What is a Plastic surgery?

Plastic surgery is a medical specialty that deals with the repair, restoration, or change of the human body. It is done by a qualified plastic surgeon to repair, restore, or enhance the appearance or function of a person's body. Plastic surgery can be categorised into two main types: reconstructive and cosmetic.

Reconstructive surgery is performed to repair or reconstruct a body part that gets damaged due to an injury, illness, or congenital defect. Examples of reconstructive surgeries include breast reconstruction after mastectomy, cleft lip and palate repair, and reconstruction of the nose after a traumatic injury.

Cosmetic surgery is performed to improve the appearance of a person's body or face, usually for aesthetic reasons. Common cosmetic surgeries include breast augmentation, rhinoplasty (nose job), facelifts, and liposuction.

Both types of plastic surgery require significant training and expertise, and patients should always seek the services of a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. Plastic surgery carries risks like any other surgical procedure, and it is essential to weigh the potential benefits and risks before undergoing a procedure.


Types of Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery can be categorized into 2 main types: reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery.

Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive surgery is performed to restore the function or appearance of a body part that has been damaged or lost due to an injury, illness, or congenital defect. Some examples of reconstructive surgery include:

  • Breast reconstruction after mastectomy
  • Burn reconstruction surgery
  • Cleft lip and palate repair
  • Hand surgery for congenital deformities
  • Scar revision surgery
  • Skin grafting for wound closure
  • Treatment of birth defects such as webbed fingers or toes
  • Treatment of skin cancer, including Mohs surgery

Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery is performed to improve the appearance of a person's body or face, usually for aesthetic reasons. Some common cosmetic surgeries include:

  • Breast augmentation or reduction
  • Body contouring, such as liposuction or tummy tuck
  • Facelifts or neck lifts
  • Rhinoplasty (nose job)
  • Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
  • Brow lift or forehead lift
  • Ear surgery (otoplasty)
  • Lip augmentation or reduction

It's important to note that some plastic surgeries may have both reconstructive and cosmetic aspects, depending on the individual patient's needs and goals.


Problems Treated Through Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery is a medical specialty that is focused on the restoration, reconstruction, or alteration of the human body. It can be performed for both medical and cosmetic reasons. Here are some of the common problems that plastic surgery can treat:

  • Reconstructive surgery after an injury or surgery:

    Plastic surgery can be used to restore the function and appearance of body parts that have been damaged due to trauma, cancer, or birth defects. Examples include breast reconstruction after mastectomy, scar revision after injury, and facial reconstruction after a car accident.
  • Congenital abnormalities:

    Plastic surgery can correct congenital abnormalities such as cleft lip and palate, syndactyly (fused digits), and other birth defects that affect the appearance or function of the body.
  • Body contouring after weight loss:

    After significant weight loss, plastic surgery can remove excess skin and fat to improve the body's contour and reduce the risk of skin infections and other health issues.
  • Facial rejuvenation:

    Facelifts, brow lifts, and eyelid surgery are common procedures used to reduce the signs of aging and restore a more young appearance.
  • Correction of physical features:

    Plastic surgery can be used to correct physical features such as a prominent nose, large ears, or a weak chin.

Need of Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery can address a variety of needs, including medical, reconstructive, and cosmetic purposes. Here are some examples of each:

Medical Needs:

Plastic surgery can be used to address medical conditions or injuries, such as:

  • Congenital abnormalities, such as cleft lip and palate or hand deformities
  • Skin cancer removal and reconstruction
  • Burn or traumatic injury reconstruction
  • Breast reconstruction after mastectomy
  • Treatment of chronic wounds or pressure sores

Reconstructive Needs:

Plastic surgery can also be used to reconstruct body parts that have been damaged or lost due to injury, disease, or surgery, such as:

  • Reconstructive surgery after cancer or tumor removal
  • Scar revision or treatment of keloids
  • Correction of birth defects, such as microtia (small or absent ear) or syndactyly (fused digits)
  • Hand surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome or other conditions

Cosmetic Needs:

Finally, plastic surgery can be performed for cosmetic reasons to enhance or improve a person's appearance, such as:

  • Facelifts to reduce signs of ageing
  • Breast augmentation, reduction or lift
  • Tummy tucks to remove excess skin and fat after weight loss
  • Liposuction to remove excess fat from specific areas of the body
  • Rhinoplasty to reshape the nose


Plastic Surgery Treatments Available

There are various plastic surgery treatments available to address a range of medical, reconstructive, and cosmetic needs. Some of the most common plastic surgery treatments include:

  • Breast Surgery:

    Breast surgery can include breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, and breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
  • Facial Surgery:

    Facial surgery includes procedures such as facelift, brow lift, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), and ear surgery.
  • Body Contouring:

    Body contouring procedures include tummy tuck, liposuction, and body lift, which are used to remove excess skin and fat after a significant weight loss.
  • Skin Rejuvenation:

    Skin rejuvenation procedures include chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and dermabrasion, which are used to improve the appearance of the skin and reduce signs of aging.
  • Hand Surgery:

    Hand surgery can be used to correct congenital abnormalities, injuries, or conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Reconstruction:

    Plastic surgery can be used for reconstruction after injury or surgery, such as scar revision, skin grafts, and tissue expansion.

Diagnostic Tests Conducted in Plastic Surgery

Before any plastic surgery procedure, the plastic surgeon may perform several diagnostic tests to assess the patient's overall health and to determine the best approach to the surgery. Here are some of the diagnostic tests that may be conducted in plastic surgery:

  • Blood Tests:

    Blood tests can help assess a patient's general health, including their blood count, electrolyte levels, and liver and kidney function.
  • Imaging Tests:

    Tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans, can be used to assess the body part that will be treated and to evaluate any underlying conditions that may affect the surgery.
  • ECG (Electrocardiogram):

    ECG is a test that checks the electrical activity of the heart to evaluate the patient's cardiac health before surgery.
  • Allergy Testing:

    Allergy testing may be performed to determine if the patient is allergic to any medications or materials that will be used during the surgery.
  • Pulmonary Function Tests:

    PFT tests are used to assess the patient's lung function, particularly if the surgery involves the chest or the airways.
  • Physical Exam:

    A thorough physical exam will be conducted by the surgeon to assess the patient's overall health and to determine the best approach to the surgery.
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