Plastic, Cosmetic, and Reconstructive Surgery

Overview :

Plastic surgery

Plastic surgery includes a number of different procedures that usually involve skin. Operations to remove excess fat from the abdomen ( tummy tucks ), dermabrasion to remove acne scars or tattoos, and reshaping the cartilage in children's ears (otoplasty) are common applications of plastic surgery.

Cosmetic surgery

Most cosmetic surgery is done on the face. It is intended either to correct disfigurement or to enhance the patient's features.

Reconstructive surgery

Reconstructive surgery is often performed on cancer patients as well as on burn and accident victims. It may involve the rebuilding of severely fractured bones, as well as skin grafting. Reconstructive surgery includes such procedures as the reattachment of an amputated finger or toe, or implanting a prosthesis. Prostheses are artificial structures and materials that are used to replace missing limbs or teeth, or arthritic hip and knee joints.

In cancer patients, reconstructive surgery is done to restore the function as well as the appearance of the face and other parts of the body. The most commonly performed reconstructive surgeries of cancer patients are breast reconstruction, laceration repair, scar revision, and tumor removal.

The most challenging area of reconstructive surgery involves the structures of the face, neck, and jaw because trauma or cancer treatments often affect the patient's ability to see, eat, taste, swallow, speak, and hear as well as his or her external appearance. The surgeon must try to retain as much sensation as possible when performing skin or bone grafts in the head and neck as well as recreate a reasonably normal appearance.