The terms “cosmetic surgery” and plastic surgery are often, but mistakenly, used interchangeably. While many of the procedures are similar, the objectives of each surgical discipline are different.
- Cosmetic Surgery: This is the medical discipline of using medical and surgical techniques to enhance a person’s appearance. The procedures vary greatly and can be performed on almost all parts of the body. Because cosmetic surgery is focused on enhancing the aesthetic appeal of parts of the body that are otherwise functional, it is normally an elective procedure.
- Plastic Surgery: This is defined as the use of medicine and surgery to reconstruct parts of the body that are dysfunctional or damaged due to birth defects, injury or diseases. Plastic surgery, because it is reconstructive in nature, could be either an elective procedure or an essential one.
The Objective of Cosmetic Surgery
The goal of cosmetic surgery is to improve the physical appearance. This is not only a matter of vanity or personal preference, i.e. altering the shape of the nose. Besides the visible benefits, cosmetic surgery improves a person’s self-confidence and self-esteem. This enables a person to be less self-conscious and more comfortable in professional, social and personal interactions. By enabling this, cosmetic surgery adds to the quality of life and the sense of well-being. It is important to note that cosmetic procedures, like any form of surgery, can vary from simple outpatient procedures to those that involve extensive surgery and recovery. The decision to go in for cosmetic surgery should not be taken lightly.
There is a condition known as Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) which can cause a person to believe that there is something wrong with their appearance, even though objective evaluation says otherwise. If a cosmetic surgeon thinks that a patient is suffering from BBD, he may advise the patient to undergo counseling before a decision on undergoing surgery is taken.
Common Cosmetic Procedures
The appearance of almost any part of the body can be changed or augmented by cosmetic surgery. Among the most common procedures are:
For the body:
- Breast augmentation
- Breast lift
- Breast reduction surgery
- Buttock lift (belt lipectomy)
- Circumferential body lift
- Inner thigh lift
- Laser hair removal
- Abdomen reduction (tummy tuck)
- Arm lift
- Liposuction
For the face:
- Face-lift
- Facial contouring
- Facial fillers
- Facial wrinkles
- Laser hair removal
- Laser resurfacing
- Botox
- Cheek lift
- Chemical peel
- Chin surgery
- Cosmetic dentistry
- Dermabrasion
- Eyebrow/forehead rejuvenation (brow lift)
- Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
- Neck lift
- Otoplasty (ear surgery)
- Rhinoplasty (nose surgery)
- Skin problems (blemishes, spider veins, scar revisions, tattoo removal)
- Wrinkle treatment
For detailed information on these and other cosmetic procedures, contact a multispecialty hospital that has a department specializing in cosmetic procedures and discuss your need for surgery with a doctor who will be able to give you the right information and advice.
Why It Is Done
Cosmetic surgery can bring about a dramatic change to a person’s appearance and by that, significantly improve the quality of life. However, it is important to know that cosmetic surgery does not work miracles and so it is vital to keep your expectations about the results realistic. Here again, talking to the doctor will be of immense value in ensuring that you are fully aware of how your appearance will change and how it may affect you.
Before a cosmetic procedure is done, you will be required to undergo various examinations and tests to ensure that you are in good health and there will not be any impediments to the results or your recovery. If any physical issues are found, you will be asked to take steps to correct the condition before the cosmetic procedure is done.
Ask The Surgeon
It is often the case that when it comes to cosmetic surgery, the large amount of publicity given to the subject results in people having preconceived ideas and expectations about the surgery and its results. That is why it is important to have a detailed discussion with the surgeon before the surgery is done. This will ensure that you know what to expect before, during and after the surgery and understand clearly what the expected results may be.
Among the common question you can ask the surgeon are:
- How Is the procedure done?
- What are the expected results – what does it do?
- What does it not do?
- Is this the right procedure for me or is there any other option I should consider?
- If there are any risks or complications, what are they?
- How long will the recovery take? Will the surgical area look very bad during this time?
- Will there be any pain or discomfort during the recovery time and if so, will I be given medications to control it?
- What are the restrictions on activity during the recovery period?
- If there are going to be stitches, when will they be removed?
- Will there be any permanent scarring?
- When will be full results of the procedure be visible?
- When can I return to normal activities?
- Are there any precautions I will have to observe in the future?
Since cosmetic surgery is an elective procedure, it is your decision about having it done so the more you know, the better placed you will be to make the right decisions.
Elective surgery does not involve life-threatening health issues – the decision to undergo the procedure is left to you. However, as with any medical procedure, it is important to ensure that it is done in the right way and to the highest standards so that you can be assured of the right outcome. This can be done by fixing an appointment with the Cosmetology Department of a top-rated hospital where you can be sure that whatever procedures you undergo will be done by highly qualified specialists using cutting-edge equipment and medical technology. To look your best, the procedures must be done by the best.