Reconstructive plastic surgery at Baltic American Clinic in Vilnius aims to restore the integrity, shape and function of tissues after injuries, illnesses, burns, cancer treatment or previous operations. Our plastic and reconstructive surgeons advise on scar revision, surgical removal of skin and subcutaneous lumps, breast reconstruction, and diseases and the after-effects of injuries of the hand and wrist. The treatment method is chosen individually, after assessing the condition of the tissues, functional problems, the patient’s health and the expected benefit of the operation.
Surgical treatment is planned to restore the integrity and function of damaged tissues or to improve their condition.
We assess problems with the nerves, tendons and other tissues of the hand that may limit everyday activities.
According to indications, we perform scar revision, removal of skin and subcutaneous lumps and tissue reconstruction.
We take into account previous treatment, the extent of tissue damage, functional needs and healing potential.
Book a consultation with a plastic surgeon – the doctor will assess the options for reconstructive treatment and decide whether an operation is needed.
When may reconstructive plastic surgery be needed?
Reconstructive treatment is considered when the structure, shape or function of tissues has changed because of an illness, injury or previous operation.
- Post-operative and post-traumatic scars. The scars cause pain, tightness, limited movement or other discomfort.
- Tissue defects. Soft tissue needs to be restored after injuries or operations.
- Need for breast reconstruction. Options for restoration are being considered after removal of the breast or other operations.
- Skin tumours. After a lump has been removed, reconstruction of the surrounding tissues may be needed.
- Skin and subcutaneous lumps. Lipomas, cysts or other lumps cause symptoms or need to be examined surgically.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome. Numbness or tingling in the fingers or weakness of the hand related to compression of a nerve.
- Trigger finger. A finger clicks painfully, gets stuck or its movement is impaired.
- Dupuytren’s contracture. Straightening of the fingers becomes gradually limited.
- Ganglion of the wrist or hand. The lump causes pain or limits function.
- After-effects of hand injuries. Limited movement or signs of tendon or nerve damage remain.
- Congenital or acquired tissue changes. An individual assessment of restoring shape or function is needed.
An operation is not necessary in every case. The doctor assesses the options for conservative treatment, the indications for surgery and the expected benefit.
Breast reconstructive surgery
Breast reconstruction after cancer treatment
Breast reconstruction may be considered after a mastectomy or other operations to remove breast tissue.
The aim of reconstruction is to restore the shape of the breast and, as far as possible, the proportions of the body.
Depending on the patient’s health, previous treatment and the condition of the tissues, implants or the patient’s own tissues may be used for reconstruction.
The treatment plan is drawn up individually, in cooperation with the specialists providing cancer treatment where needed.
Correction of breast asymmetry and deformities
Reconstructive surgery may be considered for congenital breast changes or for deformities that have developed after injuries and previous operations.
The surgical method depends on the lack of tissue, changes in shape, previous scars and other anatomical factors.
Reconstruction of scars and soft tissues
Revision of post-operative scars
Scars formed after surgical operations may be wide, raised or sunken, or may cause tightness of the tissues.
Surgical revision may be considered when a scar causes functional or significant cosmetic discomfort.
The choice of method depends on the maturity, size and location of the scar and the condition of the surrounding tissues.
Revision of post-traumatic and burn scars
After injuries and burns, scars may form that limit the elasticity of the skin or the movement of joints.
The aim of reconstructive surgery may be to reduce tissue tightness, improve mobility and restore the function of the damaged area.
Closure of tissue defects
Tissue defects may remain after certain injuries, removal of lumps or previous operations.
Depending on their size, depth and location, direct closure of the wound, local tissue flaps or other reconstructive methods may be used.
Fat grafting for reconstructive purposes
In some cases fat grafting may be used to correct a lack of tissue volume or contour deformities.
Whether the method is suitable depends on the condition of the tissues, the nature of the damage and the overall reconstructive plan.
Surgery for skin and subcutaneous lumps
Removal of lipomas
Lipomas are usually benign lumps of fatty tissue that form under the skin.
They may be removed if they grow, cause discomfort, press on the surrounding tissues or the diagnosis needs to be clarified.
If the lump is large, grows quickly or has other unusual features, additional investigations may be needed before the operation.
Removal of subcutaneous cysts
Subcutaneous cysts may appear as palpable lumps, which are sometimes inflamed.
Surgical treatment is planned taking into account the size and location of the lump and any signs of inflammation.
Surgical removal of skin tumours
The surgical removal of some skin tumours may require the help of a plastic and reconstructive surgeon.
This is particularly relevant when the lump is on the face or in another anatomically complex area and the tissues need to be restored after removal.
If a malignant tumour is suspected, it is important to follow the principles of cancer treatment and ensure proper histological examination.
Reconstruction after removal of skin lumps
After a larger lump has been removed, a defect of the skin or deeper tissues may remain.
The doctor chooses the method of closing the wound, taking into account the size and location of the defect, the mobility of the surrounding tissues and the preservation of function.
Hand and wrist surgery
Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist.
The most common symptoms are numbness and tingling in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and part of the ring finger, pain at night or weakness of the hand.
If conservative treatment does not work or significant nerve damage is found, an operation to release the nerve may be performed.
The aim of the operation is to relieve pressure on the nerve and allow its function to recover. The result also depends on how long the nerve has been damaged and how severely.
Trigger finger surgery
Trigger finger is a condition in which changes in a tendon and its sheath impair the smooth bending and straightening of a finger.
There may be pain, clicking or locking of the finger.
When conservative treatment does not work, a surgical procedure to release the tendon sheath may be performed.
Dupuytren’s contracture surgery
Dupuytren’s contracture is a disease of the palmar fascia in which thickenings form and the fingers may gradually remain bent.
Surgical treatment is considered when the contracture limits the function of the hand.
The aim of the operation is to improve straightening of the fingers and everyday hand function. The disease may come back even after treatment.
Removal of ganglions
Ganglions are fluid-filled lumps, most often found in the wrist or hand, that are connected with joints or tendon sheaths.
Not all ganglions need an operation.
Surgical removal may be considered when the lump causes pain, limits movement or keeps coming back.
Surgical treatment of the after-effects of hand injuries
Damage to tendons, nerves and other soft tissues may remain after hand injuries.
Depending on the nature of the problem, reconstructive procedures to improve movement, sensation or overall hand function may be considered.
In more complex cases, additional investigations or an assessment by specialists in other surgical fields may be needed.
How does reconstructive plastic surgery take place?
The doctor assesses the tissue changes, functional problems, previous treatment and the indications for surgery.
Possible treatment methods and their alternatives are discussed.
Depending on the problem, laboratory tests, imaging, nerve conduction studies or other tests may be needed.
If the reconstruction is related to cancer treatment, the operation is planned taking into account the course of the cancer treatment.
The surgical method and anaesthesia are chosen according to the nature of the damage, the extent of the operation and the patient’s health.
After the operation you receive recommendations on wound care, movement restrictions, follow-up visits and, if needed, rehabilitation.
Which tests may be needed?
Laboratory tests
Before the operation, blood tests, clotting tests, kidney function tests or other tests may be needed according to indications.
Ultrasound and other imaging
An ultrasound may be recommended to assess skin and subcutaneous lumps, soft tissue changes or some hand problems.
In more complex cases other imaging tests may be needed.
Electroneuromyography
If carpal tunnel syndrome or other peripheral nerve damage is suspected, a test of nerve conduction and muscle function may be recommended.
Whether it is needed is decided based on the symptoms and the clinical assessment.
Histological examination
Removed skin and subcutaneous lumps are sent for histological examination when needed.
This is particularly important when a malignant lump or a lump of unclear nature is suspected.
Consultation with an anaesthetist
An anaesthetic assessment is carried out before operations that require general or certain types of regional anaesthesia.
How to prepare for reconstructive plastic surgery
Preparation depends on the planned operation.
We recommend that you:
- Have the tests ordered by the doctor.
- Bring documents on previous operations, injuries or cancer treatment.
- Tell us about the medicines you take, allergies and chronic illnesses.
- Mention any problems with wound healing or a tendency to form raised scars.
- Follow the doctor’s recommendations on smoking and nicotine use.
- Discuss whether you will need temporary restriction of physical activity, a splint or special care after the operation.
- Do not stop taking prescribed medicines without the doctor’s instructions.
Healing and restoring function
The result of reconstructive treatment depends on the original tissue damage, the type of operation and individual healing.
After the operation there may be swelling, pain, bruising, temporary changes in sensation or limited movement.
After some hand operations, specialised hand therapy, exercises or a temporary splint may be needed.
The maturing of scars and the recovery of nerve function may take several months or longer.
The aim of the operation is to improve the condition or function of the tissues as much as possible, but a complete restoration of the previous appearance or function cannot be guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
How does reconstructive plastic surgery differ from cosmetic surgery?
The main aim of reconstructive surgery is to restore the integrity, shape or function of tissues after illnesses, injuries or operations. Cosmetic surgery is primarily intended to achieve desired changes in appearance.
Can reconstructive surgery fully restore damaged tissue?
Not always. The result depends on the nature and extent of the damage, the condition of the tissues and other factors. Treatment aims to improve function or appearance as much as possible.
Can all scars be removed surgically?
No. Scars cannot be removed completely, but in some cases their visibility, tightness or functional problems can be reduced.
When is the best time for scar revision?
This depends on the type of scar, how long ago it formed and the symptoms. Revision of some scars is planned once they have matured, but treatment may be needed earlier when the scar limits function.
Can breast reconstruction be done several years after a mastectomy?
Yes. Breast reconstruction can also be performed a longer time after a mastectomy. Whether it is suitable depends on the condition of the tissues, previous treatment and general health.
Are implants always used for breast reconstruction?
No. In some cases the patient’s own tissues may be used. The choice of method depends on the individual situation.
Can a plastic surgeon remove a lipoma?
Yes, when surgical removal is appropriate given the nature and location of the lump. If the lump has unusual features, additional investigations may be needed before the operation.
Are all removed skin lumps examined histologically?
Whether a histological examination is needed depends on the nature of the lump and the clinical signs. If malignancy is suspected, proper examination of the tissue must be ensured.
Can carpal tunnel syndrome go away without surgery?
In some cases the symptoms can be controlled with conservative measures. Surgery is considered when the symptoms persist or progress, or significant nerve damage is found.
Does finger numbness disappear immediately after carpal tunnel surgery?
Not always. In some patients the symptoms ease quickly, but when the nerve has been damaged for a long time, recovery may take longer or be incomplete.
Does trigger finger always need an operation?
No. Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and how well previous measures have worked.
Can Dupuytren’s contracture come back after surgery?
Yes. Surgical treatment can improve straightening of the fingers, but the disease may progress or come back.
Does a ganglion have to be removed if it is not painful?
Not necessarily. If the lump causes no symptoms and the diagnosis is clear, monitoring may be recommended in some cases.
Is rehabilitation needed after hand surgery?
It depends on the operation. After some procedures, special exercises, splints or hand therapy may be needed.
Does reconstructive surgery require a hospital stay?
This depends on the extent of the operation, the anaesthesia and the patient’s health. Some smaller procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis.
Do I need a referral for a consultation about reconstructive plastic surgery?
No, a doctor’s referral is not required for a paid consultation with a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Baltic American Clinic.
Price of reconstructive surgery
The prices of plastic and reconstructive operations are set according to the current Baltic American Clinic price list.
The final price depends on the surgical method chosen, the extent and complexity of the operation, the implants or other medical supplies used and your individual health.
Anaesthesia, inpatient care, post-operative nursing, additional tests and other services, if they are not included in the price of the operation, are charged separately according to the current price list.
Before the operation we discuss with you the individual treatment plan, the planned extent of the operation and the costs.