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Plastic surgery refers to any surgical procedure performed to change or mold the skin or other body parts. The term plastic surgery is derived from the Greek word “plastikos,” which means to mold or give form. Many plastic surgeries involve repositioning or moving the skin and some underlying tissues to change the form or appearance of the face or other parts of the body.

Some plastic surgery procedures are relatively simple and may be performed in a clinic or physician’s office with just a local anesthetic. Others are major surgeries that involve hospitalization, general anesthesia and lengthy recovery times. All procedures can involve normal surgical outcomes such as pain, swelling, bruising and limitations on activity during recovery.

Reconstructive procedures can restore function and improve appearance. Cosmetic surgeries may improve appearance, but their duration varies. For example, an otoplasty (a type of reconstructive surgery) permanently changes the size or positioning of the ears. Skin grafts (another type of reconstructive procedure) may cover a scarred or wounded area with skin, although it may not appear identical to the original skin. Facelifts (a type of cosmetic surgery) may remove wrinkles, but the skin and underlying tissues continue to age and eventually produce new wrinkles on the face.

Plastic surgery can generally be divided into two categories: cosmetic and reconstructive.

• Cosmetic surgery is performed on generally healthy body structures, reshaping them to improve appearance. Most cosmetic surgeries are elective procedures, meaning they are not considered necessary for health. Many changes occur in the body and on the skin as a natural result of aging. The skin sags, wrinkles and responds to changes in weight and exposure to the environment. Cosmetic surgeries that focus on wrinkles or related conditions of aging skin may improve appearance, but cannot stop the aging process.
  
  
• Reconstructive surgery usually involves improvement of function, but it may improve appearance as well. Some reconstructive surgeries include those to correct a cleft palate (a birth defect that occurs when the tissues of the roof of the mouth do not properly fuse during fetal development) or to reconstruct breasts after mastectomy to treat breast cancer. Other reconstructive procedures treat skin damaged by wounds such as deep lacerations or burns.

For all plastic surgeries, especially those for cosmetic reasons, patients should research the procedures and potential results. Some patients may have unrealistic expectations about the results of surgery and may be disappointed in the time and money devoted to a procedure. Patient self-knowledge and study of the potential outcomes increase the likelihood of a positive response to the surgery. Research should also include careful surgeon selection and understanding of the procedure and its recovery period.

For further information, please visit www.fortishealthcare.com