Plastic Surgery

Plastic Surgery: What It Is and How It Works

Choosing a plastic surgeon is an important decision. Whether considering cosmetic surgery or in need of reconstructive surgery, selecting the best surgeon to address your needs is a very personal choice. Brown University Health’s plastic surgery physicians are experts in their specialty areas and provide a large variety of surgical options for patients. The plastic surgery team takes a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing, evaluating, and ensuring a treatment plan that fully addresses your needs. By collaborating across specialties, physicians deliver a thorough, well-rounded approach to your care.

Whether complex hand or wrist surgery, microvascular reconstruction, craniofacial reconstruction or aesthetic enhancement of the face and body, our team of surgeons guide patients through every step of the process.

What Is Plastic Surgery?

Plastic surgery is a broad field that involves the diagnosis and treatment of cosmetic and functional issues of the face, body, and extremities resulting from trauma, cancer, birth, aging and more.

What Are the Types of Plastic Surgery?

Aesthetic Surgery

Aesthetic (cosmetic) surgery involves the enhancement of the face, breast and body and is performed to improve one’s appearance.

Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women.  Breast reconstruction after lumpectomy or mastectomy is part of the treatment plan for some patients.  Each patient’s reconstruction plan can be as unique as their individual cancer.

Craniofacial Surgery

Our craniofacial team helps address craniofacial differences including craniosynostosis, cleft lip and palate, facial trauma, and conditions of the face and skull.

Gender Affirmation Surgery

Gender affirmation care involves a multidisciplinary approach to help a patient’s physical body match their gender identity.  Our team is here to offer support and guidance during the transition process. 

General Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive plastic surgery involves solving complex problems that result from burn, trauma, and cancer.  Using grafts, flaps, and complex surgical techniques, we are able to address even the most challenging surgical problems.

Hand Surgery

The ability to meaningfully use our upper extremities is important to many aspects of everyday life.  Our hand surgeons can address functional issues of the hand and wrist, such as arthritis, nerve compression, tendon injuries, and fractures.

Pediatric Plastic Surgery

Our pediatric plastic surgery team treats unique and varied conditions that affect children, such as tumors, vascular malformations, and scars.