Plastic surgery can alter specific parts of your body to enhance your appearance or treat medical issues. A plastic surgeon can perform procedures on your skin, face, and body. These procedures can be customized to suit patients’ goals and needs. Here are ways plastic surgery differs from other surgeries:
What Is Plastic Surgery?
Plastic surgery refers to the restoration, reconstruction, and alteration of different parts of the human body. This surgery falls into two categories: reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery. These two terms can be used interchangeably, but they differ. These procedures can restore function and aesthetic appearance.
Reconstructive Surgery
Reconstructive surgery can correct deformities from trauma, birth defects, and medical conditions like cancer. This type of surgery can repair cleft lip and palate that results from birth anomalies. After cleft lip and palate repair, a patient can speak, eat, and breathe properly.
You can undergo breast reconstruction following a mastectomy or lumpectomy from breast cancer. Reconstructive surgery can also be suitable after burn injuries in various parts of your body. In many cases, insurance can cover your reconstructive surgery since it’s considered medically necessary.
Cosmetic Surgery
Plastic surgeons perform cosmetic surgery to enhance your appearance by adjusting and reshaping specific parts of your body. Cosmetic surgery can reshape certain areas, help reduce wrinkles, and even eliminate unwanted fat. This form of surgery is elective in nature compared to other procedures. Here are the different types of cosmetic surgery:
Facelift
A facelift or rhytidectomy can reduce wrinkles and fine lines on your face and neck. A plastic surgeon removes fat that is sagging on your face and neck. They also tighten muscles and skin on your face and neck. You can also have eyelid surgery and a brow lift during your facelift procedure.
Breast Lift, Reduction, and Augmentation
A breast lift or mastopexy is a procedure performed to lift sagging breasts as a result of weight loss, pregnancy, or aging. Breast augmentation can balance breast size and shape through the placement of implants. You can also get a breast reduction if your breasts give you mental and physical discomfort. This involves removing fat and glandular tissue, resulting in smaller or lighter breasts.
Abdominoplasty
An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck removes excess skin or fat in the abdomen area. This cosmetic procedure can be suitable if you have loose skin that hasn’t responded well to exercise and diet. A plastic surgeon can use local or general anesthesia to perform abdominoplasty.
Liposuction
Liposuction is one of the popular types of plastic surgery that targets your abdomen, waist, buttocks, knees, chin, neck, cheeks, and upper arms. The procedure entails removing undesirable fat from these areas of your body. A plastic surgeon can use the super-wet technique, tumescent, or ultrasound-assisted liposuction to suction out fat after making an incision.
Arm Lift
An arm lift, or branchioplasty, removes excess skin and fat on your arms. A plastic surgeon can combine an arm lift with liposuction for better results. You can be a good candidate for branchioplasty if you have flabby and loose upper arms.
Nose Reshaping
Nose reshaping or rhinoplasty is a common type of cosmetic surgery. This procedure involves reducing, reshaping, or augmenting the nose. A certified plastic surgeon can remove a hump or change the angle between the mouth and nose for your desired look.
Choose a Board-certified Plastic Surgeon
A plastic surgeon can perform reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Many plastic surgeons undergo training in both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery to acquire skills and knowledge. After rigorous training, they get certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon can offer you better results since the professional has the right training. Licensed plastic surgeons can also operate under the code of ethics for safe surgery. They also have the expertise and experience to handle your case. Check for board certification before settling for a plastic surgeon.
Get Quality Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery can be used for medical or aesthetic purposes. You can either undergo cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, depending on your health goals and needs. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon can increase the chances of safe and quality practices. This professional can examine your health before performing specific procedures. A plastic surgeon can also discuss your expectations and suggest a personalized treatment plan.
