Plastic Surgery comes from the greek word “plastikos,” which means to shape or mold. The field of plastic surgery is involved in restoring the shape and function of the human body.
We bring back, refashion and restore to wholeness the
Features which nature gave but chance destroyed,
Not so much that they may charm the eye
But that they may be an advantage to the living soul . . .
The end for which the physician is working is that
The features should fulfill their offices according to nature’s decree…"
Gaspare Tagliocozzi, 1597
De Curtorum Chirurgia per Insitionem
Plastic surgeons perform a broad range of procedures both cosmetic and reconstructive. Reconstructive procedures include those for the breast, head and neck, chest wall/thorax, abdomen, pelvis, genital and extremity.
Our Team
The Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Team at the Stanford Cancer Center is comprised of a group of surgeons trained in all areas of reconstructive surgery. We are committed to providing our patients the highest quality of care.
List of Surgeons
- Dr. Gordon Lee – Aesthetic & reconstructive breast surgery, microsurgery, head & neck reconstruction, chest wall/thorax, cosmetic surgery, extremity, body contouring, genital & pelvic reconstruction and complex wounds.
- Dr. Geoffrey Gurtner – Aesthetic & reconstructive breast surgery, microsurgery, cosmetic surgery and complex wounds
- Dr. James Chang – Hand/microsurgery, pediatric hand surgery, extremity trauma, brachial plexus and head & neck reconstruction.
- Dr. David Kahn – Aesthetic & reconstructive breast surgery, cosmetic surgery and body contouring.
- Dr. Sabine Girod – Oral surgeon, dental rehabilitation, TMJ/ jaw reconstruction and facial trauma.
- Dr. Vincent R. Hentz – Hand/microsurgery, congenital hand anomalies, brachial plexus and head & neck reconstruction.
- Dr. Peter Lorenz – Craniofacial and pediatric surgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, pelvic reconstruction, complex wounds, facial trauma and cosmetic surgery.
- Dr. Stephen Schendel – Craniofacial and pediatric surgery, jaw surgery, facial trauma and cosmetic surgery.
Areas
Chest Wall/Trunk
Problems of the chest wall or trunk may occur from a variety of causes, such as tumors, traumatic injuries, or infections after open heart surgery. Reconstructive surgery in this part of the body is meant to stabilize the rib cage or sternum, and to provide healthy tissue covering over crticial structures like the heart and lung. Depending upon the specific circumstance, this may mean using synthetic mesh, or alternative biomaterial, and then covering it with vascularized tissue that is transferred from another part of the body.
Abdominal Wall
Problems of the abdominal wall may be due to trauma, tumors, hernias, etc. Occassionally, reconstructive surgery may be required to restore the integrity of the abdominal wall fascia, muscle, or skin. This may include using synthetic mesh, or transferring vascularized tissue from another part of the body. At the Stanford Cancer Center, we are using the latest biomaterials to reconstruct the abdominal wall.
Pelvis
Tumors of the pelvis, rectum, peri-anal region, or perineum may lead to a significant defect after surgical removal. Reconstructive surgery in this part of the body often involves mobilizing tissue from the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, and transferring it to the area of deficiency. Synthetic mesh or other biomaterial is often used to reinforce this area and prevent hernias from developing.
Genital
Genital defects may occur from cancer, traumatic injuries, or congenital anomalies. There are methods to reconstruct the penis or vagina using a variety of surgical techniques. This may involve using tissues from the arm, abdomen, or thighs. Often the surgery is performed together with a urologist or gynecologist.
Extremity
Defects of the upper or lower extremities may occur from a variety of causes, such as trauma, congenital anomalies or cancer. Reconstructive surgery is meant to restore the form and function of the affected limb. Often, tissue is transferred from one part of the body to another.