Study Finds Plastic Surgery Should be Part of Disaster Planning

A new study concludes plastic surgery is often badly needed after a disaster…one goes farther and says plastic surgery should be a standard part of any disaster planning such as a hurricane hitting Florida.

Plastic surgeons can play a vital role in helping victims of either natural or manmade disasters like the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001 or the 2005 London Underground bombings.

Dr. Ron Rohrich, chair of the plastic surgery unit at UT Southwestern Medical Center and co-author of the study says disaster relief teams should include a plastic surgeon that can also assist in other medical emergencies.

Given their expertise in burn management and treating trauma to the face, extremities and soft tissue, plastic surgeons can play a vital role in disaster relief – helping with some of the most common injuries during a disaster.

Early intervention means plastic surgeons can help heal injuries on site and prevent long-term scarring, a cost-effective move in the long run for both patients and the healthcare system.

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