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What is Plastic Surgery?

Garry Crystal
Garry Crystal

Plastic surgery is a specialized area of surgery that involves the reconstruction of specific areas of the body that may have been damaged due to birth defects, trauma cases, burns or even disease. It also includes cosmetic surgery, which involves changing the appearance of a person through operations such as facelifts, rhinoplasty, liposuction and breast augmentations. The main difference between cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery is that people choose cosmetic surgery to improve the way they look. It can enhance their original features and hence improve their self-confidence and self-esteem. Reconstructive plastic surgery is performed to improve function or correct severe disfigurement that hinders the person's ability to lead a normal life.

Another difference is that most reconstructive plastic surgery will generally be covered by health insurance policies, while cosmetic surgery is not because it is an elective surgery. Most health insurance policies have their own distinctions between cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries. Blepharoplasty, an eyelid operation, is generally considered a cosmetic surgery, but if the eyelid has drooped so low as to impair vision it can then be considered a reconstructive surgery.

Plastic surgery is completed to reconstruct areas of the body that may have suffered severe injury.
Plastic surgery is completed to reconstruct areas of the body that may have suffered severe injury.

A major concern for most people considering plastic surgery is the amount of pain involved. The operation itself will not involve any pain, as it is performed under either a local or general anesthetic, but post surgery pain will vary from person to person depending on the surgery involved. Some patients describe the post surgery pain as a slight discomfort, while others have said the pain is considerably more intense. Doctors are able to administer medication to help ease this discomfort until the pain subsides.

Cosmetic surgeries are often performed with a scalpel.
Cosmetic surgeries are often performed with a scalpel.

Plastic surgeries have become more sophisticated than ever, and the diversity of operations means that most parts of the body can now be altered to produce the desired effect. You can have an eye or nose operation and be back home in only a few hours. You can change the shape of your body with liposuction, which is the removal of fat, or change the size of your breasts with augmentation and be back at work within a week.

Plastic surgeons have at least one consultation with each patient before they actually perform surgery.
Plastic surgeons have at least one consultation with each patient before they actually perform surgery.

Both women and men can benefit from plastic surgery, whether it is cosmetic or reconstructive. Many men now choose to have pectoral implants, liposuction or facial surgery to improve their general appearance and social confidence. As fashions change, surgeons find that patients request different types of surgery. It is not unusual for a surgeon to find himself performing a nose job on a patient who wants to have a nose just like their favorite Hollywood star. Whether reconstructive surgery for an injury victim or cosmetic surgery for someone who is unhappy with their appearance, plastic surgery has helped many people to lead a happier and more fulfilling life.

Discussion Comments

anon1002736

@Penzeance356 - So, should we be paying for people to have all elective surgery? Face lifts for those getting older who have a "lack of self confidence"? How about hair transplants? Penile extensions for men? What about nose jobs, chins, getting rid of crows feet, breast implants, butt lifts/implants, having horns installed under the skin, splitting tongues, veneers for all your teeth, or even having fangs put in/on?

Should these be considered 'essential' because to not have them might leave the person "crippled by a lack of self confidence"?

Get a grip!

anon344446

Thanks for all the advice. I need to start talking to some plastic surgeons in Gastonia, NC. I'm a little nervous but a lot excited.

Valencia

@angelBraids - We can only hope that this is a short lived trend. Looking at the photos available online about cosmetic plastic surgery gone wrong, I have to wonder why anyone would choose to do that to themselves.

I'm all for equality, but I'd prefer to see more focus on learning to live with what we have. Let's leave the plastic surgery to the people who really need it!

Penzance356

It strikes me that the line between reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery can be blurry. I don't mean in cases where someone is burnt or born with a defect which needs to be corrected. But for those who are crippled by a lack of self confidence, I believe the surgery is just as essential.

angelBraids

Recently I read an article about plastic surgery statistics for men. I was shocked to see that the numbers are rising, and are mainly for non essential things. Perhaps men are starting to feel the pressure to look a certain way that women have endured for centuries?

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    • Plastic surgery is completed to reconstruct areas of the body that may have suffered severe injury.
      By: Franck Boston
      Plastic surgery is completed to reconstruct areas of the body that may have suffered severe injury.
    • Cosmetic surgeries are often performed with a scalpel.
      By: iofoto
      Cosmetic surgeries are often performed with a scalpel.
    • Plastic surgeons have at least one consultation with each patient before they actually perform surgery.
      By: Gina Sanders
      Plastic surgeons have at least one consultation with each patient before they actually perform surgery.
    • Many men choose to have pectoral implants to increase the size and appearance of their chest muscles.
      By: maxoidos
      Many men choose to have pectoral implants to increase the size and appearance of their chest muscles.
    • Women often have cosmetic plastic surgery in the eye, nose and chin areas.
      By: Karyna Chekaryova
      Women often have cosmetic plastic surgery in the eye, nose and chin areas.