Dr. Andrew Elkwood, world-renowned plastic and reconstructive surgeon, and a New Jersey medical team have successfully rebuilt a 48-year-old man's lower lip to restore normal speech capabilities. At the same time, the team reconstructed the patient's thumbs using remnants of bone and skin from the chest and groin area.

The patient contracted Hodgkin's disease as a young child and was treated for mouth cancer as an adult. He lost his legs, arms and lower lip within 24-hours after developing Overwhelming Post-Splenectomy Septic Syndrome (OPSS). Elkwood and team rebuilt the patient's arms and hands using excess chest and belly tissue.

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

Dr. Elkwood and his team have performed a number of unique operations to help patients suffering from life-altering medical conditions including paralysis resulting from accidents and strokes, diabetic neuropathy, paralyzed diaphragm/ventilator-based breathing and facial reanimation. Dr. Elkwood is a pioneer in sural nerve grafting procedures, where nerves are transferred from one part of a patient's body to another to treat life-altering injuries.

In May 2008, Elkwood was selected by The Palestine Children's Relief Fund to perform complex facial reconstruction on a Palestinian boy injured in a bomb explosion. Baha Sleem's face damaged by a bomb four years ago, included loss of an eye, and much of the orbit surrounding the eye. Elkwood utilized advanced technology to take Baha's ribs and use them to rebuild his face.

The Plastic Surgery Center is located in Shrewsbury, NJ, 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 few other facilities in the world. The Plastic Surgery Center doctors are committed to excellence 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.

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