TL;DR:
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Plastic Surgery Definition: A branch of medicine correcting congenital, acquired defects, burns, and scars; includes reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.
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Reconstructive Surgery: Focuses on form and function after trauma, cancer resection, burns, or congenital defects (e.g., cleft lip). Established as a specialty during WWI.
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Common Procedures:
- Skin lesion removal (local anesthesia, 7–14 days for suture removal, diagnosis in 14 days).
- Ear correction (cartilage reshaping, sutures removed after 10–14 days).
- Droopy eyelid correction (blepharoplasty, results visible in 7–10 days).
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Aesthetic Surgery: Improves appearance for psychological benefits.
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Popular Procedures:
- Breast augmentation (general anesthesia; recovery: 1–2 weeks).
- Liposuction (Vaser Lipo; ultrasound-assisted, recovery: ~14–25 days).
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Safety: Procedures vary from non-invasive (e.g., lasers, injections) to scalpel surgeries. Qualified clinics and staff ensure safety.
Plastic surgery is a branch of medicine that deals with the correction of congenital and acquired defects of the body, as well as the correction of various defects responsible for complexes, or psychological discomfort. Plastic surgery is a very broad medical specialty that deals with, among other things, the treatment of burns, burn scars, congenital and acquired defects, including replantations after amputations. The most well-known field of surgery is aesthetic surgery, which involves correcting beauty defects (real or perceived only subjectively by the patient).
Plastic surgery what does it do?
Plastic surgery, however, is mainly reconstructive surgery after cancer-related lesions of the face and limbs, injuries to the face, head, limbs, extensive and deep burns and tissue defects. Plastic surgery also helps with congenital defects in the face, such as cleft lip, disfigurement, disfigurement after diseases. Surgery is thus divided into reconstructive surgery and aesthetic surgery.
Reconstructive surgery
It was from this type of surgery that the history of plastic surgery began. It dates back to World War I, during which necessary procedures for their health and life were performed on wounded soldiers. In the 1930s, some of the first centers specializing in plastic surgery were established in Europe. It was then that it distinguished itself as a separate specialty in medicine. Reconstructive surgery is primarily concerned with restoring form and function after trauma or surgical resection. Its main goal is to restore proper function to damaged tissues, rather than simply improving appearance.
The most popular reconstructive surgery procedures.
Surgical removal of skin lesions – the doctor decides to perform this procedure after a specialized videodermatoscopic examination. The surgical procedure involves the removal of a skin cancer. The pain is virtually imperceptible, as the procedure is performed under local anesthesia. The procedure time depends on the type and extent of the lesion. A major advantage of the procedure is that the skin lesion is removed along with a certain margin. At the site of the excised lesion, the specialist applies sutures and a dressing. The removal of the sutures takes place about 7 – 14 days after the procedure. Shortly after it is performed, the extracted specimen is sent to the histopathology laboratory, and then after 14 days the diagnosis of the disease is received. After the procedure, a scar appears at the site of the wound, for which it is recommended to use specialized creams or laser, which stimulates the regeneration of healthy skin tissue.
Ear correction – the procedure begins with an incision of a piece of skin over the ear (after anesthesia). The modeling of the ear cartilage in such a way as to correct the improper angle of protrusion of the auricle is made possible by the incision made. The newly modeled shape is maintained by placing sutures on the back surface of the cartilage. Sutures are also applied to the skin behind the auricle. The sutures are removed approximately 10 to 14 days after the procedure.
Correction of drooping eyelids – blepharoplasty is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the facial area. It is performed under local anesthesia or brief general anesthesia. Blepharoplasty involves making a precise incision and removing excess skin on the eyelids, followed by shrinking with a laser. The entire procedure takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours (depending on the complexity of the problem). The first effects are visible after the swelling and bruising subsides. They disappear after 7 – 10 days.
Cosmetic surgery
The surgical techniques for cosmetic surgery are aimed at improving the appearance of specific parts of the body, not their function. With the change in appearance carried out, there is also a significant (positive) psychological effect. Aesthetic surgery procedures are therefore performed primarily for aesthetic reasons, rather than for medical indications.
The most popular cosmetic surgery procedures.
Bust augmentation – This is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures. Particularly popular is breast augmentation with implants. After an initial medical consultation, choosing the type, shape and size of the implant, an operation date is set. Shortly before it, landmarks are marked on the patient's body. The procedure is carried out under general anesthesia, and the implants are inserted under the skin using incisions and creating a submuscular or supramuscular pocket. Once the implant is placed under the skin, the doctor checks its position to then close the blood vessels and suture the wound. The effects of the procedure are visible to the naked eye, but the patient must remain in a special bra until the wounds heal, the stitches are pulled and the swelling disappears. The patient can return to daily activities after about 1 – 2 weeks. After this time, the new shape and size of the breasts can also be seen. When the swelling completely subsides, the symmetry alignment, lift and new shape of the breasts become perfectly visible. The effects last for a long time and there is no need to repeat the procedure.
Liposuction – particularly popular is the method of liposuction with Vaser Lipo. It allows painless suctioning of fat using ultrasound. This method has been very thoughtfully designed and allows the reuse of the suctioned fat tissue, and then implant it in other parts of the body – in order to model the figure. Before undergoing the procedure, it is necessary to undergo a medical consultation, during which expectations for the results are established. The procedure takes place under local or general anesthesia and lasts about 2 – 5 hours – depending on the size of the area subjected to liposuction. The period of convalescence after the procedure lasts about 14 days, but does not exclude a return to daily duties (it is possible after about 25 days).
Plastic surgery – safety
It is often the case that people who would like to improve the shortcomings of their beauty are afraid of the plastic surgery procedure itself. They associate plastic surgery only with the use of a scalpel. This is an erroneous stereotype. Although the scalpel is the domain of plastic surgery, it is not used in all cases (mainly for major surgeries that require total anesthesia). Instead, aesthetic medicine uses minimally invasive tools – lasers, ultrasound, preparations injected under the skin. To be sure of the safety of the procedure, it should be performed under the guidance of a qualified person, using efficient tools or machines. Choosing the right clinic with a qualified medical staff therefore plays a primary role when performing plastic surgery.
Conclusion
Plastic surgery is more than just aesthetic changes—it restores function and confidence. From reconstructive work to reshape lives after injury, to cosmetic enhancements improving well-being, its impact is undeniable. Every procedure, whether removing scars or reshaping features, demands expert care. Remember, safety starts with choosing skilled, qualified professionals. Plastic surgery is a powerful tool when approached responsibly and with clear goals.
