Nuts and Bolts of Plastic Surgery

When most people hear the words "plastic surgery," they immediately think of someone who is having their face lifted, their breasts enlarged to the approximate sizes of cantaloupes, or a number of other beauty treatments designed to make one look the way America thinks they should look. Actually, this is not always the case. In fact, there is a branch called reconstructive surgery that does not operate purely on looks. Rather, it is designed to help someone in need.

Reconstructive serves the purpose of helping someone who has been adversely affected in life and needs just a little something to make them fit in. Imagine the following scenario:

Jane Karlson is a secretary at Dawson's Designs. One day, there is a terrible fire. She can't make it out in time and is burned badly on her face, forearms, and hands. Her burned face and neck, besides causing people to treat her differently and weirdly, pose a danger to her breathing and other sensitive areas. Is she to simply accept life as-is now or can she try to make a better life for herself? Is it over?

Not by a long shot. For Jane, and for others like her, there are options. One option that many professional doctors recommend is reconstructive procedures. Generally, this plastic surgery is performed on defects or deformities that might keep a person from living a normal life, such as birth defects. They are also performed to improve the quality of life for people like Jane, who have experienced adverse circumstances. It is rare for these procedures to be performed for aesthetic purposes, though it is not uncommon. More likely, plastic surgery will be done to correct such things as a cleft palate, scar revision, or hand surgeries.

The number one objective in reconstructive procedures is patient health. Quality of life is not taken lightly by these doctors, who refer to their field simply as "plastics." Aesthetic results are usually a side effect, unlike the main goals in cosmetic surgery. Cosmetics seeks to enable the patient to improve upon themselves, to make changes they feel are necessary; changes that may or may not impact their quality of life. Most often, people choose to have this procedure done to prevent signs of aging or to correct something they see as a deformity. Licensed practitioners are always the best option for operating and are as easy to find as a regular physician.

Whether you are seeking reconstructive or cosmetics, it is always a good idea to research your options. Most offices will have websites and will provide most, if not all, the information you will need on their website. If you are considering cosmetics, make sure you ask yourself if it is necessary in the long run. It might just end up being something that you could do without. If you are seeking reconstructive practices, be sure to read up on the practice to make sure that they are putting the patient's health first before you make an appointment.