Wound Reconstruction
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Lake Forest, Glenview and Grayslake, IL
Wound reconstruction is a specialized field of plastic and reconstructive surgery designed to restore both form and function to damaged areas of the body. (1) These procedures are often needed after traumatic injury, cancer excision, chronic infection, or complications from previous surgeries. While some wounds may heal on their own, many require the skill of a reconstructive surgeon to achieve results that are stable, functional, and natural in appearance.
The team of board-certified reconstructive surgeons at Northwestern Medicine are proud to provide advanced surgical options for patients with complex wounds. From local tissue rearrangement to microsurgical free tissue transfer, they are committed to designing treatment plans that are tailored to each patient’s unique circumstances.
If you are looking for an expert team to help you heal and move forward after injury, surgery, or other trauma, give us a call to reach one of our convenient locations in Glenview, Grayslake, or Lake Forest.
Contents
About Wound Reconstruction
Wound reconstruction addresses defects that result from trauma, tumor removal, burns, infections, or chronic conditions. These wounds can range from superficial skin loss to deep defects. Without proper closure and protection, patients may suffer from pain, limited mobility, or significant cosmetic deformities.
Reconstructive surgery provides solutions that not only close wounds but also preserve appearance, protect underlying tissues, and restore function. At Northwestern Medicine, every case is approached individually, with careful assessment of wound size, depth, vascular supply, and surrounding tissue quality. The team will collaborate with other specialists when necessary, ensuring that reconstruction is performed at the right time and with the right technique.
Local Tissue Rearrangement
In cases where nearby tissue remains healthy and mobile, surgeons can reposition skin and underlying tissue to close wounds. These techniques, known as flaps, are designed to maintain blood supply and blend seamlessly with surrounding skin. They are often used for facial wounds, smaller extremity defects, and areas where matching color and texture is critical. (2)
Skin Grafting
When wounds are too large for simple closure, surgeons may use skin grafts taken from another part of the body. Split-thickness or full-thickness grafts can provide durable coverage, especially in areas where function is more important than cosmetic blending. Skin grafting is frequently used for burns, trauma, and chronic wounds. (3)
Regional Flaps
Some wounds require tissue from a nearby region that carries its own blood supply. Regional flaps provide more robust coverage and may include muscle or fascia in addition to skin. (2) These flaps are especially helpful for wounds involving bone or hardware, where well-vascularized tissue is essential to promote healing, resist infection, and support long-term structural integrity.
Free Tissue Transfer
For the most complex wounds, our surgeons perform microsurgical free tissue transfer. This advanced technique involves moving tissue from one area of the body to another, with meticulous reconnection of blood vessels under a microscope. Free tissue transfer is often necessary for large traumatic wounds, cancer resections, or limb salvage procedures. (4) Northwestern Medicine is equipped with the expertise and technology to perform these challenging reconstructions with excellent outcomes.
Benefits
Wound reconstruction has the potential to provide patients with both physical and emotional benefits when performed by highly trained and certified experts such as the surgeons at Northwestern Medicine. It allows patients not only to heal physically but also to regain confidence and independence in daily life. Common benefits reported by patients who undergo wound reconstruction at Northwestern Medicine include:
- Restoring coverage and protection for exposed tissues, bone, or implants
- Preserving essential functions such as mobility, speech, or vision
- Reducing the risk of infection or further complications
- Improving cosmetic appearance and minimizing visible scarring
- Providing durable, long-term solutions for complex wounds
- Supporting emotional recovery and improved self-confidence
If you are dealing with a wound that has not healed properly or has left you with functional or cosmetic challenges, call Northwestern Medicine today to explore your reconstruction options at our Glenview, Grayslake, or Lake Forest locations.
Ideal Candidates
Not every wound requires surgical reconstruction, but many patients benefit from this specialized approach. Therefore, candidates for wound reconstruction at Northwestern Medicine often include individuals who:
- Have wounds that will not heal on their own or have healed poorly
- Have undergone cancer excision, trauma, or infection resulting in tissue loss
- Need protection of underlying structures such as nerves, tendons, or bone
- Are in stable overall health and able to tolerate reconstructive surgery
- Wish to improve both the appearance and function of the affected area
- Want lasting results performed by an experienced reconstructive team
Because every case of wound reconstruction is unique, your surgeon will ultimately establish whether or not you are eligible for one of these procedures during your personal consultation.
Personal Consultation
If you are interested in seeking wound reconstruction, the best place to start is scheduling a detailed consultation at Northwestern Medicine. During this appointment, a reconstructive surgeon will carefully examine your wound, review your medical history, and discuss your concerns. They will assess wound size, depth, and surrounding tissue quality to determine which reconstructive options are appropriate.
This consultation also allows you to ask questions about the procedure, recovery process, and expected results. The surgeon will explain the advantages and limitations of techniques such as local flaps, skin grafts, or free tissue transfer, so you feel fully informed. At Northwestern Medicine, the team values shared decision-making, ensuring that every patient feels comfortable and supported in their care. In the end, your surgeon will work to create a personalized treatment plan that is tailored uniquely to you and your goals.
Schedule your personal consultation today by calling Northwestern Medicine at one of three locations in Glenview, Grayslake, or Lake Forest.
Preparation
Preparing for wound reconstruction will involve steps designed to optimize healing and reduce risks. Before surgery, you will meet with your surgeon to review your medical history, medications, and lifestyle habits, which will give them a sense of how to help you properly prepare. You may be asked to temporarily stop certain medications, particularly those that thin the blood. Smoking and nicotine use will need to be discontinued because they can impair circulation and slow recovery.
In some cases, your surgeon will recommend preoperative testing, such as bloodwork or imaging, to ensure your body is ready for surgery. You will also receive instructions about how to care for the wound area leading up to the procedure. On the day of surgery, you will need to arrange for transportation and support, as you may be groggy from anesthesia. By carefully following these preparation steps, you will set the foundation for a safe procedure and a smooth recovery process.
Procedure
The details of your wound reconstruction will depend on the type, size, and location of the wound. For smaller wounds, local flaps or skin grafts may provide sufficient coverage. For more complex wounds, regional flaps or microsurgical free tissue transfer may be necessary.
During surgery, the team will work with precision to ensure that the blood supply is preserved, tissue is matched appropriately, and scarring is minimized. Advanced microsurgical techniques allow them to connect small blood vessels under a microscope, ensuring that transplanted tissue remains viable. The surgery may be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on complexity.
Recovery
Recovery time varies depending on the type of reconstruction performed. Most patients experience temporary swelling, bruising, or mild discomfort in the days following surgery. You will receive specific wound care instructions, including how to change dressings and when to return for follow-up visits. For more complex reconstructions, such as free tissue transfer, full recovery may take several weeks or months. Physical therapy may be recommended if reconstruction affects mobility or function, especially for wounds involving the arms, legs, or hands. Northwestern Medicine will provide comprehensive follow-up care to ensure that healing is progressing as expected.
Results
The goal of wound reconstruction is usually to restore both function and appearance to the affected area. While results vary depending on wound severity and technique used, most patients experience significant improvements in comfort, mobility, and cosmetic appearance. Scars generally fade with time and are placed to minimize visibility whenever possible. Reconstructed areas are designed to be stable and capable of supporting normal daily activity.
Nonsurgical Aesthetic Treatments
Non-surgical treatments such as laser resurfacing can refine results after wound reconstruction. These options may reduce the visibility of scars, enhance skin quality, and help patients feel more confident in their appearance.
Cost of Wound Reconstruction in Illinois
The cost of wound reconstruction varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, the technique used, and whether multiple stages are required. Because wound reconstruction is often medically necessary, many insurance providers cover at least part of the cost. During your consultation, you will receive a detailed estimate tailored to your treatment plan.
FAQ
Will my wound look normal after reconstruction?
Surgeons aim to achieve results that look as natural as possible, blending tissue and minimizing scars. While perfect restoration is not always possible, most patients see significant improvements.
Is wound reconstruction covered by insurance?
In many cases, yes. Most medically necessary reconstructions are covered, though coverage depends on your provider and policy.
How long does recovery from wound reconstruction take?
Recovery time varies. Small areas may heal in weeks, while larger reconstructions can take several months.
What if my wound does not heal right after surgery?
Follow-up care and possible revisions are available. The team will monitor your progress closely to ensure long-term success.
Do I need physical therapy after reconstruction?
If the wound affects movement or fine motor skills, physical therapy may be recommended as part of recovery.
References
- Boyce DE, Shokrollahi K. Reconstructive surgery. BMJ. 2006;332(7543):710-712. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.332.7543.710
- Etzkorn JR, Zito PM, Council M. Advancement Flaps. PubMed. Published 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431081/
- Elseth A, Nunez Lopez O. Wound Grafts. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564382/
- Papanikolaou A, Guarino L, Giger R, et al. Free Tissue Transfer in Head and Neck Reconstruction: A Multidisciplinary 15-Year Experience. Clinics and Practice. 2023;13(4):820-829. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract13040074