What are Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeries?

Cosmetic Surgery:

Cosmetic surgery is the surgical speciality field in which cosmetic surgeries occur. Cosmetic surgeries are essentially surgeries that modify or reconstruct body parts for a better physical appearance. 

When is Cosmetic Surgery Done?

Cosmetic surgery can be done for various reasons. Some of the major reasons people opt for cosmetic surgeries are:

• Beautification: Most cosmetic surgeries are conducted to beautify facial features. This can include lip fillers, nose-enhancing surgeries, chin-lifting surgeries, cheek fillers, etc. 
• Facial Symmetry: Many people feel that their facial features are asymmetrical, so they opt for cosmetic surgery. Surgery enhances their facial features to appear more symmetrical and proportionate.
  
  Plastic Surgery:

Plastic surgery is the specialised medical field in which physical deformities caused by birth, trauma, burns, or accidents are operated on. 

When is Plastic Surgery Done?

Plastic surgery is generally conducted to reconstruct a physical deformity that hinders normal appearance or day-to-day activities. Some common reasons for plastic surgery are:

• Burn damages: Physical damages caused by severe burns are treated by plastic surgery. This can include restoration of skin, reconstruction of burnt parts, etc.
  
  
• Accidental damages: Accidents are also a major cause of physical deformities, e.g., deformation on the face, body, etc. These deformities can be treated by plastic surgery. 
  
  
• Congenital deformities: Deformities that exist by birth are also enhanced through cosmetic surgery. This can include the removal of moles, birthmarks, etc.

Difference between Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeries:

Cosmetic surgeries are generally done for aesthetic reasons. These surgeries may not be essentially a medical requirement. 

Some common cosmetic surgeries are:

• Rhinoplasty: It is the surgical process for the reconstruction and alteration of the nose. Commonly known as a nose job.
  
  
• Breast Reduction: The surgical process of removal of excess fat, tissues, and skin from the breast. 
  
  
• Fillers: Dermal fillers are injected into the facial muscles to decrease the appearance of wrinkles. It also enhances the volume of the face.
  
  
• Liposuction: It is a surgical method to remove rigid fat that doesn’t go away with diet and exercise. It is done through the suction technique on body parts like the abdomen, hips, thighs, etc. 
  
  

Plastic Surgery on the other hand is often done as a medical requirement. While some plastic surgeries can be done for beautification purposes, generally plastic surgery is performed as a medical necessity. 

Some common plastic surgeries are:

• Burn Repair Surgery: Burn wounds and scars are operated on and restored through plastic surgery.
  
  
• Scar Revision Surgery: This surgery minimises the appearance of scars developed after accidents. 
  
  
• Congenital Defect Repair Surgery: CDRS is a type of surgical procedure that operates on scars, birthmarks, and physical deformities that exist since birth. 

Preparation for Cosmetic Surgery :

• 15 days before your cosmetic surgery, quit smoking.
• Please let us know if you are using any over-the-counter medications, such as vitamins, nutritional supplements, fat burners, or other health and wellness products.
• If you take any medications or have any medical conditions, including but not limited to hypertension, diabetes, thyroid, heart disease, asthma, or psychiatric illness. Obtain a fitness opinion from your doctor or other medical professional to ensure that the procedure goes smoothly and safely.
• Historical past:Even if you feel it is unimportant, you must inform the surgeon in advance if you have ever had a medical condition, hospital stay, or surgery.

What to expect during surgery?

• Depending on the size and location of the afflicted area, either a general anesthetic or a local anesthetic will be administered before the treatment.
• Typically, sutures, staples, clips, or specialized glue will be used to secure the skin graft in place.
• Until the area has established a blood supply connection with the surrounding area, which typically takes 5 to 7 days, the area will be covered with a sterile dressing.
• The donor site, where the skin was removed, will also be covered with a covering to help prevent infection.

Conclusion:

Plastic surgery is frequently used to address aesthetic concerns, and many patients report feeling more confident afterward. Their sense of self-image, self-esteem, and confidence are subsequently improved as a result. In the long run, the surgery can lead to an increase in life quality.