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Plastic surgery

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Plastic surgery is a multifaceted specialty in the medical field dedicated to the reconstruction, restoration, and modification of various parts of the human body. It encompasses two distinct yet closely intertwined branches: reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery.[1]

Dr. Theodore Neric, chief resident physician, performs plastic surgery at Clark USAF Hospital - DPLA - 35cf40c62207c72258049566f22a3ed3
Blepharoplasty zholtikov

Reconstructive Surgery[edit | edit source]

Reconstructive surgery primarily focuses on rectifying functional impairments caused by burns, traumatic injuries, congenital abnormalities, and disease or cancer treatments like mastectomy. It involves several sub-specialties including but not limited to:

  • Craniofacial surgery: Primarily concerned with structures of the head, skull, face, neck and jaws.
  • Hand surgery: Deals with both surgical and non-surgical treatment of conditions and problems that may take place in the hand or upper extremity (commonly from the tip of the hand to the shoulder).
  • Microsurgery: Involves the reconstruction of missing tissues by transferring a piece of tissue to the reconstruction site and reconnecting blood vessels.
  • Burn Surgery: Can be divided into acute burn care, occurring immediately after the burn, and reconstructive burn surgery.[2]

Cosmetic Surgery[edit | edit source]

Cosmetic surgery, alternatively referred to as aesthetic surgery, primarily enhances the physical appearance of normal body parts, serving to improve a person's self-esteem and overall quality of life. Common procedures include rhinoplasty (nose job), liposuction, breast augmentation, and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck).[3]

Ethical Considerations[edit | edit source]

As a field that bridges the gap between aesthetics and necessity, plastic surgery poses unique ethical considerations. The subjectivity of beauty standards, the patient's psychological preparedness, and the potential exploitation of vulnerable populations are all topics of ongoing discourse in the field.[4]

Training[edit | edit source]

Becoming a plastic surgeon typically requires extensive education and training, including a 4-year undergraduate program, 4 years of medical school, and a minimum of 5 to 7 years in residency training in plastic and reconstructive surgery.[5]

List of Plastic Surgeons (USA)[edit | edit source]


See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

Further Reading[edit | edit source]

  • Neligan, P. C. (Ed.). (2012). Plastic Surgery. Elsevier Saunders.
  • Thorne, C.H., Chung, K.C., Gosain, A.K., Gurtner, G.C., Mehrara, B.J., Rubin, J.P., Spear, S.L. (2014). Grabb and Smith's Plastic Surgery. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Aston, S.J., Steinbrech, D.S., Walden, J.L. (2018). Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Elsevier.
  • Guyuron, B., Eriksson, E., Persing, J.A. (2011). Plastic Surgery: Indications and Practice. Elsevier Saunders.
Plastic surgery Resources
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