Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve a patient's appearance and self-esteem. Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance because it is elective.

Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body, caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. It is generally performed to improve functions, but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance. Reconstructive surgery is generally covered by most health insurance policies, although coverage for specific procedures and levels of coverage may vary greatly.

Barnes-Jewish Hospital’s division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery serves metropolitan St. Louis as well as patients within a 350-mile radius that includes eastern Missouri, southern Illinois and western Kentucky.

The world's first donor nerve transplant - a procedure that can save what were previously considered irreparably damaged limbs - was performed by Dr. Susan Mackinnon, the head of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Many of the unique subspecialty programs in the division draw patients from across the country and around the world. Referring physicians and patients from outside the United States can make arrangements for patient treatment and family accommodations through our International Services.

Plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures include the following:

• Major brachial plexus and peripheral nerve surgery, including carpal tunnel syndrome and tarsal tunnel syndrome. This is the only center in the country with a nerve transplant program.
• Breast surgery, including reconstruction, reduction and augmentation.
• Cosmetic surgery including body contouring through liposuction, facial laser resurfacing, dermabrasion and dermaplaning, facelift, forehead lift, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and abdominoplasty.
• Wound treatment, healing the conditions associated with diabetes, vascular problems and long-standing wounds and traumas.
• Craniofacial, cleft lip and palate, using the team approach to meet the unique and complex needs of the patient from infancy through adulthood.
• Hand surgery, including trauma, repetitive strain injuries, surgical treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Microsurgery/reconstructive surgery, to correct disfigurement and to restore function following cancer, trauma or other injuries.
• Management of skin care, using the Obaji Skin Care System and Biomedic Skin Care system - two medical approaches to skin care.

Unique aspects about the program:

• The only center in the country with a nerve transplant program
• Breast Surgery Research Center for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery
• Wound Healing Research Center
• Leading training program in plastic and reconstructive surgery, with specialized training in hand, micro and peripheral nerve surgery, and craniofacial and cleft lip and palate surgery

To make an appointment with Barnes-Jewish Hospital’s Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery team, call 314-TOP-DOCS (314-867-3627) or toll-free 866-867-3627.