Microsurgery

What is Microsurgery?

Microsurgery is a plastic surgery technique that allows tissue transfer from one part of the body to another using special instruments and a high-magnification microscope. The microscope lets pediatric plastic surgeons see and manipulate nerves and blood vessels. This specialized technique ensures the tissue maintains a healthy blood supply during transfer. The transferred tissue can include skin and fascia, muscle or even bone.

When is Microsurgery Used?

Children have unique plastic and reconstructive surgery needs because their bodies continually grow and change. Our pediatric plastic surgeons are experts in microsurgery techniques designed for young patients. Our specialists use microsurgery to:

• Reconstruct parts of the body impacted by congenital anomalies, including:
  • facial nerve palsy
  • cleft lip and palate
  • hemifacial microsomia.
• Repair damage caused by traumatic injuries
• Remove damage caused by cancer treatments

What are the Benefits of using Microsurgery with Pediatric Patients?

Children's developing bodies have unique needs. Using microsurgery techniques facilitates the body's ability to grow and change naturally. For example, microsurgical procedures in patients with cleft lip or palate provide healthy bone that grows as the child ages, assisting with their speech, eating and developing a healthy smile.

The craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery team at Arkansas Children's also uses microsurgery because it decreases the number of surgeries needed, and recovery time is quicker. We help children smile again while reducing the need for follow-up surgeries later in life.