Two-Time Cancer Survivor Undergoes Reconstructive Surgery to Rebuild Lower Lip & Thumbs

SHREWSBURY, NJ – November 25, 2008 – The Plastic Surgery Center today announced that Dr. Andrew Elkwood, M.D., a world-renowned plastic and reconstructive surgeon in NJ, along with a phenomenal medical team rebuilt a 48-year-old man’s lower lip to restore normal speech capabilities. The team also reconstructed the patient’s thumbs using remnants of bone and skin from his chest and groin areas.

Before and after the procedure, which took place at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, the patient was placed in a hyperbaric chamber to prevent the risk of post-surgery limb loss, which is common among those who have undergone radiation treatment.

As a young child, the patient contracted Hodgkin’s disease and had his spleen removed. He was then treated for mouth cancer as an adult. Last year, the former weightlifter lost his legs, arms, and lower lip within 24 hours after developing Overwhelming Postsplenectomy Infection Syndrome (“OPSI”), an acute infection and side effect of spleen removal. Dr. Elkwood and his team were able to rebuild the patient’s arms and hands by using excess chest and belly tissue.

Dr. Elkwood is part of the medical team at the Plastic Surgery Center, which is comprised of a group of surgeons who are highly skilled in nerve transplantation and advanced reconstruction. They perform a number of unique operations to help patients suffering from life-altering medical conditions who are often unaware that a treatment is available. Some of these conditions that the Plastic Surgery Center treats include:

• Limb paralysis resulting from accidents and strokes
• Diabetic Neuropathy
• Paralyzed diaphragm/ventilator-based breathing
• Facial Reanimation

About The Plastic Surgery Center

Located in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, The Plastic Surgery Center’s team of doctors has more than 50 years of combined experience performing facial, skin, and body cosmetic surgery. They offer cutting-edge cosmetic and reconstructive procedures and have developed a number of innovative surgical techniques offered at a few other facilities in the world. The Plastic Surgery Center doctors are committed to excellence in providing exceptional, personalized care in a friendly, comfortable setting using the most advanced equipment available. For further information, please visit the Plastic Surgery Center’s website at www.looknatural.com.

About Dr. Andrew Elkwood

Dr. Elkwood of the Plastic Surgery Center in Shrewsbury specializes in unique operations involving nerve transplantation and complex reconstruction. Dr. Elkwood is a pioneer in sural nerve grafting procedures, where he transfers nerves from one part of a patient’s body to another to treat life-altering injuries. Dr. Elkwood serves as the Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, New Jersey.  He is certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery in both General Surgery and Plastic Surgery; and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgery (FACS) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.