial asymmetry that affects function or appearance.
Post-surgery expectations
Recovery includes swelling, soft foods, and limited talking initially. Most people return to normal activities within 4–6 weeks, with final healing over several months.
FAQs
- Will I need braces too? Yes, orthodontics is usually part of the treatment before and after surgery.
- Is it painful? Discomfort is expected but well-managed with medication.
A panniculectomy removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen, typically after significant weight loss. Unlike a tummy tuck, it does not tighten muscles.
Good candidates
- People who’ve lost substantial weight and have excess, overhanging skin that causes irritation, hygiene issues, or physical limitations.
Post-surgery expectations
- Expect bruising, swelling, and a temporary drain. Most return to work in 2–3 weeks. Results are often dramatic and long-lasting with stable weight.
FAQs
- Is it cosmetic or medically necessary? It may be considered medically necessary if it causes chronic skin conditions.
- Will insurance cover it? Sometimes—documentation of related health issues helps.
Scar revision minimizes the appearance of scars from surgery, trauma, burns, or acne. Techniques vary and include surgical excision, laser therapy, steroid injections, or dermabrasion.
Good candidates
- Anyone with raised, discolored, or uncomfortable scars that are aesthetically or functionally bothersome.
Post-surgery expectations
- Healing varies, but scars typically fade over time. You may need multiple treatments depending on the scar type and location.
FAQs
- Will my scar go away completely? No scar can be erased completely, but appearance can be significantly improved.
- How soon after injury can I get scar revision? Ideally after the scar has matured—often 6–12 months post-injury.
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated septum—the wall between the nostrils that can block airflow when misaligned. This procedure straightens the nasal septum to improve breathing, reduce congestion, and support overall nasal function. It may also be done in conjunction with cosmetic procedures like rhinoplasty.
Good candidates
Those experiencing chronic nasal congestion, frequent sinus infections, difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils, or sleep disturbances due to nasal blockage.
Post-surgery expectations
Mild swelling, congestion, or pressure is common initially. Most patients can return to light activity within a week and resume normal breathing within a few weeks.
FAQs
- Will it change how my nose looks? No—unless combined with rhinoplasty, septoplasty focuses on internal correction.
- Is the recovery painful? Most people report minimal discomfort, usually managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
After the removal of skin cancer (e.g., basal cell, squamous cell, melanoma), reconstructive surgery helps repair and restore the treated area. Reconstruction may involve skin grafts, flaps, or advanced microsurgery to preserve appearance and function—especially in visible or delicate areas like the face, ears, or hands.
Good candidates
- Anyone undergoing skin cancer excision who wants to optimize cosmetic outcomes or prevent distortion in sensitive or high-movement areas.
Post-surgery expectations
- Healing time varies by the technique used. Expect initial swelling, bruising, and minor scarring, which often improves significantly over time.
FAQs
- Will I be left with a scar? Some scarring is expected, but plastic surgeons aim to minimize and conceal it.
- Can reconstruction happen at the same time as removal? Often yes, but sometimes it’s staged depending on pathology results and treatment goals.
Tissue expansion is a reconstructive technique used to “grow” extra skin by inserting an expander under the skin and gradually filling it with saline over time. This creates additional tissue that can later be used to repair or reconstruct areas following trauma, burns, or surgery.
Good candidates
- Patients who need additional skin coverage in areas such as the scalp, face, breast, or limbs, particularly when matching texture, tone, or thickness is important.
Post-surgery expectations
- The expansion phase may last several weeks, followed by a second surgery to remove the expander and complete reconstruction. Some discomfort and tightness are normal during the expansion process.
FAQs
- Is tissue expansion noticeable? Yes, the bulge is visible during expansion, but it's temporary and usually concealed with clothing.
- Is this used only for breast reconstruction? No—it's also common in pediatric reconstruction, scalp repairs, and post-trauma skin repair.
Could cosmetic surgery be right for you?
Cosmetic plastic surgery enhances a person’s appearance, focusing on aesthetics and personal goals. Whether it's facial rejuvenation, body contouring, or breast augmentation, these procedures help individuals feel more confident and improve their self-image, often with minimal downtime and lasting results.