Reconstructive procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, under local or general anaesthesia and usually take 30 to 60 minutes maximum. Patients are fit for work again after 2-3 days.
With proper surgery, risks of secondary bleeding, haematoma, swelling, tenderness and divergent wound edges can be kept to a minimum. It takes 4-6 weeks for complete healing and swelling. During this time, sun exposure should be avoided.
The costs of reconstructive surgery are usually covered by health insurance as an illness.