Practical Plastic Surgery for Nonsurgeons

Preface
The intent of this book is to bring relief to people who sustain commonly
encountered injuries and wounds. Without corrective treatment,
these problems can destroy livelihoods and families. Immediate,
acute care often stabilizes the patient, but may leave the patient with a
minor or major disability. Lacking the resources typical of wealthier
populations, even minor disabilities can have a devastating economic
and social impact.
Plastic surgeons have developed reconstructive surgical techniques
that can restore the injured person to a productive and fulfilling life.
Unfortunately, this type of surgery has frequently been obscured by a
cloud of unawareness or perceived difficulty.
Practical Plastic Surgery for Nonsurgeons describes straightforward plastic
surgical information and techniques. This book will be useful to
health care providers with limited access to specialists, especially
providers who serve in rural and non-industrial settings. Medical students,
nurse practitioner students, and residents in a wide variety of
specialties will also benefit from this knowledge.
This book is intended for an audience far different from that of most
other plastic surgery texts. There are many remarkable books that describe
advanced techniques commonplace in my home city of Los
Angeles. These excellent volumes describe superb results obtained by
elite surgeons working with expensive equipment.
This book describes practical techniques that may be easily learned by
a variety of medical professionals who have access only to basic equipment.
Plastic surgical procedures are described in a clear, concise, stepby-step
fashion. Someone without advanced surgical skills can use this
book and provide effective treatment. Illustrative cases are used to help
the reader understand the importance of plastic surgery input in a variety
of situations. Explanation is given as to when and why it may be
prudent to transfer care to a specialist.
It is my hope that this book will provide a greater understanding of
how plastic surgical techniques can contribute to improved patient
outcomes. This, in turn, should allow many injured patients to regain
normal function and their rightful place in the community.
Nadine B. Semer, MD
Los Angeles, California
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