Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery is a medical specialty that involves the reconstruction and repair of damaged or defective tissues and skin. It encompasses a wide range of procedures, from cosmetic enhancements to reconstructive surgeries.

Types of Plastic Surgery

• Cosmetic Surgery: focuses on improving the appearance of an individual, often for aesthetic reasons. Examples include facelifts, breast augmentations, and liposuction.
• Reconstructive Surgery: aims to repair damaged or defective tissues, often due to injury, disease, or congenital conditions. Examples include cleft palate repair, burn reconstruction, and breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
• Microsurgery: involves the use of an operating microscope to perform delicate procedures, such as reattaching severed limbs or repairing damaged nerves.
• Hand Surgery: focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and injuries affecting the hand and wrist.

Common Plastic Surgery Procedures

• Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
• Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
• Brachioplasty (arm lift)
• Breast augmentation
• Breast reduction
• Cheek implants
• Facelift (rhytidectomy)
• Liposuction
• Otoplasty (ear surgery)
• Rhinoplasty (nose surgery)

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, plastic surgery carries risks and potential complications, including:

• Bleeding or hematoma
• Infection
• Scarring
• Nerve damage
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia
• Asymmetry or uneven results

Preparation and Recovery

To prepare for plastic surgery, patients typically undergo:

• Medical evaluation and clearance
• Discussion of expectations and potential outcomes
• Review of pre- and post-operative instructions

Recovery times vary depending on the procedure, but may involve:

• Pain management
• Wound care and dressing changes
• Follow-up appointments with the surgeon
• Rest and avoidance of strenuous activities

Certification and Training

Plastic surgeons typically complete:

• A bachelor's degree
• Medical school (MD or DO)
• Residency training in plastic surgery (typically 6-7 years)
• Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or equivalent

Professional Organizations

Notable professional organizations for plastic surgeons include:

• American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
• American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
• International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)