Best Plastic Surgery at Affordable Cost | Medicover
Plastic surgery is a diverse medical field encompassing various procedures designed to alter, enhance, or reconstruct physical features of the body. In plastic surgery, the name "plastic" does not refer to synthetic materials but rather to the Greek word "plastikos," which means "to mould" or "to shape." Plastic surgery encompasses cosmetic procedures to improve appearance and reconstructive surgeries to treat medical issues or accidents.
Here's an understanding of three main types of plastic surgery:
- Cosmetic Surgery: Enhancing Aesthetics Cosmetic surgery primarily focuses on enhancing the appearance of various body parts to achieve a desired aesthetic outcome. These procedures are chosen by individuals who wish to improve their appearance, boost self-confidence, and address perceived imperfections. Common cosmetic surgeries include:
- Reconstructive Surgery: Restoring Functionality Reconstructive surgery aims to restore function and appearance to body parts affected by congenital deformities, trauma, medical conditions, or surgical treatments. This type of surgery often plays an important role in enhancing the quality of life for patients. Reconstructive procedures include:
- Breast reconstruction after mastectomy
- Cleft lip and palate repair
- Skin grafting for burn victims
- Scar revision surgery
- Hand surgery for injuries or conditions affecting hand function
- Facial reconstruction after accidents or surgeries
- Aesthetic Surgery: Balancing Appearance Aesthetic surgery is one of the types of plastic surgery that focuses on improving natural features to obtain a more balanced and harmonious appearance. Unlike drastic changes often associated with cosmetic surgery, aesthetic procedures aim to refine existing features while maintaining the individual's unique characteristics. Aesthetic surgeries include:
- Rhinoplasty for subtle nose refinement
- Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to rejuvenate the eyes
- Chin augmentation to create facial harmony
- Neck lift to address signs of ageing in the neck area
A skilled and experienced plastic surgeon plays a pivotal role in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries. These professionals evaluate patients' needs, discuss goals, and prepare treatment plans to achieve the desired outcomes. Regardless of the type of plastic surgery, the key is to make informed decisions, set realistic expectations, and choose a qualified surgeon who prioritizes safety and natural-looking results.
Steps involved in Plastic surgery
- Initial Consultation:
- You'll schedule an initial consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, concerns, medical history, and expectations.
- The surgeon will evaluate your suitability for the procedure, explain the options available, and provide information about it.
- Preoperative Preparation:
You'll receive detailed preoperative instructions if you decide to proceed with the surgery. This might include dietary guidelines, medication adjustments, and information about quitting smoking if needed.
- Medical Evaluation:
A comprehensive medical evaluation may be performed to ensure you are in good health for the surgery. This may involve blood tests, imaging, and discussions about existing medical conditions.
- Customized Treatment Plan:
The surgeon creates a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your goals and needs. They'll discuss the procedure, potential risks, expected outcomes, and recovery timeline.
- Anesthesia:
On the day of surgery, anaesthesia will be administered. The type of anaesthesia (general or local) will depend on the procedure and your surgeon's recommendation.
- Surgery:
The surgical procedure itself will be performed according to the planned approach. The surgeon will follow precise techniques to achieve the desired results.
- Monitoring and Recovery:
After the surgery, you'll be closely monitored as you wake up from anaesthesia. Depending on the procedure, you might stay in a recovery area for a few hours or overnight.
- Postoperative Care:
You'll receive detailed postoperative care instructions, including wound care, medication guidelines, and activity restrictions.
Indications of Plastic Surgery
Indications for plastic surgery can vary widely based on the specific procedure and the individual's needs and goals. Plastic surgery can address both cosmetic and reconstructive concerns. Here are some typical indications for plastic surgery:
- Cosmetic Indications:
- Facial Aging: Wrinkles, sagging skin, and loss of facial volume can be addressed with facelifts, brow lifts, and dermal fillers.
- Nasal Aesthetics: Individuals seeking to improve their nose size, shape, or symmetry may opt for rhinoplasty.
- Breast Concerns: Breast augmentation for enhanced size, breast reduction for alleviating discomfort, and breast lifts for addressing sagging are standard cosmetic procedures.
- Body Contouring: Liposuction, tummy tucks, and body lifts can help achieve a more sculpted and toned appearance.
- Genital Aesthetics: Procedures like labiaplasty address aesthetic concerns in the genital area.
- Facial Harmony: Procedures like chin augmentation and ear reshaping can enhance facial proportions.
- Reconstructive Indications:
- Breast Reconstruction: After mastectomy for cancer or other reasons, breast reconstruction helps restore the breasts' appearance.
- Cleft Lip and Palate Repair: Correcting congenital disabilities to restore facial symmetry and function.
- Scar Revision: Treating scars caused by injuries, surgeries, or burns to improve appearance and mobility.
- Hand Surgery: Correcting deformities, injuries, or conditions affecting hand function.
- Burn Reconstruction: Restoring appearance and function after burn injuries.
- Post-Bariatric Surgery: Removing excess skin and tissue after significant weight loss to improve body contour.
- Functional Indications:
- Breathing Difficulties: Rhinoplasty can address practical breathing issues like a deviated septum.
- Hand Function: Hand surgeries can restore dexterity and functionality.
- Eyelid Function: Blepharoplasty can improve vision by removing excess skin from drooping eyelids.
- Gender Confirmation Indications:
- Gender Dysphoria: Individuals seeking alignment between their gender identity and physical appearance may undergo various surgeries for gender confirmation.
Who will Treat for Plastic surgery
When considering plastic surgery, it's essential to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon specializing in the specific type of procedure you are interested in. Here's a guide to whom you should meet when seeking plastic surgery:
- Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon:
Look for a plastic surgeon who has received certification from a reputable board, such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) in the United States or analogous bodies in other countries.
Board certification signifies that the surgeon has received extensive training, completed examinations, and fulfils high competency and ethical practice criteria.
- Specialization:
Choose a plastic surgeon specializing in the type of procedure you are considering. For example, if you're interested in rhinoplasty, look for a surgeon with expertise in facial procedures.
- Experience and Reputation:
- Research the surgeon's experience in performing the specific procedure you want. Look for before-and-after photos, patient reviews, and testimonials.
- A surgeon with a strong track record and good reputation is more likely to provide quality care.
- Consultation:
- Book an appointment with the plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, concerns, medical history, and expectations.
- During the consultation, ask about the surgeon's experience, training, and approach to the procedure.
- Ask Questions:
- Inquire about the surgeon's credentials, the surgical facility, the expected outcomes, potential risks, and the recovery process.
- Feel free to ask about their past cases, patient satisfaction, and concerns.
- Safety and Accreditation:
- Ensure that the surgical facility is accredited and meets safety standards.
- Inquire about the anaesthesia team and the protocols to ensure your safety.
- Avoid Non-Certified Practitioners:
Be cautious of practitioners not certified by recognized boards or needing proper plastic surgery training.
Preparing for Plastic surgery
Preparing for plastic surgery involves several essential steps to ensure a successful surgical experience and recovery. Here's a general guide on how to prepare for plastic surgery:
- Choose a Qualified Plastic Surgeon:
- Select a certified plastic surgeon with expertise in the specific procedure you're considering.
- Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals, medical history, and concerns.
- Medical Evaluation:
- Undergo a thorough medical evaluation to assess your overall health and fitness for surgery.
- Provide accurate information about your medical history, current medications, allergies, and previous surgeries.
- Stop Smoking and Avoid Alcohol:
- If you smoke, quitting several weeks before surgery can help reduce the risk of complications.
- Avoid Alcohol for a specified period before surgery, as it can affect anaesthesia and recovery.
- Follow Preoperative Guidelines:
Your surgeon provides specific guidelines to follow before surgery. This might include dietary restrictions, medication adjustments, and avoiding certain over-the-counter supplements that could increase bleeding risk.
- Plan for Recovery:
- Prepare your recovery space with comfortable clothing, pillows, entertainment, and essentials like pain medications.
- Stock up on nutritious foods to support healing.
- Follow Fasting Guidelines:
Your surgeon will provide fasting guidelines for the night before surgery to ensure an empty stomach.
- Avoid Aspirin and Blood Thinners:
As your surgeon advises, discontinue medications and supplements that can increase bleeding risk.
- Follow Hygiene Instructions: On the day of surgery, follow instructions for bathing and hygiene, and avoid using creams, lotions, or makeup.
Recovery after Plastic surgery
Recovery after plastic surgery varies depending on the specific procedure performed. However, some common aspects and guidelines apply to most plastic surgery recoveries. Here's a general overview of what to expect during the recovery period:
- Postoperative Monitoring:
- You will be watched in a recovery area after surgery until you are awake and stable.
- You may be requested to stay overnight for observation on occasion, especially for more severe treatments.
- Pain Management:
- You may experience discomfort or pain after surgery. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medications to help manage this.
- Take medications as directed and report any severe pain or unexpected side effects to your surgeon.
- Swelling and Bruising:
- Swelling and bruising are joint after surgery and vary in intensity based on the procedure.
- Applying cold compresses and keeping your head elevated can help reduce swelling.
- Wound Care:
- Follow your surgeon's instructions for wound care, including cleaning and dressing the surgical site.
- Keep the incisions clean and dry to prevent infection.
- Rest and Recovery:
- Rest is crucial for proper healing. Avoid strenuous activities and follow your surgeon's guidelines for when you can resume normal activities.
- You may need to take a week or more off from work and other obligations for more extensive procedures.
- Follow Dietary Guidelines:
Follow any dietary guidelines your surgeon provides, especially if your surgery involves changes to your digestive system.
- Follow-Up Appointments:
Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your healing progress and address concerns.
- Gradual Return to Activity:
- As you heal, you can gradually resume light activities but avoid activities that strain the surgical area.
- Your surgeon will guide you when you can return to exercise and other physical activities.
- Scar Care:
Follow your surgeon's recommendations for scar care, including applying ointments or avoiding sun exposure to minimize scarring.
Lifestyle changes after Plastic surgery
After plastic surgery, adopting specific lifestyle changes can contribute to smoother recovery and enhance the procedure's overall results. These changes can help maintain the improvements achieved through surgery and promote long-term well-being. Here are some lifestyle considerations to keep in mind after plastic surgery:
- Healthy Diet:
- Maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet supports healing and provides essential nutrients for tissue repair.
- Consume foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein to aid recovery.
- Hydration:
Stay hydrated to support healing, promote circulation, and maintain skin health.
- Avoid Smoking and Alcohol:
- If you smoke, quitting or avoiding smoking is advisable, as it can impede healing and increase the risk of complications.
- Limit alcohol consumption, as it can interfere with the body's ability to heal and may interact negatively with medications.
- Sun Protection:
- Protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays and avoid excessive sun exposure.
- Sun protection helps prevent discolouration, scarring, and other skin-related issues.
- Exercise Gradually:
- Follow your surgeon's guidance on when to resume physical activities and exercise.
- Gradually reintroduce exercise to avoid straining the surgical area and allow your body to heal correctly.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight:
- Maintaining a stable weight can help preserve the results if your surgery is related to body contouring.
- Fluctuations in weight can impact the appearance of treated areas.
- Stress Management:
Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and relaxation to promote healing and overall well-being.
- Follow Postoperative Care Instructions:
Adhere to your surgeon's recommendations for wound care, scar management, and other specific postoperative instructions.
- Attend Follow-Up Appointments:
Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress and address concerns.
