What is it 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).
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
Plastic surgery is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (the only official entity overseeing physician certification in the United States) as the subspecialty dedicated to the surgical repair of defects of form or function -- this includes cosmetic (or aesthetic) surgery, as well as reconstructive surgery. The term "cosmetic surgery" however, simply refers to surgery that is designed to improve cosmetics, or appearance.
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.
We will provide you with a basic understanding of the psychological issues involved with plastic surgery. It can't answer all your questions, since your individual circumstances and your self-image must be considered. Ask our surgeons if there is anything you don't understand about the possible psychological aspects and effects of your planned procedure.
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.
Not everyone is an appropriate candidate for plastic surgery, despite physical indications which are ideal for any given procedure. Experienced plastic surgeons can usually identify troubled patients during a consultation. Sometimes, plastic surgeons will decline to operate on these individuals. Other times, they may recommend psychological counseling to ensure that the patient's desire for an appearance change isn't part of an emotional problem that no amount of surgery can fix. If your plastic surgeon recommends counseling for you, feel free to ask your surgeon how he or she expects the sessions to help you.
Patients who are obsessed with a very minor defect, and may believe that once their defect is fixed, life will be perfect, too may be advised to seek counseling prior to any consideration of surgery. Born perfectionists may be suitable candidates for surgery, as long as they are realistic enough to understand that surgical results may not precisely match their goals.
During your initial consultation, your plastic surgeon will seek honest answersto how you feel about your appearance, how you believe others see you, and how you'd prefer to look and feel.
Honesty, with yourself and with the surgeon is essential. It's important that you set aside any awkwardness you might feel, and speak candidly about the changes you'd like to see. At the end of the consultation, you should feel confident that you and your surgeon understand each other completely.
Also, it is unwise to stress a minor functional problem if your true desire is to have an improved appearance. A patient who pretends to be seeking relief for a functional problem may confuse the surgeon about that patient's true goals for surgery.
Often these patients stress a functional problem with the hope of obtaining insurance coverage for the procedure even though a functional problem does not exist. If your goals for surgery are not clearly communicated to your surgeon, you may not be satisfied with the final result.
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.
Certain cosmetic surgery procedures may also be of significant psychological benefit for some teenagers, provided that he or she is well-adjusted both socially and emotionally. Parents need to keep in mind that feelings about self-image tend to change with maturity, and that cosmetic surgery should never be forced on a teenager, nor should a teenager force an issue which a surgeon feels is not an appropriate cause for surgery.
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.
Be sure to select a support person who will be just that--supportive. Graciously decline offers of help from those who may be critical of your decision to have surgery or may be overly troubled by your temporarily bruised and swollen appearance.
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.
Remember, if you are content with how the results of plastic surgery make you look and feel, then the procedure was indeed a success.
