Plastic surgery is a medical field that focuses on reconstructing or altering the human body. It’s often divided into two main categories: reconstructive surgery and cosmetic (aesthetic) surgery.
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Reconstructive Surgery:
- This type is typically done to restore function or appearance after trauma, injury, or medical conditions like burns, congenital deformities (e.g., cleft lip/palate), or post-cancer reconstruction (like breast reconstruction after mastectomy).
- The goal is often to improve the patient’s quality of life by restoring natural appearance or function.
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Cosmetic (Aesthetic) Surgery:
- Cosmetic surgery focuses on enhancing or modifying the appearance of otherwise healthy individuals.
- Procedures include things like rhinoplasty (nose job), facelifts, breast augmentation, liposuction, tummy tucks, and eyelid surgery.
- Unlike reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery is elective and is done for aesthetic reasons, with the goal of improving a person’s self-esteem or meeting their personal desires for appearance.
Common Plastic Surgery Procedures:
- Rhinoplasty (nose job): Reshaping the nose to improve appearance or function (such as breathing).
- Facelift: Tightening the skin on the face to reduce sagging and wrinkles.
- Liposuction: Removal of excess fat to contour the body.
- Breast Augmentation: Enlarging or reshaping the breasts using implants or fat transfer.
- Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): Removal of excess skin and fat from the abdomen to tighten the area.
- Blepharoplasty (Eyelid surgery): Repairing drooping eyelids or removing excess skin for a more youthful look Plastic Surgery in General
Recovery & Risks:
- Recovery times and risks vary depending on the procedure. Most surgeries have some degree of swelling, bruising, and discomfort during recovery.
- Risks include infection, scarring, complications from anesthesia, or dissatisfaction with the results.