Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery is a surgical procedure that involves the restoration, reconstruction or alteration of the human body. It can be divided into two broad categories:-

  • Reconstructive plastic surgery- which includes reconstructing a part of the body or improving its function such as in the treatment of burns, microsurgery, hand surgery and so on.
  • Cosmetic surgery- cosmetic surgery is used to improve the appearance or look of a body part.
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Reconstructive plastic surgery can be used to correct the following conditions:

  • Burns
  • Facial bone fractures
  • Congenital abnormalities such as cleft palates or cleft lips
  • Traumatic injuries
  • Developmental abnormalities
  • Breast reconstruction after mastectomy
  • Creating a congenitally absent new outer ear
  • Breast reduction plasty
  • Treating pressure ulcers

A number of techniques are used for plastic surgery depending on the area and need for surgery. Some of the techniques are as follows:

  • Skin grafts- A skin graft is a surgical procedure which involves the removal of healthy skin from an unaffected area of the body which is then used to cover damaged or lost skin. Skin grafts are used for open fractures (bone fractures that beak the skin), burns, large wounds and surgical wounds.  Skin grafts can be of two types:
    • Full thickness skin graft- the top layer of the skin (epidermis) and all the underlying layers of the skin are removed (dermis) and closed with stitches.
    • Partial thickness skin graft- the epidermis and a small part of the dermis is removed. It is left to heal on its own and not closed with stitches.
  • Tissue expansion- a balloon-like device called an expander is inserted under the skin and is filled with salt water over time, causing the skin to stretch and grow. It can be used for breast reconstruction or for larger wounds.
  •  Flap surgery- it involves transferring a live piece of tissue from one part of the body to another along with the blood vessels. The flap is stitched over the damaged area. It can be used for breast reconstruction, cleft lip and palates, open fractures and large wounds.

As with any surgery, plastic surgery can have a few complications:

  • Pain and discomfort
  • Bleeding
  • Risk of infection
  • Skin graft or flap failure due to restricted blood flow
  • Scars from the incisions
  • Implant failure wherein the implant could disfigure or leak
  • Disfigurement due to faulty cosmetic surgery

Recovery time depends upon the type of surgery performed and the area covered. The reconstructed area is usually covered with a sterile dressing to protect it from infection. The area from where the skin or tissue is taken is also covered until it heals which usually takes a few days to a couple weeks.