More people seek plastic Surgery to fine-tune a flawed body part and provide a bonus self-esteem boost for some. Nonetheless, there are many reasons someone might undertake a significant cosmetic surgery that alters their look. Perhaps it stems from the desire to improve the body or enhance the image after an injury.
What Are The Types Of Plastic Surgery?
There are two main categories of plastic surgery: reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. In general, both are considered sub-specialties of Plastic Surgery.
RECONSTRUCTIVE PLASTIC SURGERY
This Surgery is performed to restore function and normal appearance and correct deformities created by birth defects, trauma, or medical conditions, including cancer. Reconstructive Plastic Surgery is typically considered medically necessary and is covered by most health insurance plans. Below are common causes of facial defects include:
- Fractures of facial bones
- Mandible fractures
- Complex facial lacerations
- Head and neck injuries
- Nasal deformity and trauma
- Facial scars/ear injury and deformity
- Facial cysts, growths, and other lesions
- Skin cancer and facial defects from moh’s Surgery
In addition, reconstructive plastic Surgery usually aims to improve body function. Below are samples of reconstructive plastic Surgery:
- Facial Reconstructive Surgery. Many people suffer from facial asymmetry and other facial deformities. These imperfections, even minor, can interfere with one’s confidence and self-esteem. While some people have these facial issues from birth, others acquire them from diverse causes, including Surgery and trauma. Regardless of the reason, there is hope.
- Scar Revision Surgery / Keloid Surgery. Facial disfigurement from injury can occur in a fraction of a second and cause life-long emotional and physical scarring. While early cleansing and meticulous closure in the emergency room are essential, permanent scarring may be unsightly and distort facial features.
- Mole Removal. Moles can be concerning because they can be unattractive, bothersome, and sometimes even harmful. It’s best to have a mole checked out, and if chosen to remove it, the procedure is quick and usually painless with a fast recovery time.
- Facial Paralysis Surgery / Bells Palsy / Facial Reanimation. Damage to the facial nerve may cause an imbalance of the face at rest and distorted, asymmetrical facial expressions (e.g., smiling, laughing, grimacing, etc.). Functionally, facial nerve injury affects chewing, fluid retention while drinking, nasal breathing, corneal exposure, speech patterns, and communication skills. In children, facial paralysis occurs developmentally at birth or after brain tumor resection, while adults may experience complete or partial paralysis following an episode of Bell’s Palsy, acoustic neuroma, or traumatic injury.
- Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery. Cleft lip and palate are birth defects. In other words, this occurs during the developmental process in the womb. Normally, the mouth and nose of a baby develop between the first 6 and 12 weeks of growth. In some babies, parts of the lips and roof of the mouth don’t grow together. Because the lips and the palate develop separately, it’s possible to have cleft lip, cleft palate, or both.
- Microtia Surgery. A birth deformity of the ear, microtia occurs in about one in 5,000-7,000 births, which results in non-formed or misshapen ears. In fact, grade 3 microtia looks like a little sausage-shaped skin. On the other hand, a grade 2 microtia is less severe and often looks like a tiny ear, while a Grade 1 microtia is a minimally deformed ear.
- Facial Burn Plastic Surgery. Burn injuries account for over 100,000 hospital admissions per year. The most common age groups are toddlers (age 2 through 4) and adolescents (age 17 through 25). Injuries to the head and neck account for approximately 50% of all burn injuries.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY
To enhance the overall cosmetic appearance, cosmetic plastic surgery is used to reshape and adjust normal anatomy to make the person’s look visually more appealing. In cosmetic surgery, this type is not considered medically necessary, unlike Reconstructive Surgery. Breast augmentation, breast lift, liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), and facelift are popular examples of cosmetic surgery procedures.
As a matter of fact, cosmetic surgery remains the last resort for anyone who desires a long-lasting change in the face shape. Additionally, cosmetic procedures include outpatient procedures (such as injecting fillers) or invasive procedures (such as jawline or cheekbone surgery).
Surgical facial plastic treatments include:
- Rhinoplasty/Septoplasty—Surgery of the outside and inside the nose in which cartilage and bone are rebuilt and reshaped to improve the appearance and function of the nose
- Blepharoplasty—Surgery of the upper and/or lower eyelids to improve the function (like drooping eyelids) and/or appearance of the eyes
- Browlift—Surgery to improve forehead wrinkles and droopy eyebrows
- Rhytidectomy—Surgery of the skin on the face and neck to tighten the skin and remove excess wrinkles
- Liposuction—Surgery to remove excess fat under the chin or in the neck
- Facial Implants—Surgery to make certain structures of the face (cheek, lips, chin)
Non-surgical procedures and techniques such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and injectables can also help with some facial conditions. Injectables include medications such as Botox®, Dysport®, Restylane®, Juvederm®, Radiesse®, Sculptra®, and other fillers that can be placed under the skin to improve the appearance of the face.
What Are The Possible Complications Associated with Plastic Surgery?
Any surgery carries some risk. People differ in their anatomy and their ability to heal. Depending on the type of surgery and the overall health, some complications and risks associated with reconstructive plastic surgery may include:
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Bruising
- Difficulty in wound healing
- Anesthesia problems
- Surgery problems
The risk of complications may increase if the patient:
- Smokes
- Have connective-tissue damage
- Have skin damage from radiation therapy
- Have decreased circulation at the surgery site
- Have HIV
- Have an impaired immune system
- Have poor nutritional habits
Other risks may depend on the specific medical condition. It is best to discuss any concerns with the healthcare provider before the procedure.
What Are Important Key Points To Do?
Choose a surgeon with experience and training in the desired procedure. The surgeon is the first and most influential choice in cosmetic Surgery. A licensed physician from any specialty may legally perform cosmetic procedures, so it is key to do homework and choose a surgeon who specializes in the desired procedure and has the right credentials.
If the procedure sought is cosmetic, choosing a cosmetic surgeon means that the surgeon focuses on safely achieving a good aesthetic outcome.
The Bottom Line
The decision to undergo facial plastic and reconstructive surgery is a personal one. At Cache Valley ENT, they provide reconstructive and cosmetic facial plastic surgery. Their physicians have specialized training in a full range of facial plastic and reconstructive surgical procedures and techniques.
Also, they provide reconstructive options for facial defects caused by congenital deformities, cancer, and trauma. In addition to reconstructive options, cosmetic procedures are available to enhance our patients’ cosmetic appearance and aesthetic features. Ultimately, their board-certified surgical staff members are capable and experienced in helping people with their cosmetic and reconstructive needs.
