Reconstructive surgery

Since the dawn of humanity, people have always sought to repair others injured by animals or battles. The Egyptians, Greeks, then Arabs, and closer to us the barber-surgeons of kings, left detailed descriptions of their reconstructive surgical acts: suturing tissue flaps, removing deforming tumors, treating “cleft lips,” repairing eyelids or fingers. However, reconstructive surgery can truly be considered to have been born with the First World War and the treatment of the “gueules cassées” (severely facially injured soldiers). 

Since 1918, techniques have evolved considerably and results have become increasingly aesthetic, while the fundamental principles remain unchanged.

A distinction is often made, somewhat arbitrarily, between reconstructive surgery and aesthetic surgery, even though aesthetic surgery always repairs something deeply human, and reconstructive surgery must always be aesthetic.

The distinction lies in the cause of the deformity :

• Reconstructive surgery : trauma, congenital malformation, or disease
• Pure aesthetic surgery : the passage of time, non-pathological concerns, absence of a causal disease

The main reconstructive procedures I perform include:

• Face : eyelids, nose, ears, and sequelae of cleft lip and palate
• Body : breast reconstruction, reconstruction of genital areas (FGM), and the abdomen
• General : revision of poor-quality scars (for example after burns) and skin cancers

Reconstructive eyelid surgery

The eyelids protect the eyes and play an essential role in facial expression. Trauma, congenital malformations, or tumor removal can alter both their appearance and function. Reconstructive eyelid surgery restores structure using tailored techniques such as skin grafts, local flaps, or tissue repositioning. The goal is to preserve ocular health by ensuring effective eyelid closure while restoring a harmonious gaze. Each procedure is designed for natural, durable results consistent with facial features.

Nasal reconstruction

The nose, a central element of the face, is essential to facial harmony and breathing. An accident, disease, or major surgery may lead to partial or total loss of its structure. Nasal reconstruction is adapted to each case using various techniques: cartilage grafts, skin flaps, or multi-stage reconstruction to restore both volume and function. The challenge lies in achieving a nose as close as possible to its natural form while ensuring optimal breathing. Advances in reconstructive surgery allow the reconstructed nose to integrate harmoniously with the rest of the face, restoring patient confidence.

Breast reconstruction

After mastectomy, many women wish to regain a feminine, balanced silhouette. Breast reconstruction restores breast volume using implants or more natural techniques such as the latissimus dorsi flap or DIEP flap, which utilize the patient’s own tissues. Lipofilling, which involves taking and then re-implanting one’s own fat in a different location, can also refine the result. Each technique is tailored to the patient’s expectations and may be performed in several stages. Beyond aesthetics, this is a true physical and psychological reconstruction, helping women reclaim their bodies after cancer.

Reconstructive breast surgery

Breast asymmetry, congenital malformations, or sequelae of prior surgery can have a significant psychological and physical impact. Reconstructive breast surgery corrects these issues by reshaping the breasts, restoring symmetry, and repositioning the areola and nipple when necessary. Depending on the situation, procedures may include breast reduction, augmentation, or lipofilling to achieve results consistent with the patient’s morphology. Beyond appearance, this surgery enhances daily comfort and helps patients feel aligned with their bodies again.

Clitoral reconstruction

Female genital mutilation, such as excision, can lead to chronic pain and profound distress. Clitoral reconstruction is a meticulous procedure aimed at restoring anatomy and, in some cases, recovering a degree of sensitivity. Using microsurgical techniques, remaining clitoral tissues can be released to restore relief and contour. Performed under general anesthesia, this surgery offers a renewed opportunity for bodily reclamation and may help reduce post-excision pain.

Medical and psychological support is essential so that each woman can undergo this intimate reconstruction with serenity and care.