Common describe of plastic surgery
The history of cosmetic surgery reaches back to the ancient world. Physicians in ancient India including the great Indian surgeon Susrutha were utilizing skin grafts for reconstructive work as early as the 8th century BC. His work Sushruta Samhita describes rhinoplasty and otoplasty. This knowledge of plastic surgery existed in India up to the late 18th century as can be seen from the reports published in Gentleman's Magazine (October 1794).
The Romans were able to perform simple techniques such as repairing damaged ears from around the 1st century BC. In mid-15th century Europe, Heinrich von Pfolspeundt described a process "to make a new nose for one who lacks it entirely, and the dogs have devoured it" by removing skin from the back of the arm and suturing it in place. However, because of the dangers associated with surgery in any form, especially that involving the head or face, it was not until the 19th and 20th centuries that such surgeries became commonplace.
The principal areas of plastic surgery include two broad fields: reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery (or aesthetic surgery).
Common reconstructive surgeries are: breast reconstruction for women who have had a mastectomy, cleft lip and palate surgery, contracture surgery for burn survivors, and closing skin and mucosa defects after removal of tumors in the head and neck region. Sex reassignment surgery for transsexual people is another example of reconstructive surgery.
Plastic surgeons have developed the use of microsurgery to transfer tissue for coverage of a defect when no local tissue is available. Tissue "flaps" comprised of skin, muscle, bone, fat or a combination, may be removed from the body, moved to another site on the body and reconnected to a blood supply by suturing arteries and veins as small as 1-2 mm in diameter.
Cosmetic surgery is a very popular avenue for personal enhancement, as demonstrated by the 11.9 million cosmetic procedures performed in the U.S. alone in 2004. As for any operation, cosmetic procedures involve risk, and should therefore not be undertaken lightly. Within the US, critics of plastic surgery note that it is legal for any doctor, regardless of speciality, to perform "cosmetic surgery", but not "plastic surgery".
Top Plastic Surgery Procedures of 2004 are: 1)Liposuction; 2)Rhinoplasty; 3)Breast Augmentation; 4)Eyelid Surgery; 5)Facelift
Each of us has a "self-image," a perception of how we believe we look to others. People who are happy with their self-image are more likely to be self-confident, effective in work and social situations, and comfortable in their relationships. Those who are dissatisfied tend to be self-conscious, inhibited, and less effective in activities.
Because the changes resulting from plastic surgery are often dramatic and permanent, it's important that you have a clear understanding of how surgery might make you feel-- long before a procedure is scheduled.
Patients who have a physical defect or cosmetic flaw may adjust rather slowly after surgery, as rebuilding confidence takes time. However, as they adjust, these patients' self-image is strengthened, sometimes dramatically.
Impossible-to-please patients too may be advised to seek counseling prior to any consideration of surgery, such as individuals who consult with surgeon after surgeon, seeking the answers they want to hear. These patients hope for a cure to a problem which is not primarily, or not at all physical.
Patients who have a mental illness, and exhibit delusional or paranoid behavior, may also be poor candidates for surgery. Surgery may be appropriate in these cases if it is determined that the patient's goals for surgery are not related to the psychosis. In these cases, a plastic surgeon may work closely with the patient's psychiatrist.
Parents may face considerable confusion and anguish in making surgicalchoices for their children, or when their children show a desire to change or correct a physical characteristic.
However, in elective procedures like otoplasty (ear pinning), the choices may be more indefinite. If the child doesn't seem to notice that he or she looks "different," parents may be advised not to force the issue of surgery. However, if the child is being teased or feels he or she doesn't belong, parents should probably consider surgery for the emotional health and self-esteem of the child. It's important to follow the recommendation of a pediatrician and to consider the feelings of the child and the parents.
Plastic surgery procedures can impose stress in addition to that which we encounter on a daily basis, both on the body and mind. It's important that surgery is timed at a point when you don't feel exceptional stress, or physical or emotional burden.
To make sure you're emotionally prepared for surgery, your plastic surgeon may ask some rather personal questions about your relationships, home life, work problems, and other private matters. Once again, honesty is essential. In general, surgery should not be scheduled during a time of high activity or emotional upheaval. Patients who go into surgery feeling preoccupied or pressured with other matters may face longer and more difficult recovery periods.
It may take a while before you find you have emotionally recovered from surgery and have adjusted completely to change. This is particularly true if the procedure you've had has significantly changed your body image. If you're planning a relatively straight forward cosmetic procedure like chemical peel or eyelid surgery, you'll probably adjust easily to your new look. Your reflection in the mirror will be a familiar one--a refreshed, younger-looking you.
However, if you plan to have breast surgery, nose surgery, or another procedure that may involve a dramatic body change, the post-operative adjustment period may take longer. Until you learn to accept your redefined body image as your own, your reflection may seem somewhat unfamiliar.
It's essential to have someone to help you, both physical and emotionally, during your recovery period. Even the most independent patient needs some emotional support after surgery. Remember, during the first week of recovery, you'll have days when you'll feel depressed and look swollen, bruised, and rather unpleasant.
Also keep in mind that it's not unusual for a well-meaning friend or relative to say "I liked the way you were before," or "You didn't really need surgery," Comments such as these may cause or worsen feelings of regret or self-doubt, particularly during the early recovery period. Rely on your support person or your surgeon to help you though these difficult times--and try to focus on the reasons you decided to have surgery in the first place.
After surgery, most patients experience mild feelings of unhappiness. However, for an unlucky few, post-operative depression may be more severe.
The results of your surgery are likely to elicit some comment from friends and family members--and usually, it's not all positive. If you've had purely cosmetic surgery, you may be criticized for being foolish or frivolous. If your surgery involved changing an ethnic trait, you may be accused of trying to deny your cultural heritage. And, if you changed a family trait, prepare yourself for some surprised or disapproving glances. You may even get the cold shoulder from close friends who feel threatened by your improved appearance.
Some patients find it's helpful to arm themselves with a standard reply to post-operative criticism, such as, "This is something I did for myself--and I'm very happy with my results."
