Research & Education
Health Care Professionals
Patients
Plastic Surgery
What We Do
Started in 1966, Plastic Surgery has a proud tradition at Scott & White...
Patients and their families look for hope when experiencing physical and emotional pain as a result of birth defects or from injuries such as severe burns. Hope for these people lies in new developments in plastic surgery. Research for new treatments and technology is limited to available funding which today, unfortunately, is severely lacking.
The Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Scott & White is working to change that. Through commitment to research and education, plastic surgeons can find more effective ways to care for their patients. All of our Plastic Surgeons at Scott & White are actively involved in numerous ongoing research activities. Their work has been presented at national meetings and published in the top journals of the field.
Two funds have been established at Scott & White to meet the ongoing needs of research pursuits and state-of-the-art equipment and education. The Plastic Surgery Development Fund and the Plastic Surgery Education Fund. As these funds grow, so will the hopes of many patients treated here and across the world.
Back to TopReconstructive surgery includes surgery to repair damage or deformity from the following: burns, head and neck cancer, congenital defects (cleft palate, birthmarks), craniofacial deformity, traumatic facial deformity, hand problems, microsurgical replantation and tissue transfer and breast surgery (reconstruction after mastectomy, breast reduction).
Aesthetic Surgery (Cosmetic Surgery) includes surgery to make a person look better: facelift, rhinoplasty (nose); permanent eyeliner; blepharoplasty (eyelids); ear setback (otoplasty); body sculpting; fat removal by suction; abdominoplasty and breast augmentation.
Plastic and reconstructive surgery is one of 24 surgical specialties recognized by the American College of Surgeons and the American Board of Medical Specialties. Serving patients with a wide variety of concerns, it includes both cosmetic or aesthetic surgery to improve appearance as well as reconstructive surgery to restore form and function. The word "plastic" is from the Greek word "plastikos" which translated means "to form" or "to mold." Nearly four thousand surgeons in the United States have been specially certified to perform plastic surgery operations. Board certification means that the surgeon has spent a specified number of years in training and has passed a rigorous examination given by a jury of surgical peers.
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Lori was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, two related deformities that can occur separately or together. A cleft lip is a birth defect manifest by an opening in the upper lip between the mouth and the nose. A cleft palate results when a lack of tissue development leaves an opening in the roof of the mouth. Without surgery, these disfiguring defects create feeding difficulties, speech impediment, hearing loss and abnormal dental development. Children like Lori can become social outcasts because of their appearance and speech problems. Many times, conditions like these pose financial and social hardships for a patient's family.
Today, complex surgery can be performed to close the openings in the lip and palate, enhance hearing and alter dentition. This permits these unfortunate patients to have a more normal life. Lori has had six operations and numerous other procedures to improve her appearance and function. She attends school and enjoys being with friends.
Usually, the defects are multifactortal and cannot be linked to a specific cause. However, in some cases the defects may be hereditary. Investigations continue to improve methods and equipment used for care of these patients.
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Ola consulted her plastic surgeon hoping to rejuvenate her brow, upper eyelids and sagging cheeks and neck. She underwent surgery for her forehead, face and lower eyelids. After surgery, she had a much improved appearance and was very pleased with her results.
Dyana was born with a disfiguring birth defect termed plagiocephaly, an asymmetrical and twisted condition of the head, resulting from the skull bones not growing properly. Without surgery, this malady may impair mental development and visual function. These children also can become social outcasts because of their appearance. A patient's family can also suffer from the financial and social burdens created by these deformities.
Fortunately, extensive craniofacial surgery can be performed, reshaping the skull and facial bones, giving a more normal appearance. Dyana requires only one surgical procedure to correct this problem. She now attends school and is developing normally.
While progress has been made in the last few years in treating patients like Dyana, researchers are still left with questions: How and why do these craniofacial deformities develop? Can bone growth be controlled or altered? What are good bone substitutes that can replace diseased bone? Plastic surgery training and research continues in hope of finding answers.
Back to TopChildren and adults alike are victims of severe second and third degree burns that are disfiguring and debilitating. Skin grafts are often required to close these wounds, and researchers have developed skin- culturing techniques to treat large burns. Sometimes reconstruction can be performed by expanding normal skin with a tissue-expansion device and using this expanded skin to improve the results. How can we strengthen the new skin? What will reduce scar formation? Developing and learning new techniques will help these patients face the world and have a brighter future.
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During a rodeo performance, Troy's right thumb was pulled off by a rope. He was immediately transported to the hospital where he underwent four and one-half hours of surgery in which the thumb was replanted. He has returned to his work and once again participates in rodeo.
Many advances have been made over the past 20 years in the area of microsurgery. Patients with amputated body parts have an increasing chance of successful replantation. The plastic surgery community is studying ways to prolong the survival time of amputated parts and improve the results after rehabilitation.
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Garland sustained several cuts and broken facial bones while operating a front-end loader. Extensive surgery was required to repair multiple fractures and lacerations on his face. He was able to return to work and his normal daily activities. A second operation was later necessary to achieve an optimal result.
Wire or very small plates and screws are used to reduce and stabilize broken facial bones. Research continues to find better materials that are sturdy and yet can't be felt though the skin.
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Plastic Surgeons from Scott & White donate their time and expertise to help the less fortunate people in other countries who otherwise would not receive the needed care. This photograph was taken in just one such circumstance in El Salvador. The child is being held by a very grateful mother as she talks with the surgeon following cleft lip repair for the child. While donated money is not used for these acts of mercy, the learned skills and methods are used to help the needy.
Special Programs in Plastic Surgery
Cosmetic Surgery: The Division has a particular interest in cosmetic surgery. Since these operations are not usually covered by medical insurance carriers, special packaged rates have been developed that cover the entire cost of the procedures at Scott & White. Specific information on cosmetic surgery is available at the Division telephone number 800-722-0138. A special cosmetic surgery clinic is available by appointment each Tuesday evening for patient convenience.
Lou Van Dyke, licensed Cosmetologist Paramedical Aesthetician, has been in skin care for several years. She's experienced in all types of skin conditions, skin care and camouflage make-up for pre- and post- cosmetic surgery as well as Lymphatic massage. She is a member of the Society of Plactic Surgical Skin Care Specialists (SPSSCS); American Aestheticians Education Association (AAEA); and Aestheticians International Association (AIA).
Microsurgery: All physicians in the Division of Plastic Surgery participate in an active microsurgery program including a special laboratory under the supervision of the nurse clinician. Operations to replace amputated body parts are accomplished through the team work of the Plastic Surgery and Orthopedic Divisions. These teams have successfully replanted hands, fingers and other body parts. Complex procedures to transfer skin, muscle and bone to remote sites on the body have also been successfully completed. Continuing medical education courses are offered through our laboratory.
Laser Surgery: The latest in laser technology is available at Scott & White. The application of these techniques for both cosmetic and non-cosmetic problems can be discussed at the time of consultation.
Cleft Palate Clinic: For the past twenty years, Scott & White has maintained an active Cleft Palate Clinic. The team work of plastic surgeons, otolaryngologists, dentists, pediatricians, genetic counselors, speech pathologists and social workers are all required to manage the special problems of these patients. This clinic meets monthly and new appointments should be scheduled by calling 800-792-3710 or 254-724-4950.
Craniofacial Clinic: This is a new clinic at Scott & White that has grown out of the efforts of the Division of Plastic Surgery, Neurosurgery and Oral Surgery. This reconstructive work frequently involves the skull, facial skeleton, jaws and dentition. Many other specialties are also involved in this team effort for these highly complex problems. New appointments should be scheduled by calling 800-792-3710 or 254-724-4059.
Hand Surgery: The Division of Plastic Surgery is experienced in managing the varied bone, joint, tendon, nerve, blood vessel and soft tissue problems seen in the hand. In addition, the Division is actively involved in research devoted to improving the diagnosis and treatment of hand problems.
Robert A. Weber, M.D., is Chief of the Hand Surgery Section in the Plastic Surgery Division at Scott & White Hospital. Dr.Weber has a particular interest in hand surgery, and his research relating to hand injuries received first place awards from the Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation, the Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the South Texas Chapter of the American College of Surgeons. New appointments can be scheduled by calling 800-792-3710 or 254-724-HAND ext. 4263.
Back to TopWarren Proctor, R.N., and Dixie McEwan, R.N., are our nurse clinicians who assist with surgical and laser procedures, see patients in the clinic and answer telephone calls for questions or problems.
Back to TopAppointments and Information
The Plastic Surgery office staff is available Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for appointments and information. A staff plastic surgeon is continuously on emergency call for the division and can be reached during non-clinic hours through the main Scott & White switchboard:
Office: 254-724-4059
Switchboard: 254-724-2111
Cosmetic Surgery/Information: 800-722-0138
Consultations with Senior Staff
Before surgery can be scheduled, an offfice consultation with you is required. During this visit a history of the problem is taken and a physical examination is performed. If a recommendation for surgery is made, a complete discussion of the extent of surgery will be held, including postoperative recovery and potential complications. Scheduling for surgery can be done at the time of consultation or by telephone at a later date.
Office Location - Desk 4A
The Plastic Surgery offices are located on the fourth floor of the Mabee Diagnostic Center. Patients should take the clinic elevators to the fourth floor and report to Desk 4A where the staff will be expecting your arrival.
Financial Coordinators
Many plastic surgery procedures are covered by health insurance. However, since payment for cosmetic surgery is usually arranged in advance, packaged prices exist for most cosmetic procedures. Financial counselors are available in the Scott & White Business Office to provide estimates for non-cosmetic procedures and to answer specific questions about plastic surgery.
Business office personnel can answer inquiries regarding medical insurance and provide explanations of advanced payment programs. When insurance problems occur, the skillful assistance of these counselors is invaluable. Financial support through the Chronically Ill and Disabled Children's Program and the Texas Rehabilitation Commission is frequently utilized.
Back to TopDay Surgery
The majority of plastic surgery operations are processed through the Scott & White Day Surgery Center. The Day Surgery Center is conveniently located on the second floor of the Special Treatment Center directly adjacent to the elevators. Patients requiring such procedures as blepharoplasty, skin cancer removal and other relatively limited procedures can have these operations done without hospitalization. Patients requiring more involved operations will utilize this facility on the day of the surgery and will be transferred to a hospital bed immediately after surgery. Hotel facilities are available at adjacent motels for patients traveling a distance. There is also an R.V. park on the Scott & White grounds.
Minor Surgery
Many minor procedures are done in our three office surgical suites. These procedures include removal of moles, small skin cancers, simple wound repair and other procedures not requiring heavy sedation or general anesthesia. The Treatment Room nursing staff assists in these procedures and in all types of post-operative care for all plastic surgery patients.
Hospitilization
The Plastic Surgery Hospital Unit is located on the third floor of the Special Treatment Center. It is easily reached by the elevators at the south end of Scott & White. An ample supply of private and semi-private rooms is available, depending on the patient's choice. Our nursing staff has many years of experience with plastic surgery patients and the care they require. Whether your hospital stay is overnight or several weeks, the staff will make it as pleasant as possible.
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