Plastic surgery is a rapidly growing field that offers a wide range of procedures to enhance one's appearance. As an expert in the field, I have seen the rise in popularity of plastic surgery and the increasing demand for different types of procedures. In this article, I will discuss the various types of plastic surgery and the different specializations within the field. The most common cosmetic surgeries include breast augmentation, liposuction, nose reshaping, eyelid surgery, tummy tuck, and facelifts. However, plastic surgeons are not a one-size-fits-all profession.
They are divided into different areas of expertise, and it is crucial to carefully choose the best plastic surgeon for your specific needs. Some plastic surgeons specialize in facial procedures such as rhinoplasty, facelifts, and blepharoplasty. Rhinoplasty, also known as nasal remodeling, helps create a balance between facial features. On the other hand, there are surgeons who specialize in body contouring procedures like tummy tucks, liposuction, and post-bariatric body lifts. A tummy tuck involves removing loose skin and fat from the abdomen to tighten muscles and create a smooth, flat surface. Plastic surgery is defined as a surgical specialty dedicated to reconstructing facial and body defects caused by congenital disorders, injuries, burns, or diseases.
Therefore, it is essential to choose your surgeon wisely based on the type of surgery or cosmetic procedure you need. Elective cosmetic procedures can be performed by doctors from various fields of medicine, including plastic surgeons. If you have always thought that cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery were the same thing, you are not alone. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the most common cosmetic procedures (invasive and minimally invasive) include breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, and liposuction. Women often turn to plastic surgery to transform their appearance and feel more confident.
While many plastic surgeons also perform cosmetic surgery, their primary focus is on reconstructive plastic surgery. The philosophies that guide their training, research, and goals for patients are different from those of cosmetic surgeons. Some plastic surgeons specialize in implants such as breast implants and facial implants for the lip, chin, and cheek. These surgeons undergo additional training and have extensive knowledge and experience in performing these procedures. Other types of implants that they can insert include buttock implants and calf implants, which help improve and define a woman's physique.
However, it is essential to note that a significant number of plastic surgeons choose to focus solely on cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgery is intended to correct dysfunctional areas of the body and is, by definition, reconstructive in nature. On the other hand, cosmetic surgery focuses on improving the patient's appearance. As a result, the training and certification process for a certified cosmetic surgeon is very different from that of a board-certified plastic surgeon. In fact, in 1999, the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons changed its name to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to emphasize that plastic and reconstructive surgeons are one and the same.
