The word “plastic” is derived its from the Greek word “plastikos”, which means to mold, form or reconstruct. In performing reconstructive surgery, Plastic & Hand Surgical Associates physicians often work closely with physicians of other specialties.

Cleft Lip and Palate
Breast Reduction
Breast Cancer Reconstruction
Skin Cancer Reconstruction
Other Trauma Reconstruction
Microscopic Surgery

Surgery by Dr. Attwood featured on TV

Click here to see John A. Attwood, MD in a New England Cable News (NECN) story about reconstructive surgery for a 7-year-old Iraqi girl with a skull shattered in the war.

Cleft Lip and Palate

Cleft lip and palate surgery improves disfigurement and function in young patients with these birth defects. In treating patients with cleft lip and palate, the plastic surgeon takes a leadership role, helping to coordinate care provided by other members of a multi-disciplinary team. Specialties represented include oral surgery, otolaryngology, speech pathology, orthodontics and genetics. In addition, Plastic & Hand Surgical Associates works closely with Maine’s Department of Human Services to provide care for some of these patients. Back to top

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery reduces the size of large breasts and reshapes their contour. There are at times medical indications for breast reduction surgery which may include relief of neck-, shoulder- and back strain-related breast weight. At other times breast reduction is performed for cosmetic reasons alone. When medically indicated, insurance may approve coverage for the procedure. Often this surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, on-site at our day surgery facility. Anesthesia is provided by the Spectrum Medical Group, the physician group that provides anesthesia at Maine Medical Center and Mercy Hospital.

During a consultation at Plastic & Hand Surgical Associates, patients are evaluated and educated regarding the available procedures for breast reduction surgery, and, if appropriate, a surgical plan is developed.

Click to visit our Before & After Gallery of Plastic & Hand patients’ breast reduction photos.

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Reconstruction Following Cancer and Trauma

Breast Cancer Reconstruction

The surgeons at Plastic & Hand have been providing reconstructive care for women with breast cancer for 35 years. Breast reconstruction continues to be one of the most dynamic segments of our practice. The techniques for immediate and delayed reconstruction continue to evolve and improve. Our physicians regularly attend and participate in local and national conferences so that we are able to provide the most up-to-date and comprehensive reconstructive care for our patients. A wide range of reconstructive options are available.

In our consultations, each of the available options for reconstruction is reviewed. Choices include using a patient’s own tissue, using prosthetic materials, or a combination of these techniques. Often procedures of the opposite (non-cancer) breast are require to optimize symmetry.  An individualized plan is devised for each patient.  Often the plan involves immediate reconstruction (beginning reconstruction at the time of the mastectomy).  We also provide delayed reconstruction (reconstruction for women that have already had their mastectomy).

Currently we are actively involved with both Maine Medical Center and Mercy Hospital Breast Centers providing urgent consultations for women with new diagnosis.  We attend the tumor boards at these centers and participate in the multidisciplinary care decisions required to provide our breast cancer patients with optimal outcomes.

Click to visit the Maine Medical Center Breast Care Center page to learn more.

Click to visit Mercy Hospital’s Breast Care Specialists page to learn more.

Click to visit the breast reconstruction page of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to learn more.

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Skin Cancer Reconstruction

At Plastic & Hand Surgical Associates, a comprehensive approach is taken to the removal and surgical treatment of cancerous and precancerous skin lesions, utilizing hospital or office facilities. Back to top

Other Trauma Reconstruction

Reconstruction of leg and arm injuries and burns is sometimes required following accidents. We work together with the patient’s orthopaedic surgeon to ensure optimal care and results. The surgeons of Plastic & Hand Surgical Associates are an integral part of Maine Medical Center’s trauma team for the multiply injured patient and provide full-time coverage to the Maine Medical Center and Mercy Hospital Emergency Departments. They are also on staff at New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland. Back to top

Microscopic Surgery

The surgeons of Plastic & Hand Surgical Associates are fully trained in microscopic surgery, which allows the transplantation of tissues in difficult reconstruction problems. Microscopic surgery can also be necessary for the optimal treatment of injured nerves and blood vessels. Back to top