Plastic Surgery: More Than Just Improving Your Appearance

When you hear the term “plastic surgery,” you may envision breast implants and face lifts aimed at making someone more attractive. But plastic and reconstructive surgeries have many other important uses.

The same medical techniques used to sculpt the body can be employed in a variety of ways to address quality-of-life concerns and may be used in conjunction with other medical treatments.

There are two broad-based fields in the world of plastic surgery. Perhaps the best known is cosmetic surgery, which focuses on aesthetics – including breast implants, Brazilian butt lifts and similar procedures. The second field is reconstructive surgery, which focuses more on repairing the body and restoring function that might otherwise be lost.

Here are some of the non-cosmetic reasons a person might need a plastic surgeon.

Breast reduction: For some women, large breasts can create problems – both emotionally and physically. The weight can lead to several chronic conditions, including back and neck pain, skin irritation and persistent rashes. Diet, physical exercise and sports bras can help, but there are times when the best solution is breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty).

For slight reductions, liposuction may be all that is needed. But for moderate and more significant reductions, surgery will be required to reduce and reshape the breasts. This procedure is likely to be scrutinized by insurers to be sure that it is being done for medical, rather than purely cosmetic, purposes.

Scar revision: A plastic surgeon is an integral part of the medical team that cares for any patient who has been involved in an accident or traumatic event with the potential to leave permanent scarring or disfigurement. Scar revision can be used for many injuries, including cuts, burns and dog bites. Plastic surgeons routinely work in hospital emergency rooms, where patients may be dealing with life-altering wounds. For example, a plastic surgeon might be called upon following a car or motorcycle accident to repair wounds with significant loss of skin.

Cancer treatment: Many cancer surgeries leave significant scarring and tissue loss. Among the best-known examples is breast cancer, where the oncologist may remove all or part of the patient’s breast. A plastic surgeon can offer various reconstruction options after a lumpectomy or mastectomy. Other cancer treatments may involve removing bones. A plastic surgeon might reconstruct a jaw bone, for example, to help you eat again. Treating aggressive or advanced forms of skin cancer also has the potential for significant scarring. A plastic surgeon can minimize the damage and perform reconstruction when large amounts of tissue – from the nose, for example – are removed.

Restoring lost function: Aging and other changes can alter your body’s ability to function normally. One example of this is the way loose or sagging skin can develop around your upper and lower eyelids as you get older. This has an aesthetic impact, but in severe cases can impair your vision. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can be used to remove that excess skin from the upper or lower eyelids. The procedure can restore that lost vision, while also giving you a more youthful appearance.

A Matter of Timing

In some instances, a plastic surgeon may be involved from the start on your care plan. But in others, you may be more focused on simply dealing with whatever your medical situation might be. It may be better to put off any decisions on reconstructive surgeries until you put the initial problem behind you.

Fortunately, most of these procedures can be done months, or years, down the road. Many women, for example, choose not to have immediate breast reconstruction after surgery for breast cancer. And even if you have previously had some form of plastic surgery for scarring or lost function, you may still benefit from advances in the field. There are always opportunities to improve upon previous work.

This content is not AI generated.