Restore form and function with reconstructive surgery for trauma & injury. Dr. David Morwood, our board-certified plastic surgeon and fellowship-trained microsurgeon, treats tissue loss, traumatic defects, open fractures, facial injuries, and damaged skin with precision.
In Dr. Morwood's Words:
Like a seed of corn, a graft is carefully placed at a recipient site, nurtured and cultivated properly, in hopes that the seed will take root and grow, and be happy in its new place.
David T. Morwood, MD, FACS
The Truth About Plastic Surgery: An Educational Guide for the Consumer
This Procedure Treats:
- Lacerations, avulsions, and complex wounds requiring surgical closure
- Facial fractures and structural injuries affecting form and function
- Soft tissue loss necessitating flap or graft reconstruction
- Burn injuries causing scarring, contracture, and functional limitation
- Nerve and tendon damage resulting in loss of sensation or movement
- Post-traumatic scarring and disfigurement affecting appearance and quality of life
Restore Tissue and Repair Traumatic Defects
Reconstructive surgery for trauma & injury addresses tissue absence or defects resulting from injury, infection, or tissue loss. Dr. Morwood utilizes a time-honored algorithm known as the reconstructive ladder to “close the hole,” beginning with simple methods and progressing to more complex techniques when necessary. You may require direct closure, adjacent tissue transfer, grafts, or advanced microsurgery flaps, depending on the depth and location of the defect. The goal is to restore function while minimizing visible scarring.
Reconstructive Surgery for Trauma & Injury Treats:
- Tissue absence or a defect following trauma or injury
- Facial injuries involving skin, cartilage, or bone loss
- Open fractures requiring soft tissue coverage
- Traumatic wounds with exposed structures (bone, tendon, vessels)
- Soft tissue loss from accidents, infections, or severe lacerations
- Defects following removal of damaged or non-viable tissue
- Deformities resulting from poorly healed injuries
- Loss of skin, cartilage, or bone requiring grafts or flaps
- Functional impairment affecting breathing, movement, or expression
What to Expect From Reconstructive Surgery for Trauma & Injury With Dr. Morwood
Dr. Morwood first evaluates the defect, including its size, depth, and involvement of skin, cartilage, or bone. You may receive local anesthesia, regional block, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity. Dr. Morwood then applies the reconstructive ladder, starting with direct closure or progressing to adjacent tissue transfer, grafts, or microsurgical flaps. Tissue is precisely repositioned or transplanted to restore form and function. The goal is to close the defect while minimizing visible scarring and preserving structures.
Reconstructive Surgery for Trauma & Injury FAQs
What Is the Reconstructive Ladder, and Why Is It Important?
The reconstructive ladder is a time-honored algorithm used to determine the most appropriate way to close a defect. Dr. Morwood begins with the simplest, most straightforward method, such as direct closure, and progresses to more complex techniques, such as adjacent tissue transfer, grafts, or microsurgical flaps, when necessary. This approach helps you achieve an efficient reconstruction while minimizing unnecessary procedures.
What Is the Difference Between a Graft and a Flap?
A graft is tissue that is completely separated from the body and transplanted to another site, similar to planting a seed that must take root. A flap, on the other hand, maintains its own blood supply through a pedicle and is moved to cover a defect. Tissue flaps often provide a more reliable blood supply and better tissue match.
Will I Need More Than One Procedure?
In many cases, yes. Complex defects, especially those involving the face or deeper structures, may require multiple stages, revisions, or touch-up procedures. As tissues heal, soften, and settle, sculpting and refinement may be performed to improve function and appearance.
Will There Be Visible Scars After Reconstruction?
All reconstructive procedures result in some scarring. However, Dr. Morwood uses advanced techniques to place incisions along relaxed tension lines or within aesthetic units when possible. The goal is to achieve a result that is less conspicuous than the original defect.
Have More Questions?
Learn More About Reconstructive Surgery for Trauma & Injury in The Truth About Plastic Surgery: An Educational Guide for the Consumer
You can learn more about reconstructive surgery in The Truth About Plastic Surgery: An Educational Guide for the Consumer, where Dr. Morwood provides accurate information using clear explanations and detailed illustrations. You will gain a deeper understanding of the reconstructive ladder, grafts, flaps, and options. This resource aims to help you make informed decisions and feel more confident in your care.
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Restore Form and Function With Reconstructive Surgery for Trauma & Injury in Monterey
Dr. David Morwood is a board-certified plastic surgeon and fellowship-trained microsurgeon with decades of experience restoring form and function. During your consultation, you will review your medical history, evaluate the defect, and discuss a custom-designed approach using the reconstructive ladder. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, review your options, and understand what to expect. Schedule your private consultation for reconstructive surgery for trauma & injury in Monterey today.
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