Plastic surgery
Overview
Plastic surgery is a specialized branch of surgery that involves the reconstruction, alteration, or restoration of the human body. It can be divided into two main categories: reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery. Reconstructive surgery includes craniofacial surgery, hand surgery, microsurgery, and the treatment of burns, while cosmetic surgery aims to improve the appearance of the body.
History
The history of plastic surgery dates back to ancient times. In India, the Sushruta Samhita, an ancient Sanskrit text, describes reconstructive surgery techniques as early as 600 BCE. The Romans also practiced simple plastic surgery procedures to repair damaged ears, among other things.
Reconstructive Surgery
Reconstructive surgery is performed to repair structures of the body that are affected by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors, or disease. It is generally performed to improve function, but may also be done to achieve a more typical appearance of the affected structure.
Craniofacial Surgery
Craniofacial surgery is divided into pediatric and adult craniofacial surgery. Pediatric craniofacial surgery mostly revolves around the treatment of congenital anomalies of the craniofacial skeleton and soft tissues, such as cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, and pediatric fractures.
Hand Surgery
Hand surgery is concerned with acute injuries and chronic diseases of the hand and wrist, correction of congenital malformations of the upper extremities, and peripheral nerve problems (such as brachial plexus injuries or carpal tunnel syndrome). Hand surgery is an important part of training in plastic surgery, as well as microsurgery, which is necessary to replant an amputated extremity.
Microsurgery
Microsurgery is generally concerned with the reconstruction of missing tissues by transferring a piece of tissue to the reconstruction site and reconnecting blood vessels.
Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery is an optional procedure that is performed on normal parts of the body with the only purpose of improving a person’s appearance and/or removing signs of aging.
Common Procedures
Common cosmetic procedures include breast augmentation, rhinoplasty (nose job), liposuction, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck).
Ethics
The ethics of plastic surgery are a topic of continuous debate. While reconstructive surgeries are generally accepted as they can significantly improve a person's quality of life, cosmetic surgeries are often viewed with skepticism due to their elective nature and the societal pressures that often drive individuals to seek these procedures.
Training and Regulation
In most countries, a plastic surgeon must complete a recognized residency program in plastic surgery after receiving a medical degree. The training includes both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. After completing the training, the surgeon may choose to specialize further in either cosmetic or reconstructive surgery.