Plastic surgery is one of the most popular medical procedures in the world. From breast augmentation and implants to dermabrasion and rhinoplasty, elective surgeries to change a person’s looks are fairly common. Vanity is not always the driving force in seeking plastic surgery. While millions of people opt for plastic surgery to improve their appearance, there are instances where the benefits are more than skin deep.
Gossip involving Hollywood stars, young and old, male and female, or often the first thought when talking about plastic surgery. When surgeries are performed on parts of the body that are commonly visible – face and hands, plastic surgeons are involved. Tragedies and life-altering accidents can result in needed surgical procedures to regain a good quality of life. Disfigurement from fire or trauma can be greatly improved through plastic surgery. Plastic surgery can be very practical and medically necessary. There are several different types of plastic surgery, and each has its own benefits and risks.
Four Popular Types Of Plastic Surgery:
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Facelift
A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a type of cosmetic surgery that is used to improve the appearance of the face by reducing wrinkles and sagging skin. This surgery can be performed on both men and women, although it is more commonly performed on women.
There are two main types of facelifts:
The traditional facelift
The traditional facelift involves making an incision in the hairline near the temples, extending down in front of the ear and continuing behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. The skin is then lifted off of the face, and any excess fat is removed. Next, the underlying muscles are tightened, and the skin is re-draped over the face, giving a tighter, younger-looking appearance.
Mini Facelift
The mini facelift is a less invasive procedure involving incisions in the hairline further back and pulling the skin up to reposition it. This small procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on your individual needs and preferences.
Other plastic surgeries on the face:
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery for sagging upper eyelids, can have a dramatic effect on vision. If the excess skin has been preventing the eyes from opening fully, the change in the field of vision will be greatly increased.
Rhinoplasty is not just about fixing that bump on your nose. Breathing issues, especially when sleeping, can usually be attributed to a deviated septum. The septum is the cartilage in the center of your nose, separating the nostrils. The ripple effects of sleeping well after repairing a deviated septum should not be underestimated.
Cleft lip and palate repair are top on my personal list of beneficial and needed plastic surgeries. It is more common than many realize – 1 in 700 births worldwide. Some reports show it has been slowly increasing in the US. Cleft can affect eating, speaking, hearing, and breathing – not just appearances.
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Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a type of cosmetic surgery that is used to remove any excess skin and fat from the abdomen. This surgery can be performed on both men and women, although it is more commonly performed on women who have had children or who have lost a significant amount of weight.
The procedure involves making an incision in the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area. The skin and underlying tissue are then lifted up to reveal the abdominal muscles. These muscles are tightened with sutures, and any excess fat is removed. The skin is then re-draped over the abdomen and held in place with sutures or staples.
Additional procedures might be done at the same time to remove excess skin from arms and legs. Weight loss, whether from strict diet changes or the result of bariatric surgery, is a good reason for plastic surgery.
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Hands Surgery
We use our hands for so much of daily life, they need to function well. For those suffering with arthritis, not only do they experience pain, but diminished use as well. Electing for surgery is not then about vanity but for quality of life.
Hands are one of the most commonly cosmetically altered parts of the body, with many people opting for plastic surgery procedures such as dermabrasion, laser treatments, or chemical peels to improve the appearance and texture of their hands. In addition, the glow up for your hands procedure can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and even out skin tone in the hands, giving them a smoother and more youthful appearance.
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Liposuction
Liposuction, also known as suction lipectomy, is a type of cosmetic surgery that is used to remove excess fat from the body. Liposuction surgery can be performed on any area of the body where there is excess fat, such as the abdomen, thighs, arms, neck, and back. The procedure involves making small incisions in the skin and inserting a hollow tube, called a cannula, into the incisions. The cannula is then used to suction out the excess fat.
This procedure may seem purely cosmetic, but it can have practical benefits as well. If you have ever experienced edema, or swelling, usually in the arms and legs, you know how painful it can be. Lymphedema is long-term swelling (from the lymph fluid) often in the lower legs. Not only is this painful, but affects joints and makes walking difficult. Liposuction can help to alleviate lymphedema. It is also used to treat gynecomastia and lipomas or as part of breast reduction.
In Conclusion
Each person’s decision to have plastic surgery is unique. Some people opt for surgery to improve their appearance, while others do it for health reasons. No matter the reason, it is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to learn more about the risks and benefits of plastic surgery.