Because of the close relationship between form and function in this anatomical area, head and neck reconstruction is undoubtedly one of the most complex and dynamic fields of plastic surgery. These operations have improved greatly with the use of microsurgical reconstructive methods. Many cancer patients' therapy goes beyond a single surgery and is often a lifelong treatment, requiring additional surgery for rehabilitation and recurrence.

The types of head and neck cancer reconstruction include:

• External (scalp, forehead, eyelids, nose, cheeks, ears and lips)
• Internal (intraoral, intranasal, the throat and the upper digestive tract)
• Combined external and internal for extensive defects

Microsurgery is performed to achieve reanimation of the face after a damaged facial nerve has caused facial paralysis. The face's movement, function and symmetry are all restored during this process. Microsurgical techniques have advanced significantly in recent years, allowing for hitherto unattainable results. This operation not only aims to recreate a symmetric smile but also to improve your ability to speak, chew, drink, and smile.

Corneal neurotisation refers to the surgical restoration of corneal sensibility and trophic function in either an adult or child with a numb cornea. Techniques used by Dr Moodie to achieve corneal neurotization include an interpositional nerve graft or nerve flap connected to a healthy donor nerve. This is accomplished by guiding nerve growth from a nearby sensory nerve in the face using a tiny neural transplant from the leg. To restore sensation to the eye, nerve regeneration is guided directly into the affected cornea. This restores corneal sensation and the vitally important wound healing capacity of the eye's surface. In early cases, this allows for the preservation of vision. Late cases require excision of the scar tissue that formed over the eye after reinnervation is established, followed by corneal transplantation to restore vision.

Following mastectomy, lumpectomy, or congenital abnormalities, breast reconstruction aims to restore one or both breasts to a near-normal shape, appearance, symmetry and size. Breast reconstruction frequently entails a series of treatments that can either begin at the time of mastectomy or be postponed to a later date. Breast reconstructions most frequently utilise implant-based reconstructions or flap reconstructions. The purpose of breast implants is to help build a new breast mound. Flap reconstruction is a type of surgery that utilises the patient's own tissue from another part of the body (usually the tummy) to create a new breast.

Types of breast reconstruction include:

• Timing: Immediate or delayed reconstruction
• Method
  • Flap (own tissue such as DIEP flap) or implant
  • Hybrid reconstruction: implant and lipofilling
• Additional components:
  • Unaffected side symmetrisation: reduction, lift, enlargement (augmentation)
  • Nipple areolar reconstruction

Limb reconstruction aims to restore the function and form of the arms and legs, while trunk reconstruction refers to the area of the body from the shoulders to the hips, encompassing your chest, belly, back and buttocks. Surgery in these areas may be necessary for various reasons, including injury, soft tissue tumours, bone tumours or infection with the associated aesthetic concerns. Types of limb and trunk reconstruction include local or free flap tissue reconstruction depending on the size of the defect.

Scars are visible evidence of a wound that persists after it has healed. Scar revision surgery aims to reduce the visibility of a scar such that it merges in with the surrounding skin tone and texture. A scar cannot be totally removed, but reconstructive surgery can achieve a more pleasing cosmetic appearance and repair a scar that has healed poorly. Depending on the severity and type of scarring, treatment choices may differ. Simple topical therapies, minimally invasive procedures, and surgical revision with sophisticated wound closure techniques are all options.