Plastic Surgery 101

Plastic surgery encompasses two broad fields - reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery. Generally speaking, plastic surgery is a general term for operative manual and instrumental treatment that may be performed for functional or aesthetic reasons. The word "plastic" derives from the Greek word "plastikos", meaning to mould or to shape. Reconstructive surgery focuses mainly on undoing or masking the destructive effects that were caused by some trauma, surgery, diseaseor other. Cosmetic (or aesthetic) surgery is most often performed in order to change certain features that the patient main find unflattering(for e.g. straightening the nose or making the lips more full).

Why plastic surgery?
In terms of reconstructive plastic surgery, it's not hard to argue why it's important and often necessary. Common cases of reconstructive surgery are breast reconstruction for women who have had a mastectomy, facial surgery for burn victims and many other situations where it would be an important step in aiding the individual along the path to a somewhat normal existence. Cosmetic plastic surgery on the other hand is more of an avenue for personal enhancement (sometimes even frivolous), and often not critical in order for the individual to continue having a normal day-to-day life or existence.

Where to go for plastic surgery?
If you're doing any sort of plastic surgery, it's important to identify and choose a Plastic Surgeon who is highly qualified and experienced in the specific type of operation that you will undergo. If you are in the United States, ensure that the Plastic Surgeon is board certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery. If you're located outside the U.S., do some investigating on your end to see whether your country has a Plastic Surgery Board or Association and that the Surgeon you have identified is certified through this organization. This sort of certification is important as it is always a good indicator that the surgeon has had extra training in the field. It also ensures that the Plastic Surgeon has earned his or her degree from a reputable medical school and has completed a certain number of additional years of residency.

Notably also, plastic surgeons will typically have privileges to perform their procedures at an accredited hospital, not some seedy-looking clinic or "backroom". An added bonus is if the Surgeon can show you before and after photos of patients who have undergone a similar treatment.

Plastic surgery gone bad
Yes, there are many situations where plastic surgery has gone bad, even occasionally there is a fatality. For example, in 2001, there was a case that was very widely publicized by Puerto Rican newspapers, where a Puerto Rican woman died after undergoing liposuction. The safest ways to avoid being a victim of botched plastic surgey:
- Research the Surgeon's training, education, experience, and community involvement
- Ensure that the Surgeon is certified by a recognized board or associatin and that he/she has a current and proper license status

Celebrities and plastic surgery
Undoubtedly, plastic surgery is extremely popular among celebrities and Hollywood stars. From 'tummy tucks' to Rhinoplasty (reshaping of the nose), to liposuction (removal of fat from the body), many celebrities go under the Surgeon's knife quite regularly in order to maintain their deemed status and even their own self-esteem. In some instances, it's extremely obvious that "they've had some work done", but for others, it's hard to tell. There are many before & after pictures floating around the Web, of celebrities who've changed this that or the other.

Plastic surgery addiction?
While some wealthy individuals have indeed been known to become addicted to the cosmetic surgery process, this disorder is clearly limited to the wealthy who can afford it. It is however a very real and very dangerous problem, as sufficient amounts of repeated cosmetic surgery can lead to irreversible damage to the normal body structure.

Male Plastic Surgery
In terms of reconstructive surgery, foreskin restoration is sometimes done for men who have undergone imperfect circumcision. In terms of cosmetic surgery however, many more men now than in the past are choosing to have a variety of these procedures (e.g. muscle sculpting, nose jobs, tummy tucks, wrinkle treatment etc.) done. No longer is cosmetic surgery just the playground of women.

The plastic surgery portal offers resources on some of the top anti-aging treatments available and access to plastic surgeons near you. Research cosmetic treatments that can help turn back the hands of time or schedule a consultation with a certified cosmetic surgeon in your area.