Fall-Winter 2026 7 What is microsurgery? Microsurgery uses a powerful microscope and specialized tools to connect tiny blood vessels, some smaller than a strand of hair, to move healthy tissue from one area of the body to another to repair areas damaged by injury, surgery, or disease. “Microsurgery allows you to take tissue from somewhere it’s expendable, like the abdomen or thigh, and move it anywhere in the body where you need it,” explains Alec Fisher, MD, a plastic surgeon with Riverside Healthcare. This approach is especially valuable for reconstruction of the breast after mastectomy and for treating severe wounds or traumatic injuries that may not heal on their own. Helping patients heal after serious injuries For patients with major injuries involving exposed bone, damaged tissue, or surgical hardware, microsurgery can provide a path to healing. By transferring healthy tissue to the injured area, surgeons can protect the wound, reduce infection risk and, in some cases, help save a limb. Dr. Fisher can use microsurgical techniques to treat complex wounds throughout the body, including the Microsurgery for breast reconstruction and trauma recovery scalp, face, arms, legs, and abdomen. The goal is not only healing but also restoring function and achieving natural-looking results. A team approach to recovery Microsurgery is part of a larger team effort at Riverside. Dr. Fisher works alongside trauma surgeons, breast surgeons, nurses, therapists, and other specialists to support patients throughout their recovery. “Patients need more than just surgery,” he says. “We work together to help them return home and move forward.” For Dr. Fisher, bringing microsurgery to Riverside means patients can receive advanced treatment while staying close to the people who support them most. “We can take care of patients right where they live, so they don’t have to travel far from home,” he says. Stay informed For more information on Dr. Fisher’s services, go to myrhc.net/reconstructivesurgery. For information on the Riverside Cancer Institute, go to myrhc.net/cancer.
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