Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive surgery by Dr. Pitcher

Reconstructive Surgery by Dr. Pitcher

“I was bit by my dog and had a postage-stamp size chunk of skin gone from my lip. I went to the ER at Community Hospital and they sent me home and told me to go to the dentist the next day. After seeing the dentist, they told me to go home and take care of it like a regular wound and told me they didn’t know how my face would look but they couldn’t do anything for me. I then went to ReGenesis and saw Dr. Pitcher. It’s amazing what he did and you can’t even tell anything every happened. I definitely wouldn’t have the same results if I had done nothing like the ER doctor said. Dr. Pitcher knows what he’s doing and he’s very good at it. From how horrible of an injury this was to now you can’t even see a scar, I know what he can do and it’s amazing! He did an awesome job!” CC – Grand Junction * Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

photo of Before and after of facial reconstruction - Dr. Swelstad

Reconstructive Surgery by Dr. Swelstad

“I was in a car accident and my lower eye socket was shattered. Dr. Swelstad was able to go through the inside of my mouth and I have no scars! My surgeries and results turned out great. He did a good job of explaining the procedure and visiting me in the hospital.” KF- Grand Junction * Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

Before and after of webbed hand reconstruction - Dr. Swelstad

Reconstructive Surgery by Dr. Swelstad

“We were referred to Dr. Swelstad from our doctors office. Our son was born with webbed fingers and Dr. Swelstad separated his fingers. Dr. Swelstad was professional. He seemed concerned and cared about the outcome. The way he stitched our son’s hands, the scars were in a zigzag pattern so the scars won’t bind his hands as he grows.” TC (proud mom) – Grand Junction * Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

Man who had his fingers repaired after cutting them with a saw

Reconstructive Surgery by Dr. Swelstad

“I started adventuring as a Boy Scout and turned into a professional in 1972 – guiding whitewater river trips on the Grand Canyon and lots more. I also grew up around woodworking and construction and have been using saws my entire life. While working on a bookshelf, I was trying to cut off just a couple of inches of wood and as I went to move my hand, the board moved. I didn’t notice that movement, so when I went to clamp my hand back on the board, I clamped down on the saw blade. My fingers were still attached, just really torn up. It was my first industrial mistake that I couldn’t just put a Band-Aid on. To the ER I went. Once I was in the ER (in Moab) they took a look and knew they couldn’t help me, but knew the doctor who could. So, they shot my hand full of Lidocaine, called Dr. Swelstad and I drove myself Grand Junction (It wasn’t a brain injury it was a hand injury!). When Dr. Swelstad walked in the room, I knew things were going to be ok. I needed someone to fix my hand so I could continue my wild lifestyle. And he did! While I was in the ER, I was telling Search and Rescue and river stories and taking pictures while Dr. Swelstad was fixing my hand. We had a good time in the ER. Then, I learned the first steps to hand therapy for this type of injury take 12 weeks. I told Dr. Swelstad that I was rowing a boat down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon starting in 10 weeks. I was determined to get well and row my boat. And, I did. Thanks to Dr. Swelstad and my hand therapist, Deb Bumguardner (I did everything she said), I went on my 92nd trip down the Grand Canyon.” BG – Moab, Utah * Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

Photos taken after reconstructive repair of a severed artery in the arm

Reconstructive Surgery by Dr. Swelstad

“While on a traffic job for the city, a guardrail accident sent me to St. Mary’s Hospital. A small chunk of metal of shot at my arm like a bullet and cut my tendon and artery. There was blood everywhere and I thought someone had been shot – I went to go help the guy I thought had been shot – but then I realized it was a puncture wound, on my left arm! Once I got to the Emergency Room Dr. Swelstad made me feel like I was in good hands. I liked him, as he was very personable. He was able to repair my tendon and the artery and I was back to work within a week. My follow-ups were great. I was pretty lucky. The metal was a piece the size of a BB and it did a lot of damage but I’m glad that Dr. Swelstad was on-call that day.” MH – Grand Junction * Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

Result of facial reconstructive surgery

Reconstructive Surgery by Dr. Swelstad

“A freak accident with a golf club left the side of my face crushed. I was flown to St. Mary’s from Craig and met Dr. Swelstad. He said this was one of the most difficult surgeries he’s ever done. He rebuilt the left side of my face. Now, you can’t even tell it happened! I can’t thank him enough for what he did.” KC – Craig, CO * Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

Before and after photos of facial reconstructive surgery

Reconstructive Surgery by Dr. Swelstad

“I was working on a 12” waterline off of the Grand Mesa. I was attempting to cut a steel pipe that had rusted. I had cut across the top of the line and had about 4” left to cut on the bottom of the pipe when the diamond tipped blade kicked back. It caught me in the face cutting me from just below my chin up to just below my left eye. I was transported to Delta Hospital Emergency Room and it felt like I had just split my upper lip and so I was very surprised when the ER Doctor there told me that he was not going to be able to help me. He thought I needed to go to St. Mary’s Hospital to see Dr. Swelstad. He called him, they talked about my accident and sent my pictures to Dr. Swelstad. After looking at the photos, he agreed to come in and do the operation (which I later found out, it was his day off). I met with Dr. Swelstad shortly after arriving at St. Mary’s. After talking with him about my case, I felt that he was a sincere and truly caring person. That set me very much at ease, knowing that he really did want to help me. Dr. Swelstad’s bedside manner and personality are great, not to mention, I feel that his skills speak for themselves. Just look at the before and after pictures! I am very pleased to say that since the accident, with all of my follow up appointments, Dr. Swelstad and his staff have proven me to be right. They are all very caring, sincere people. The entire staff treated me more like a friend then a patient. Bless them all!” AC – Delta, CO * Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

Mohs surgery before and after

Reconstructive Surgery by Dr. Swelstad

“I had micrographic surgery with my dermatologist to remove skin cancer. It left a large hole in the tip of my nose. Dr. Swelstad got me right in that very afternoon and even stayed late. Not only did he fix the hole but he found I had broken cartilage in my nose from a previous injury and fixed it. I was never really happy with my nose and in the process he pulled up the tip and I like it much better! You could hardly see the stitches or scar. I’m really impressed with Dr. Swelstad.” WT – Grand Junction * Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

Photo of Before and after of forehead reconstructive surgery - Dr. Swelstad and Dr. Hartshorn

Reconstructive Surgery by Dr. Hartshorn & Dr. Swelstad

“I was referred to ReGenesis Plastic Surgery from Glenwood Springs because my doctor here couldn’t handle the type of surgery I needed. I had surgery with Dr. Hartshorn and Dr. Swelstad and had a very special situation with my forehead and sinuses and they took such good care of me throughout the tedious process. They explained everything and made it easy to understand and made me really confident in them. I appreciate both of them and the staff so much! I am truly benefiting from their incredible surgical talent. I am so lucky to have had such gifted surgeons inside my head and feel so lucky to have been referred to ReGenesis. I’m so happy with the whole experience and I want people to know that ReGenesis is a trustworthy place and they are great. They did me right! The whole staff is so warm, friendly and professional as well. Thank you so much for all you have done for me and for all of those who are fortunate enough to be treated by you. You will always be thought of fondly. Keep up the good work!” KC- Glenwood Springs * Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

Before and after of neck reconstruction - Dr. Hartshorn

Reconstructive Surgery by Dr. Hartshorn

“Dr. Hartshorn you did an excellent job on my neck surgery! I feel blessed by your work and want you to know that I’m thankful to have entrusted myself to your care. The outcome continues to be such an improvement. I’m so happy with the work you did. Thank you so much for all you have done for me.” AG – Grand Junction * Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

Reconstructive Surgery by Dr. Swelstad

“While I was at work, bussing tables, I cut 99.9% of my extensor tendon in my hand! Dr. Swelstad gave me most of my full range of motion back. I think he’s super cool and helpful. He did a wonderful job. Honestly, everyone at ReGenesis was super duper nice!” TC – Grand Junction * Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

Reconstructive Surgery by Dr. Swelstad

“I was in a bad accident and went to the ER and met Dr. Swelstad. He’s got a very great personality and a good bedside manner. I’m really happy with my results and can’t complain. I would certainly recommend him.” DS – Grand Junction * Each patient is unique and individual results may vary. Tendon Trauma Repair by Dr. Swelstad.

Reconstructive Surgery by Dr. Swelstad

“Due to a table saw injury to my left hand, I went to St. Mary’s Emergency Room, where I later met with Dr. Swelstad who informed me of the high risk for amputation of all four fingers, but if possible he would try and salvage the fingers. Dr. Swelstad also informed my family of the situation in words they could understand. On waking up after surgery I was happy to see I still had three fingers and a thumb (the little finger required amputation). I feel blessed to have had Dr. Swelstad and his assistant, Shea Chubbuck, PA-C perform the surgery. I would like to also thank the office personnel who were very kind and helpful. THANK YOU ALL FOR A GREAT JOB!” RC- Grand Junction * Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

Reconstructive Surgery by Dr. Swelstad

“We met Dr. Swelstad after our 19 year-old son was flown from Moab to Grand Junction following an ATV accident in which he sustained severe facial injuries. Dr. Swelstad called us from the Emergency Department as we were making the 120 mile trip to the hospital and his first words were words of reassurance and calm. He explained that our son had broken every bone in his face but that there was little trauma to the skin and that his neck and extremities were all intact and he was conscious. We didn’t meet Dr. Swelstad until later that evening when he came up to ICU to talk to us and to explain the plan for reconstructive surgery to take place the following day. He was knowledgable and his confidence put us at ease. He carefully explained the process for reconstructing our son’s “floating face” as well as potential pitfalls and/or complications. We were thousands of miles from home and had no one else to turn to in this difficult time. We put our trust in his skilled hands and we couldn’t have been happier with the results. Dr. Swelstad did a beautiful job. Not only did he respond promptly to text messages from us after we’d flown back home to Maryland, he called one Sunday afternoon and spoke to all 3 of us for 45 minutes as he carefully addressed our son’s need to heal psychologically as well as physically and encouraging all of us to let time do its job and heal our son. Now, months after the accident our son looks amazingly good although some fine-tuning may be necessary. We would seriously consider coming back to Colorado for any follow-up surgery even though we live in Maryland! That is how strongly we feel about Dr. Swelstad.” JM & JM (parents of patient) – University Park, Maryland * Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

Reconstructive Surgery by Dr. Hartshorn

(Melanoma removal/repair.) “Dr. Hartshorn has always been positive and uplifting. I like him.” PJ – Grand Junction * Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

Reconstructive Surgery by Dr. Hartshorn

“I had a skin cancer on my face, right below my eye and I had MOHS surgery to have it removed. I was referred to ReGenesis as I didn’t want to go to Denver (I live in Glenwood Springs). I think Dr. Hartshorn is amazing! He’s a sweetheart. The staff makes you feel like you’ve been family for life – especially when you are dealing with a wacky situation you want positive energy and you walk in and they welcome you and are excited to see you. Dr. Hartshorn, his staff and the PA are all awesome!” NK – Glenwood Springs * Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

Reconstructive Surgery by Dr. Hartshorn

“I learned about ReGenesis from the Senior Beacon Health Issue and I’m very happy with my results with Dr. Hartshorn. If I need more work, I’ll definitely go back! I had a skin graft on my nose and it looks very good. I like Dr. Hartshorn very well and he was very good. I appreciate his skill and expertise.” CR – Grand Junction * Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

Reconstructive Surgery by Dr. Hartshorn

“I worked as a nurse for 45 years and I can judge a doctor very quickly. I liked Dr. Hartshorn very well and he’s a very good doctor. I appreciate his skill and his expertise as he did a skin graft on my nose. It looks very good and I’m very happy with my results.” CR – Montrose, CO * Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.