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Plastic Surgery: Meaning, Benefits, Types and Risks Involved

Team AckoJan 18, 2024

Plastic Surgery aims to improve a patient's appearance or function, depending on the situation. Common procedures include breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, facelifts, and tummy tucks. They can be performed by a plastic surgeon or a cosmetic surgeon. Read ahead to get an overview of this field.

Contents

What is Plastic Surgery?
Types of Plastic Surgery
- 1. Cosmetic Surgery
- 2. Reconstructive Surgery
Risks involved in Plastic Surgery
Benefits of Plastic Surgery
Preparing for Plastic Surgery
Recovery and aftercare
Reasons for choosing Plastic Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Plastic Surgery?

Plastic Surgery is a specialised field of medicine that involves restoring, reconstructing, or altering parts of the human body. It can be used both for medical and cosmetic purposes.

Types of Plastic Surgery

There are two main types of Plastic Surgeries: cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.

1. Cosmetic Surgery

The following are subcategories of cosmetic surgery:

Face: This includes procedures such as facelifts, rhinoplasty (nose job), eyelid surgery, and brow lifts.
Breast: This includes procedures such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, and breast lift.
Body: This includes procedures such as liposuction, tummy tucks, and body lifts.

2. Reconstructive Surgery

The following are subcategories of reconstructive surgery:

Corrective: This includes procedures to correct birth defects or abnormalities such as cleft lip and palate repair, ear surgery, and hand surgery.
Restorative: This includes procedures to repair or restore function and appearance, such as breast reconstruction after mastectomy, skin grafts, and scar revision.

Risks involved in Plastic Surgery

Before considering Plastic Surgery, it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved. These can include the following.

Infection
Scarring
Anaesthesia complications
Blood clots
Nerve damage
Blood loss
Unsatisfactory results
Need for corrective surgery

Benefits of Plastic Surgery

Here’s a rundown of some top benefits of undergoing Plastic Surgery (PS).

Better breathing and vision: Some plastic surgeries can help improve the function of organs such as the nose and eyes, leading to better breathing and vision.
Improved mobility: Reconstructive surgery can help individuals improve their mobility by correcting issues caused by birth defects or injuries.
Relief from physical discomfort or pain: Certain types of PS, such as breast reduction or rhinoplasty, can alleviate physical discomfort or pain caused by large breasts or a deviated septum.
Boosting mental health and well-being: PS can improve mental health by helping individuals feel more comfortable and confident in their physical appearance.
Reconstructive surgery after cancer treatment or injury: PS can aid in the recovery process after cancer treatment or injury by restoring physical appearance and function.
Restoring or enhancing body function: In addition to improving physical appearance, PS can also help with body function, such as repairing a cleft palate or correcting a hernia.
Rejuvenation of the face or other body parts: PS can also be used for non-medical reasons, such as to rejuvenate the face or other body parts for cosmetic purposes.

Preparing for Plastic Surgery

Preparing for Plastic Surgery is an important step that involves many factors as listed below.

1. Choosing a qualified surgeon

It is important to research and choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. Look for a qualified surgeon with a good reputation and testimonials from previous patients. Don't be afraid to ask for credentials and ask lots of questions during your consultation.

2. Financing Plastic Surgery

Plastic Surgery can be expensive, so it's important to consider your financing options. You may be able to work with your surgeon's office to set up a payment plan.

3. Preoperative preparation

Before your surgery, you will need to prepare both physically and mentally. Follow your surgeon's instructions for any necessary tests or preparations, such as quitting smoking or adjusting medications. Make sure to have a comfortable recovery space set up at home, with items like pillows, blankets, and entertainment.

It's important to have realistic expectations for your surgery and to understand the potential risks and complications. Your surgeon will go over these with you during your consultation. Make sure to also plan for time off from work or other obligations while you recover.

Recovery and aftercare

Recovery and aftercare are crucial components of any treatment program.

Post-operative care: After the surgery, it is important to take care of yourself properly to ensure a quick and successful recovery. Follow the instructions provided by your doctor, take medication as prescribed, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns.
Recovery timeline: The length of your recovery will depend on the type of surgery you underwent and your individual health. Your doctor will give you an approximate timeline and advise you on when you can resume normal activities.
Follow-up visits: These follow-up appointments will likely occur in the weeks and months following your surgery.

Reasons for choosing Plastic Surgery

Here are some common reasons why people opt to undergo Plastic Surgery.

Correcting physical defects: Plastic Surgery offers a solution to correct physical defects that often make people feel insecure.
Boosting self-confidence: When people feel good about their looks, they tend to be more confident in their personal and professional lives.
Post-surgery benefits: Plastic Surgery can also improve physical health by reducing chronic pain, improving breathing, and correcting vision problems.
Meeting beauty standards: In today's society, beauty standards often dictate what is considered attractive, leading some people to undergo cosmetic procedures.
Age-related concerns: As people age, they may turn to Plastic Surgery to regain a more youthful appearance and fight the signs of ageing.
Weight loss: After significant weight loss, excess skin can be removed by Plastic Surgery, improving a person's physical appearance and comfort.
Reconstruction: Plastic Surgery can be used for reconstructive purposes after accidents or medical procedures that leave physical scarring.
Personal choice: Ultimately, the decision to undergo Plastic Surgery is a personal one, and individuals may choose to do so for a variety of reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Listed below are some common queries along with answers regarding Plastic Surgery.

Is Plastic Surgery safe?

Like any surgery, Plastic Surgery comes with some risks. However, when performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, the risks are generally low.

Can I get Plastic Surgery if I have a medical condition?

It depends on the type and severity of your condition.

How long is the recovery time for Plastic Surgery?

Recovery time is based upon the specific procedure that has been undergone.

What should I look for in a Plastic Surgeon?

When choosing a plastic surgeon, it's important to look for someone who is qualified, has experience in the specific procedure you are interested in, and has a good reputation in the medical community.

How long do the results of Plastic Surgery last?

Some procedures, such as breast augmentation and facial rejuvenation, may require maintenance surgeries in the future. Your plastic surgeon can discuss the expected lifespan of your results during your consultation.

Can Plastic Surgery fix all of my appearance concerns?

While Plastic Surgery can improve many aspects of a person's appearance, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It's crucial to have realistic expectations and to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon to determine what can and cannot be achieved through surgery.

References

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. Please consult a doctor before making any health-related decisions.