Plastic surgery is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on altering a person's appearance and improving their ability to function. It is often confused with reconstructive surgery, but the two are distinct practices. In simple terms, plastic surgery is used for aesthetic purposes while reconstructive surgery is used to correct deformities. The term "plastic" actually comes from the Greek word plastikos, meaning "to form or mold". This term existed long before the creation of plastic as a material.
The initial training for a plastic surgeon can take place in various areas of surgery, such as urology, orthopedics, ENT, general surgery, and even neurosurgery. The practice of plastic surgery involves restoring, rejuvenating, and enhancing a patient's appearance through surgical techniques. Plastic surgery can be divided into two main categories: reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery. Reconstructive surgery includes procedures such as craniofacial surgery, hand surgery, microsurgery, and burn treatment. On the other hand, cosmetic surgery focuses on improving the appearance of the body.
Both types of procedures are performed all over the world using modern surgical techniques. In recent years, plastic surgery has become the fastest-growing cosmetic procedure in the United States, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. There has been a significant increase in the number of people undergoing both surgical and non-surgical procedures, with more money being spent on these surgeries than ever before. It is crucial to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure that you are receiving care from a highly trained and trustworthy professional. While both cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery aim to improve a patient's body, their philosophies and goals differ. Some doctors prefer to use the term cosmetic surgery because many people mistakenly believe that "plastic" refers to the material used during procedures.
However, in theory, plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are distinct practices. The first recorded instance of plastic surgery dates back to 2000 B. C., although it was not referred to as such at the time. The first kidney transplant was performed by a plastic surgeon who later received the Nobel Prize. The "father of plastic surgery" is considered to be Gaspare Tagliacozzi, who was born in Italy in the 16th century. Plastic surgeons undergo rigorous training in general surgery followed by specialized training in plastic surgery.
It can take up to eight years of practical training before one can become certified in plastic surgery. While cosmetic surgery typically does not involve the use of synthetic materials, the goal of plastic surgery is to shape and mold a person's body. There is often confusion between plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons, but there is a difference between the two. Cosmetic surgery refers to procedures that are designed to improve a person's appearance, while plastic surgeons are trained to perform both reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries. Cosmetic surgeons may not have the same level of training in reconstructive procedures as plastic surgeons do.
