Health Guide / Plastic surgery

Plastic surgery

Plastic surgery is used to repair and reconstruct tissue and skin that has been lost or damaged.

The primary goal of plastic surgery is to restore tissue and skin function and appearance to as close to normal as possible.

Plastic surgery is distinct from cosmetic surgery, which is performed solely to alter a person's appearance in order to achieve what they believe is a more desirable appearance.

When plastic surgery is used

Plastic surgery can be used to repair:

• congenital defects such a cleft lip and palate, webbed fingers, and birthmarks that have been present since birth
• areas harmed by malignant tissue removal, such as the face or breast
• severe injuries like severe burns
• Self-esteem, confidence, and overall quality of life can all be enhanced through plastic surgery.

Availability of plastic surgery

The NHS typically provides reconstructive plastic surgery free of charge. But accessibility varies across the nation and is decided by neighborhood integrated care boards (ICBs).

Having completed significant training, plastic surgeons are members of organizations like the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS).

Check to see if a specific surgeon is a member of BAPRAS.

Most patients have their GP or another specialist expert who they visit with about their problem refer them to NHS plastic surgeons.

Private plastic surgery is also an option, although it can be very costly.

Even if you don't need a reference, it's always a good idea to discuss private treatment with your doctor or expert first.

Plastic surgery techniques

Some of the techniques used during plastic surgery are:

• Skin grafts replace missing or damaged skin by removing healthy skin from an undamaged area of the body.
• When a piece of healthy tissue from one area of the body is moved to another, the blood arteries that keep it alive are also moved. This procedure is known as skin flap surgery because the healthy tissue typically stays partially linked to the body during the relocation.
• tissue expansion: the process by which the body "grows" additional skin by stretching the surrounding tissue, which can then be used to help reconstruct the immediate area

In addition to these treatments, plastic surgeons also employ a wide range of others, including:

• When fat is removed from one location and placed in another, typically to rectify unevenness, the procedure is known as fat transfer or grafting.
• camouflage makeup or cream prosthetics, such as artificial limbs vacuum closure, which involves applying suction to a wound through a sterile piece of foam or gauze to suck out fluid and promote healing
• Learn more about the procedures involved in plastic surgery.

Risks of plastic surgery

The hazards of plastic surgery are the same as those of any form of surgery.

The degree of danger is influenced by the size of the affected area, the skill of the surgeon, and the patient's general health.

Specific risks are associated with several operations, but generic concerns include:

• pain and discomfort
• bleeding
• infection
• scarring