Services Offered

University of Chicago Hospitals' surgeons are experts in a wide variety of plastic and reconstructive surgery techniques. Whether in the hospital or an outpatient facility, our board-certified physicians tailor each procedure to meet your specific healthcare needs.

Reconstructive Surgery
Aesthetic Surgery

Reconstructive Surgery

With reconstructive surgery, our aim is to restore form and function to an affected area of the body. If injury, surgery, developmental disorder, or birth defect has created a need for reconstructive surgery, our expert physicians are specialists in a variety of fields.

Reconstructive Microsurgery

We offer state-of-the-art microsurgical techniques for breast, facial, head/neck, and extremities reconstruction. Microsurgery is the joining of extremely small blood vessels and nerves together.

Nasal Reconstruction

Our surgeons have developed unique techniques for nasal and facial reconstruction. We are the only hospital in the United States to offer total and subtotal nasal reconstruction that combines techniques used in both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.

Scar Correction

We focus on treating large scars and scars resulting from trauma or surgery. Other specialized techniques include scar removal and halting a scar's development, as well as the treatment of keloid scars.

Burn and Complex Wound Center

Patients can receive treatment for burns from heat, electricity, chemicals, radiation, gases, and cold exposure. Our specialized electrical trauma program is one of the few programs of its kind in the world. Here, a team of doctors and healthcare professionals aids patients with both the short- and long-term effects of electrical shock. Many of our physicians are also skilled in reconstructive surgery for patients with burns.

Post-Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction

There are a wide variety of options available to women who have had breast tissue removed because of cancer. These include breast prosthesis, using the patient's own tissue, or a combination of both these methods to reconstruct her breast.

Skin Lesion Removal

Once a skin tumor has been surgically removed, our reconstructive surgeons can repair the remaining area. They will consider both the need to fill and close the wound as well as the final appearance of the reconstruction.

Maxillofacial Disorders

Our plastic surgeons can correct birth defects such as cleft lip or palate, bone abnormalities, and ear deformities. We also use revolutionary microsurgery to repair the throat, mouth, jaw, and cheek area after cancer has been removed.

Facial Paralysis

Reconstructive surgery can alleviate facial deformities caused by paralysis by replacing affected muscles with tissue or other muscles. The University of Chicago Hospitals is a major center in the Chicago area that offers facial reanimation for patients after brain surgery, stroke, or those who suffer from Bell's palsy.

Hand Surgery

Our hand surgeons include plastic surgeons as well as orthopaedic surgeons. They all hold Certificates of Added Qualification in Hand Surgery and are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. The multidisciplinary healthcare staff works together every step of the way--from diagnosis to surgery and through rehabilitation.

Genitourinary Construction

Birth defects, problems with development, trauma, or cancer surgery can create the need for construction or repair of the genital and urinary organs. When such a procedure is necessary, our plastic surgeons work with a team of doctors including urologists, gynecologists, endocrinologists, and psychiatrists to ensure the complete recovery of the patient.

Aesthetic Surgery

We use aesthetic surgery to modify, enhance, or correct undesirable features. We take a conservative approach to minimize the chances of complications and side effects. Because surgery will cause some drastic life changes, the plastic surgeons at the University of Chicago Center for Aesthetic Surgery will thoroughly discuss your procedure with you--including your specific expectations for the surgery.

Breast Augmentation (Enlargement) and Reduction

These procedures are often used to correct breasts of uneven shape or size--improving symmetry. Likewise, breast reduction can be performed to alleviate back and shoulder pain and to improve appearance. Breast enlargement procedures are done using the latest technology to ensure the safety of our patients and to optimize the surgical results.

Rhinoplasty (Nose Enhancement)

The most common aesthetic surgery procedure, reshaping the nose, is performed to improve appearance and can also correct breathing problems.

Liposuction

This procedure smoothes fatty bulges that don't respond to diet and exercise, giving the patient's body a more pleasing contour. Our physicians use both standard liposuction and ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL) for these procedures.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

Cosmetic eye surgery can reduce under-eye bags, smooth wrinkles, and make the eyes look less tired.

Rhytidectomy (Facelift)

A facelift procedure removes excess skin around the face and neck for smoother, tighter looking skin and a more youthful facial appearance.

Chemical Peel

Our trained plastic surgeons apply a chemical solution on the skin to produce a controlled chemical burn. This is used to treat fine facial wrinkles, especially around the mouth.

Hair Replacement Surgery

In order to combat thinning hair or balding, our doctors offer a variety of options. For example, they can transplant hair follicles or skin flaps from areas of plentiful hair growth.

Laser Technology

We use the latest in laser technology to enhance the skin's function and appearance. Through the use of lasers, we can treat many skin conditions with a minimal amount of scarring, including:

• Fine wrinkles
• Freckles
• Spider veins
• Tattoos
• Vascular birthmarks

More Information

• Services Offered
• Why Choose Us?
• Information About Aesthetic Surgery