The goal of plastic surgery is to enhance or alter a person’s appearance and, in some cases, to improve their functionality. Plastic surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures that can be categorized into two main types:
Reconstructive surgery: Reconstructive surgeries aim to restore and repair the function of the body areas that have been affected by any injury, medical condition, surgery, or disability.
Cosmetic surgery: Cosmetic surgery or aesthetic surgery aims to enhance one’s looks, appearance, body image, and self-confidence by addressing perceived flaws or improving specific features.
In both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, the overall goal is to achieve natural-looking results that align with the patient’s preferences while maintaining or improving physical and emotional well-being.
Table of Contents
Classification of Plastic Surgeries
Plastic surgery can be carried out on any body part. For your ease, we have further classified it into two main parts.
For the Face
Facelift:
A facelift is a surgical cosmetic procedure to make your face look younger. This procedure reduces sagging and smoothes skin folds on your cheeks, jawline, and neck. During a facelift, a surgeon removes excess tissue from the areas around the ears and pulls the skin flaps.
Rhinoplasty:
Rhinoplasty or a Nose Job is a plastic surgery procedure to change the shape of the nose or improve nasal function. Your doctor may recommend this treatment to enhance the aesthetics of your nose or treat a medical condition like trouble breathing or deformity due to an accident or genetics.
Liposuction:
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure that involves removing excess fat from specific parts of the body using a cannula and suction technique. While it’s less invasive compared to some other surgical procedures, it still requires incisions and carries risks inherent to surgical interventions.
Note: While facial liposuction focuses on the face, the procedure can also be carried out on larger areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or arms.
Ear Reshaping Surgery:
Otoplasty (Ear reshaping surgery) is a cosmetic surgery procedure performed to alter the position, shape, or size of the ears.
For the Body
Breast Reduction Surgery:
Breast reduction surgery or Reduction Mammoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure designed to reduce the size of the breast, reshape, and lift the breast to achieve better breast proportions and appearance. This involves removing excess glandular tissues, breast fat, and skin and adjusting the areola and nipple to achieve the desired breast size and shape.
Tummy tuck:
A tummy tuck is a plastic surgical procedure used to remove excess skin and fat from the stomach, along with tightening abdominal connective tissues and repositioning the remaining skin to create a more toned appearance.
Breast Augmentation:
Breast augmentation or augmentation mammoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure done to increase breast size. It involves using breast implants or fat transfer to enhance the breast volume and achieve a more desirable breast shape and/or improve asymmetrical breasts. The implants can either be placed under the breast tissues or chest muscles.
Why Is It Done?
Plastic surgery is done to:
- Enhance physical appearance
- Correct birth defects or deformities
- Repair injuries or trauma
- Reconstruct after cancer surgery
- Improve self-esteem
- Address aging signs
- Achieve symmetry
- Alleviate breathing difficulties
- Boost confidence
How to Prepare for Plastic Surgery?
In the following, we discuss a general guideline to help you prepare for plastic surgery and ensure you gain maximum optimal results from the treatment:
Research and Choose a Qualified Surgeon:
Research and select a board-certified plastic surgeon with expertise in the specific procedure you’re considering.
Read reviews, check before-and-after photos, and gather referrals from trusted sources.
Consultation:
Schedule a consultation with your chosen surgeon to discuss your goals, expectations, and any concerns.
Ask about the procedure details, risks, potential outcomes, and recovery process.
Medical Evaluation:
Undergo a thorough medical evaluation to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for surgery.
Disclose your medical history, including current medications, allergies, and any previous surgeries.
Follow Preoperative Instructions:
Your surgeon will provide specific instructions to prepare for surgery, such as fasting before the procedure.
Avoid smoking, as it can hinder healing and increase the risk of complications. Moreover, follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding medications and supplements. Some might need to be stopped before surgery to prevent complications.
Financial Planning:
Understand the costs associated with the procedure, including surgeon’s fees, anesthesia, facility charges, and potential follow-up appointments. Moreover, insurance plans often do not cover aesthetic and cosmetic procedures unless there is a medical necessity.
Post-Procedure Care
Once your plastic surgery is done, follow your surgeon’s guidelines regarding your road to recovery. You can also consider the following general guidelines:
Arrange Transportation:
Arrange for transportation to and from the surgical facility, as you won’t be able to drive after the procedure.
Lifestyle Adjustments:
Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious foods and staying hydrated. Engage in regular exercise to enhance your overall health and aid in recovery.
Prepare Medications:
Have a comfortable and quiet space ready for your recovery period. Stock up on necessary supplies like pain medications, bandages, and comfortable clothing.
Support System:
Inform family members or friends about your surgery so they can offer support and assistance during your recovery.
Benefits of Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery offers a range of potential benefits, both cosmetic and functional, to individuals seeking to enhance their appearance or address specific medical conditions. It’s important to note that the decision to undergo plastic surgery should be made carefully after thorough consultation with medical professionals. Here are some potential benefits of plastic surgery:
Improved Self-Confidence: Many people choose plastic surgery to address aspects of their appearance they are unhappy with, which can significantly boost their self-esteem and self-confidence.
Enhanced Physical Appearance: Plastic surgery can help individuals achieve their desired physical appearance by reshaping or altering specific features, leading to a more aesthetically pleasing look.
Correction of Physical Abnormalities: Plastic surgery can correct congenital abnormalities, injuries, or deformities resulting from accidents, improving both appearance and function.
Emotional and Psychological Well-Being: Addressing physical concerns through plastic surgery can alleviate psychological distress and improve overall mental well-being.
Rejuvenation: Procedures like facelifts, eyelid surgery, and other anti-aging treatments can help individuals look more youthful, which can positively impact their overall quality of life.
Functional Improvements: Some plastic surgeries have practical benefits. For example, rhinoplasty (nose surgery) can improve breathing, and breast reduction can alleviate back pain and discomfort.
Weight Loss and Body Contouring: After significant weight loss, excess skin may be left behind. Body contouring procedures can remove excess skin and provide a more toned appearance.
Health Benefits: Procedures like liposuction can help remove stubborn fat pockets that may be contributing to health issues like diabetes or cardiovascular problems.
Post-Traumatic Healing: Plastic surgery can aid in the physical and emotional healing process after traumatic events, accidents, or injuries.
Scar Revision: Plastic surgery techniques can help minimize the appearance of scars, which can be particularly beneficial for those with visible scars from surgeries or accidents.
Risk of Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery, like any medical procedure, carries certain risks and potential complications. Here are the significant risks associated with plastic surgery:
Infection: Infections can occur after any surgical procedure, including plastic surgery. The risk of infection is heightened when incisions are made, as bacteria can enter the body. If not properly treated, infections can lead to serious health issues and may require additional surgeries to resolve.
Anesthesia Complications: In plastic surgical procedures, anesthesia is used to keep patients pain-free and comfortable during the treatment. However, there are risks associated with anesthesia, including allergic reactions, adverse drug reactions, and complications related to administering anesthesia.
Scarring and Disfigurement: The healing process can differ between individuals, leading to variations in scar appearance. In rare cases, scarring can be more prominent or even cause disfigurement, which might not align with the patient’s desired outcome.
Unsatisfactory Results: Sometimes plastic surgery falls short of a patient’s expectations and the results can vary due to individual healing responses, unexpected complications, or other unforeseen factors.
Results
The results of each plastic surgery procedure can vary among individuals due to certain factors, and therefore, are not guaranteed
Call to Action
It is essential for individuals considering Cosmetic surgery to have realistic expectations and to consult with qualified and experienced plastic surgeons who can guide them through the decision-making process, discuss potential risks and benefits, and provide appropriate recommendations based on their individual needs and circumstances. At Euromed Clinic, we offer a wide range of plastic surgery procedures under the expert guidance of our globally renowned plastic surgeons. If you wish to avail yourself of their services, please give us a call at +971 4 394 5422.