Description
About Dr. Alexandra Dorota Ruszkowski
Dr. Alexandra Dorota Ruszkowski is a highly skilled Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, committed to excellence in both reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery. Based at the Toronto Cardiac Clinic in Oshawa, ON, she also collaborates with Lakeridge Health Hospital for major reconstructive and inpatient procedures. She serves a diverse patient population seeking expert plastic surgical care and adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her practice emphasizes a comprehensive approach to restoring form and function, combining surgical artistry with advanced techniques and a steadfast commitment to patient safety and satisfaction.
She offers a comprehensive range of services, addressing both functional restoration and cosmetic enhancement. She is adept at procedures such as breast reconstruction, skin cancer treatment, trauma repair, as well as aesthetic surgeries including facelifts, breast augmentation, and body contouring. Her particular focus involves specializing in restoring form and function to the body due to congenital defects, trauma, burns, or medical conditions like cancer. The practice is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care in a professional, private, and patient-focused environment, ensuring comfort and confidentiality throughout the surgical journey.
Dr. Ruszkowski graduated with a Medical Degree from McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in Canada. She has been practicing as a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon since 1999, accumulating over 25 years of specialized experience. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her extensive training and certification in the field. Her ongoing commitment to education and refinement of surgical skills ensures she remains at the forefront of the latest developments in reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery.
Her professional philosophy centers on achieving natural-looking, harmonious results that align with each patient's individual goals. She prioritizes patient safety, comfort, and confidentiality within a supportive environment. Dr. Ruszkowski conducts thorough consultations to ensure patients are fully informed and empowered in their decision-making process. She utilizes the latest proven techniques in both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery and is proficient in multiple languages, including French and Polish, facilitating effective communication with a diverse patient base. Her dedication to patient well-being in Oshawa reflects her commitment to excellence and compassionate care.
Conditions Addressed by Dr. Alexandra Ruszkowski
Dr. Alexandra Ruszkowski addresses a wide array of conditions requiring plastic and reconstructive expertise, including:
Reconstructive Surgery (Trauma, Burns, Post-Mastectomy)
Dr. Ruszkowski addresses restoring form and function to body parts affected by trauma, burns, congenital anomalies, or post-surgical defects like mastectomy.
- Hand Injuries (e.g., Tendon/Nerve Repair, Fractures, Amputations): Aims to restore hand function and dexterity.
- Facial Trauma and Lacerations: Often requires collaboration with other specialists like oral and maxillofacial surgeons or ophthalmologists.
Skin Cancer and Benign Skin Lesion Removal
Dr. Ruszkowski addresses excision of skin cancers like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, often with reconstructive closure.
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) Excision: Focus on complete tumor removal with optimal cosmetic and functional outcome.
- Benign Skin Lesions (e.g., Cysts, Lipomas, Moles/Nevi, Skin Tags): Pathological examination of removed tissue is common.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your specific needs, a consultation with Dr. Alexandra Ruszkowski is essential.
Plastic Surgery Services by Dr. Alexandra Dorota Ruszkowski
- Reconstructive Surgery Planning (Post-Trauma, Post-Cancer, Congenital): Specialized consultation and planning for reconstructive procedures following accidents, cancer removal (e.g., breast reconstruction), or for congenital deformities.
- Skin Cancer Reconstruction (Mohs Defect Repair): Techniques are chosen to achieve the best possible cosmetic outcome while ensuring complete cancer removal, including flaps and grafts.
- Congenital Anomaly Repair (e.g., Cleft Lip/Palate, Craniofacial): Staged repairs for cleft lip and palate, and complex craniofacial surgery for conditions like craniosynostosis.
- Pressure Sore (Decubitus Ulcer) Surgery: Part of a multidisciplinary approach to wound care.
- Hand Surgery (Reconstructive and Trauma): Correction of congenital hand differences and conditions like Dupuytren's contracture.
- Burn Reconstruction and Scar Management: Surgical treatment for acute burns (skin grafting) and long-term reconstruction of burn scars and contractures.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up for Plastic Surgery: Attentive monitoring of healing and recovery following plastic surgery procedures.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific procedures and suitability are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Ruszkowski.
All plastic and reconstructive surgery services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons (CSPS) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada guidelines. A referral from a physician may be required for consultations regarding medically necessary procedures.
Practice Location & Contact
Dr. Ruszkowski's primary clinic is situated at the Toronto Cardiac Clinic in Oshawa, ON, within the vibrant Central Oshawa, O'Neill neighbourhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Oshawa, accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT), and offers a professional, private, and welcoming environment designed to meet the needs of each patient. For major reconstructive procedures, Dr. Ruszkowski collaborates with Lakeridge Health Hospital, which is also located in Oshawa. Patients will find ample on-site or nearby public parking, and the facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all visitors, ensuring a seamless experience from consultation to recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions about Plastic Surgery
- Why is it important for a Plastic Surgeon like Dr. Ruszkowski to be board-certified?
- Board certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Plastic Surgery (FRCSC) signifies that a surgeon like Dr. Ruszkowski has completed an accredited residency training program and has passed comprehensive written and oral examinations covering all aspects of plastic surgery, both reconstructive and cosmetic. It's a mark of high standards in training, knowledge, and surgical competence, ensuring she is qualified to perform a wide range of plastic surgery procedures safely and effectively.
- What does a Plastic Surgeon like Dr. Ruszkowski specialize in?
- A Plastic Surgeon, such as Dr. Ruszkowski, is a highly trained surgical specialist dedicated to the reconstruction of facial and body defects due to birth disorders, trauma, burns, and disease, as well as aesthetic (cosmetic) surgery to enhance appearance. She focuses on restoring form and function to the body due to congenital defects, trauma, burns, or medical conditions like cancer.
- What are some common procedures performed by a Plastic Surgeon like Dr. Ruszkowski?
- As a Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Ruszkowski is skilled in numerous operations. These can range from reconstructive work like repairing burn scars or facial trauma, to cosmetic enhancements such as rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), and various breast surgeries. She specializes in restoring form and function to the body due to congenital defects, trauma, burns, or medical conditions like cancer.
- What is the typical recovery time after plastic surgery with Dr. Ruszkowski?
- Recovery time after plastic surgery performed by Dr. Ruszkowski varies significantly depending on the type and extent of the procedure(s), as well as individual healing factors. For example, recovery from a major procedure like a tummy tuck or body lift will be longer (several weeks to months) than from a minor skin lesion removal or some injectable treatments. Dr. Ruszkowski will provide detailed post-operative instructions and a personalized recovery timeline during your consultation.
- What is the difference between reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery, and does Dr. Ruszkowski perform both?
- Reconstructive plastic surgery addresses physical abnormalities to improve function and normalize appearance (e.g., breast reconstruction after mastectomy, cleft lip repair). Cosmetic plastic surgery is focused on enhancing aesthetic features (e.g., facelift, breast augmentation). Dr. Ruszkowski, as a board-certified Plastic Surgeon, is skilled in aspects of both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. She specializes in restoring form and function to the body due to congenital defects, trauma, burns, or medical conditions like cancer.
- Why is a consultation with Dr. Ruszkowski important before deciding on a procedure?
- The consultation with Dr. Ruszkowski is essential because it provides an opportunity for a thorough evaluation of your specific needs and aesthetic or reconstructive goals. Dr. Ruszkowski can then explain the most appropriate surgical or non-surgical options, what you can realistically expect from the outcomes, and ensure you have all the information needed to proceed confidently and safely.
Practice & Licensing Information
Toronto Cardiac Clinic
1300 Keith Ross Drive
Oshawa, ON L1J 0C7
Office Phone: (905) 721-4920 | Office Fax: (905) 721-6616
Dr. Ruszkowski is a licensed Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician may be required for consultations regarding medically necessary procedures covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). For cosmetic procedures, a referral is often not required, but it's advisable to discuss with your family doctor. Please contact the office for details.
Verify Dr. Ruszkowski's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Ruszkowski-Alexandra-Dorota/0164898-74149