With every passing year, the world is seeing an increased demand for plastic surgery. People opt for plastic surgery to enhance their aesthetics or reconstruct a significant flaw or aftermath of an accident. These procedures have taken a rise, with almost 2 million procedures performed each year. Nearly every single body part can be put under cosmetic surgery. Do not decide to undergo plastic surgery in haste. The results being permanent, it must not be taken in the light air. If you are confused between cosmetic & reconstructive surgery, be wise to consult your doctor. But, first, go through the following lines to get a brief idea about the two.
What Is Cosmetic Surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is nothing but another version of plastic surgery. It is performed to reshape one’s body parts to enhance their aesthetics and form. Every day, we are seeing new ideas popping up about one’s aesthetics. The main idea here is to make oneself more radiant and feel good about one self. Unfortunately, this variety of surgery typically is not covered by health insurance.
Types Of Cosmetic Surgeries:
Here is a list of types of cosmetic surgeries:
- Tummy Tuck
- Liposuction
- Breast surgeries
- Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery
- Vaginoplasty
- Buttock lift
- Rhinoplasty
- Otoplasty
- Rhytidectomy or facelift
- Chin augmentation
- Brow lift
- Stem-cell enriched fat grafts.
- Botox
- Soft tissue fillers
- Fat grafting
- Lasers and light-based facial treatment
- Hair transplant
What Is Reconstructive Surgery?
Reconstructive surgery is dedicated to treating abnormal structures of the body. It improves functions or one’s general appearance. Most health insurances cover reconstructive diseases. However, the coverage for specific procedures and coverage levels may greatly vary based on your insurance policy. Studies suggest reconstructive breast reduction surgeries for women decreased faster than that for men. In 2018, there were almost 57,540 performed.
The abnormalities treated by reconstructive surgeries arise due to:
- congenital disabilities
- developmental abnormalities
- trauma
- infection
- tumors or disease
The Common Reconstructive Procedures:
The most common reconstructive procedures include:
- Tumor removal
- Laceration repair
- Maxillofacial surgery
- Scar revision
- Hand surgery
- Breast reduction
- Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy
- Cleft lip
- Palate surgery
- Contracture surgery for burn survivors
- Creating a new outer ear when one is congenitally absent
How Are Reconstructive Surgeries Done?
The main difference between cosmetic & reconstructive surgery lies in their procedures. Surgeons resort to microsurgery. They transfer tissue in this procedure for coverage. It is done when no local tissue is available to work with. Generally, free flaps of muscle, skin, fat, bone, or maybe a combination is removed to be used on another site. It is then reconnected to the blood supply using as small as 1 to 2 millimeters of arteries and veins.
What Risks Can You Encounter?
Like any other surgery, cosmetic & reconstructive surgery also comes with complications. At least one in five patients who went through breast implants for augmentation will have to remove them within 10 years. Other risks include:
- Hematoma
- Nerve damage
- Infection
- Scarring
- Organ damage
- Implant failure, including rupture
The Relation Of Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery With Mental Health:
It is best to say that cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries go hand in hand with your mental health. Even though the saying goes as beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, most people choose plastic surgery simply to feel better about themselves. But, some might still miss a few aspects of their appearance. However, these procedures might make them self-conscious or uncomfortable. Like a coin these altering procedures come with two sides and vary how it affects people. Whatever the situation is, one should never ignore mental health. never undergo cosmetic surgeries simply to impress others- instead, choose to do it for yourself!Studies show several suicide cases indicating the ill-effects of breast augmentation procedures. On the other hand, people get boosted self-confidence. A lot of individuals experience mental health benefits after opting for cosmetic & reconstructive surgery.
These procedures can account for mental health improvements, including:
- Quality of life
- Anxiety
- Social phobia
- Self-esteem
- Goal attainment
- Life satisfaction
- Well-being
- Attractiveness
Here Are Some Tips For You:
- Be confident when you decide to go for cosmetic & reconstructive surgery.
- Choose reputable plastic surgeons.
- Get full information about the procedure.
- Make sure to weigh up all the pros and cons before you go forward with your decision.
- Consider any risks and limitations.
- Do not travel too far for treatment.
- Get ample rest after the surgery.
- Make sure to schedule your surgery in a time when you have less on your plate.
- Consider non-refundable procedures before traveling abroad for surgeries.
- Be prepared to change your mind.
- Be confident in your skin.
- Cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries may come with mental health issues. Take good care of yourself.