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PLASTIC SURGERY MYTHS AND FACTS

 

 
PLASTIC SURGERY MYTHS AND FACTS
Plastic Surgery seems to be one of the most unknown or misinformed branches amongst the general population. Some of the common misconceptions or misunderstandings among the public regarding plastic surgery procedures which we hear in day to day practice including
 

•    These are very cosmetically oriented & done only to look beautiful
•    Are only for rich celebrities/affluent people
•    Some kind of plastic is applied
•    Are very costly
•    May change one’s face or body completely to look beautiful
•    Involve mainly prosthetic or artificial materials to make up one’s body and many more….

  
Most of these myths are also fuelled by overuse & exposure to social media/internet/movies/digital media etc. due to which the public is confused to decide for themselves. Hence, instead of these, one should be aware of some basic facts about plastic surgeons so they can approach these qualified doctors and know their professional skills to resolve their issues with apt treatment options.

Here’s a short overview of the Plastic surgery branch to bust the common myths.
These reconstructive and cosmetic procedures may need multiple stages and expertise to give the best results. It is for all types of people in all strata of society and the cost varies as per the type of procedure, technical expertise needed, the demand of the patient, and the stages required.
 
Question. What does the word Plastic mean?
Answer – “plastikos” is a Greek word that means ‘to form or mould’
Question. What exactly is plastic surgery?
Answer – Plastic surgery is a surgical super specialty involving the restoration of function, reconstruction of facial and body tissue defects caused by illness, trauma, or birth disorders, or improvement in a person’s aesthetic appearance.
Question. Why is Plastic Surgery commonly known as a ‘problem solving’ branch?
Answer – Unlike other specialties, plastic surgery is not confined to a specific body area or a disease. It is usually called a ‘problem-solving’ branch for resolving all the tissue defects and aesthetic (cosmetic) issues of patients.
 
Its main aim is to improve one’s appearance, body function, self-image, and confidence through both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures.
Question. Who is a Qualified PLASTIC SURGEON?
Answer – A PLASTIC SURGEON is a board-certified super-specialist surgeon investing 15+ years of extensive training (MBBS 5.5 yrs+4 YEARS of Post Graduation MS/DNB in GENERAL SURGERY+ 4Yrs Super PG MCh DEGREE OF PLASTIC SURGERY) in well-renowned institutes and hospitals to perform super complicated procedures in detail for restoration, reconstruction, or alteration of the human body to restore normal form, function and give aesthetic look.
Question. What type of procedures do plastic surgeons perform?
Answer – Plastic Surgery procedures are very technical, artistic, and delicate procedures based on standardized principles, to restore one’s body part’s function or beauty.


Plastic Surgery consists of two main categories:
 
 A. Reconstructive Surgery- is done to restore body defects and function. Reconstructive surgery includes craniofacial surgery, hand surgery, microsurgery, treatment of burns, skin cancer, etc.
B. Cosmetic Surgery – includes surgical and nonsurgical procedures done for aesthetic purposes to improve one’s appearance

Types of cosmetic surgery –
i. Non-Surgical – Botox, Fillers, Threadlift, PRP, Facial Rejuvenation Etc
ii. Surgical- Body Contouring, Breast Contouring, Aesthetic Genital Surgery, Auto Fat Grafting, etc.

Question. Who should approach a Plastic Surgeon?
Answer –People of all ages from all strata of society can consult a Plastic Surgeon for various reasons. Some common issues are given below-
I. CHILDREN- Congenital defects like Cleft lip, Palate- incompletely developed lip or palate
  
CLEFT LIP                                                                                       
CLEFT PALATE
Congenital Hand Anamolies – Extra Finger (Polydactyly), joined fingers(Syndactyly)
  
SYNDACTYLY                              
POLYDACTYLY
Congenital Ear Deformities
 

II. ADOLESCENT AGE- Removal of any type of Skin growth(Nevus), Moles, Warts, removal of tattoos, removal of cyst, lipomas, nerve tumours(neurofibromas), etc
  
 CYST                                                                          
LIPOMA
  
NEUROFIBROMAS                            
NERVE TUMOURS
 
TATTOO REMOVAL

III. Adults- Hair loss (Male pattern Baldness) for Hair Transplant

  
EAR LOBE DEFECTS
 

Enlarged Male Breasts (Gynaecomastia)
  

Change of Body Size or Shape as per professional requirements- Tummy Tuck, Liposuction, etc
 
 
Contouring of Female Breasts- Increase or decrease in size/shape of breasts(silicone implants, breast augmentation)
 
AESTHETIC GENITAL SURGERY– Clitoroplasty, Hymenoplasty, Vaginoplasty, etc.
 
A patient needing Facial Rejuvenation
 
Nose Reconstruction (NOSE JOB)
 

Removal of Warts, Corns, Moles, etc.
 

Varicose Veins treatment
 

Any type of Non-healing wound
  

SKIN GRAFTING
 

FLAP COVER
Any type of Hand with injury to vital structures like nerves, blood vessels, muscles, etc.
 

Any type of Non-healing wound
 
PILONIDAL SINUS/CYST TREATMENT
 
IV. Old age- Bedsores, AV fistula for Dialysis, Face Lifts, Sagging Eyelids, Facial Rejuvenation-Botox, Fillers, Fat Grafting, etc.
 
BOTOX & FILLERS
 
FACELIFT
 
BED SORES
 
Burns treatment at all ages
 
Post Burn Contracture of Neck
Patients with any type of Scars
 
Patients with any vascular anamolies/malformations
However, healthy motivated individuals with a positive outlook and realistic expectations are appropriate candidates for plastic surgery procedures.

Question. Is Plastic Surgery Safe?
Answer – Yes. However, the specific surgical risks & the post-surgical complications involved in any of the procedures depend on the clinical condition of the patient and are always discussed beforehand in detail.

Question. Is plastic surgery painful?
Answer – Plastic Surgeons are very trained professionals and make sure the procedure is as much painless and bloodless as possible.

Question. Can plastic surgery remove scars completely to make it invisible?
Answer – This is the most common myth all people have. Cosmetic Plastic surgeons are specially trained in surgical techniques to camouflage or hide the scars to make them barely visible. Treatment depends on types of scars, type of skin, the texture of the skin, healing quality, etc. However, it’s a very time-consuming process and healing scars may take 10-18 months to completely mature. Regular follow-up with your treating plastic surgeon is very crucial for the best effect.

Question. Why approach a Plastic Surgeon?
Answer – Board Certified Plastic Surgeon is a trained professional who will help one understand the disease process or the problem that the patient desires to resolve, discuss in detail treatment options, explain the procedure needed, and also explain its complications so that one can decide for his/her treatment.

For further queries, contact our Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Nikhil Ghubade @9137792915