Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery, also known as plastic surgery, is a medical procedure that aims to improve a person's appearance through surgical techniques. Cosmetic surgery can involve various procedures, such as facelifts, breast augmentation, liposuction, and rhinoplasty, among others. These procedures are typically elective and performed for aesthetic reasons. 

Definition and Overview

Plastic surgery is a surgical field that involves improving or modifying the human body through various procedures. This field can be broadly categorized into two main types: reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery. Reconstructive surgery encompasses procedures such as hand surgery, craniofacial surgery, microsurgery, and burn treatment, to reconstruct a part of the body or improve its function. On the other hand, cosmetic surgery, also known as aesthetic surgery, aims to enhance the appearance of different body parts. (1)

Types

Cosmetic surgery, also known as aesthetic surgery, refers to a range of surgical procedures aimed at improving a person's appearance. There are various types of cosmetic surgery available, each addressing different areas of the body. Some of the most common types of cosmetic surgery include:

• Liposuction

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure that involves removing excess fat deposits from different areas of the body using a cannula and suction device. This procedure can be used to contour and reshape areas such as the abdomen, thighs, arms, and hips. 

• Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure that involves increasing the size and enhancing the shape of the breasts using saline or silicone implants. This procedure is commonly performed to improve the aesthetic appearance of the breasts, as well as to restore volume lost due to pregnancy, aging, or weight loss.

• Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that involves removing excess skin, muscle, and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids to improve the appearance of drooping, sagging, or puffy eyes. 

• Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightening the abdominal muscles to achieve a flatter, more toned appearance. 

• Breast Reduction

Breast reduction is a cosmetic surgery procedure that involves removing excess breast tissue and reshaping the breasts to reduce their size and improve their shape. This procedure is often performed to relieve physical discomfort associated with large breasts, such as back pain and skin irritation.

• Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that involves reshaping the nose to improve its appearance and/or function. This procedure can be used to address issues such as a large or crooked nose, a hump on the bridge of the nose, or breathing difficulties due to structural abnormalities.

• Rhytidectomy

Rhytidectomy, also known as a facelift, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that involves tightening and smoothing the skin of the face and neck to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin.

• Breast Lift

Breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that involves lifting and reshaping sagging breasts to improve their appearance. 

• Forehead Lift

Forehead lift, also known as brow lift, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that involves lifting and tightening the skin of the forehead to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin. 

• Gynecomastia Treatment

Gynecomastia treatment is a cosmetic surgery procedure that involves removing excess breast tissue in men to achieve a flatter, more masculine chest contour. 

It's important to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon to determine the best cosmetic surgery option for a patient's individual needs and goals.(2)

Candidates

The individual should have a clear understanding of the risks involved and be willing to follow pre and post-operative instructions carefully. Specifically, a good candidate for cosmetic surgery should:

• Be in good physical and mental health, with no underlying medical conditions that could impair healing or increase surgical risks.
• Have a stable weight and body mass index (BMI) within a healthy range.
• Be a non-smoker or willing to quit smoking for a specified period before and after the surgery.
• Have a positive outlook and realistic expectations of the outcome of the surgery.
• Be motivated by personal reasons rather than pressure from external sources (such as friends, family, or society).
• Have a good understanding of the procedure, its risks and benefits, and the recovery process.
• Have a strong support system in place to assist during the recovery period.
• Be willing to follow pre and post-operative instructions carefully, including attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon.(3)

Risks and Side Effects

Like any surgery, cosmetic procedures have inherent risks. If a patient has obesity or diabetes (a BMI of 30 or higher), the chances of developing complications such as blood clots in the legs or lungs may be higher. 

Some possible complications that can arise from any surgical procedure include:

• Anesthesia-related complications, such as pneumonia, blood clots, and in rare cases, death.
• Infections at the incision site can worsen scarring and require additional surgery.
• Fluid buildup under the skin.
• Mild bleeding, which may necessitate another surgical procedure, or significant bleeding that may require a transfusion.
• Abnormal scarring due to skin breakdown.
• Separation of the surgical wound.
• Numbness and tingling caused by nerve damage.(4)

Post-Procedure and Follow-up

Before patients are discharged from the hospital or undergo outpatient surgery, they will be given detailed instructions regarding the specific post-operative care that they need to follow. They will also be provided with instructions and prescriptions for any necessary medications, including painkillers and antibiotics. (5)

Recovery

The duration of recovery following plastic surgery varies depending on the type of procedure performed and the individual patient. Generally, patients will need help for the initial 48 hours after surgery, after which they may be able to care for themselves. However, those who have small children to look after may still require some assistance. The expected duration of disability for each procedure is provided below as an estimate and does not include the time needed to resume physical activities. (6)

Results

The results of cosmetic surgery can vary from person to person and depend on the specific procedure performed. In general, the goal of cosmetic surgery is improvement rather than perfection, so it is important to maintain realistic expectations. While some patients may be very satisfied with their results, others may not achieve the desired outcome and may require additional procedures. It is important to carefully research and choose a qualified and experienced surgeon to increase the likelihood of achieving a satisfactory result. (7)