The Department of Plastic Surgery

The department has long played an important role in the development of Shanghai General Hospital. Prof. Huang Shuolin, the first chief of the department, was one of the founders of the specialty. He formed a professional and competent team that make the discipline developed rapidly. The discipline later was developed into center for plastic surgery treatment and education.
Over the past 50 years, plastic surgeons have developed many innovative techniques. The toe to thumb reconstruction, and the human hand allotransplantation took the lead in the development of Chinese plastic surgery. Expert Huang Shuolin set a high standard for talents motivating them to continously learn the cutting-edge technique and follow the updated clinical theories.
The current division chief, Shen Hua, MD, performed medical practice in every arena in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Plastic and reconstructive surgery encompasses both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve a patient's appearance and self-esteem. Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance because it is elective. Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body, caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. It is generally performed to improve functions, but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance.  

Plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures include the following:

Breast surgery, including reconstruction, breast reduction and breast augmentation.

Cosmetic surgery including body contouring through liposuction, facial laser resurfacing, dermabrasion and dermaplaning, facelift, forehead lift, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and abdominoplasty.

Wound treatment, healing the conditions associated with diabetes, vascular problems and long-standing wounds and traumas.

Craniofacial, cleft lip and palate, using the team approach to meet the unique and complex needs of the patient from infancy through adulthood.

Hand surgery, including peripheral nerve surgery(carpal tunnel syndrome and tarsal tunnel syndrome), surgical treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Microsurgery/reconstructive surgery, to correct disfigurement and to restore function following cancer, trauma or other injuries.

Management of skin care and wound healing.