Surgery is surgery, right? Wrong! There are many different types of surgeries, and each one has its own unique set of risks. Plastic surgery falls into a category all its own–although it may seem like any other type of surgery at first glance. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between plastic surgery and other types of surgeries so that you can decide which is best for your needs.
The first thing to be aware of is that plastic surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure, and as such will not have the same risks associated with it. Cosmetic surgeries are often less invasive than other types of surgery–meaning there’s usually less risk for infection or needing more follow-up care. It also means that you may only need one day of recovery time as opposed to weeks or months.
Types of Plastic Surgeries
Plastic surgery is also a relatively new field, with the first plastic surgery performed in 1894 by Dr. Thomas Alva Gerson at New York Hospital for Women and Children. There are many different types of cosmetic surgeries that can be completed–each one meeting individual needs according to aesthetics or function.
-Gynecomastia is the removal of excess breast tissue to achieve a more masculine appearance. It may be done on one or both breasts, and usually involves liposuction which removes fat from beneath the areola where it lies against the chest wall. The nipple itself will not be removed during this procedure–although if desired, the nipple can be repositioned.
-Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess fat and skin from the abdominal area which has been stretched by pregnancy or significant weight gain. It may also involve tightening of underlying muscles, removal of loose skin, and liposuction as needed for contouring purposes.
-Brachioplasty is the surgical reduction of excess fat and skin from the upper arms, usually done to restore a more feminine appearance. This surgery may involve liposuction or removal of loose tissue beneath the arm’s muscles (subcutaneous) in order to contour them as desired.
-Breast implants are silicone prosthetic devices that are inserted into the breast to create a fuller, rounder appearance. These implants may be placed alone or with other procedures such as tummy tucks and facelifts in order to eradicate wrinkles from around the eyes and mouth (known as marionette lines).
–Facelifts are surgical removal of excess sagging skin on the face in order to tighten the underlying muscles and smooth out wrinkles. This procedure is often done on an outpatient basis, meaning that most patients do not have to stay at a hospital for recovery after surgery.
-Blepharoplasty or eyelid lift is the surgical removal of excess skin from around the eyes in order to create smoother contours as well as to diminish the appearance of lines around and below the eyes.
–Rhinoplasty or nose job is a surgical procedure to change the shape, size, or proportion of your nose. This surgery may involve removing excess skin from nasal structures such as tip (columella) and supporting cartilage so that they project more prominently on the face.
-Otoplasty or pinnaplasty is a surgical procedure to correct the protrusion of your ears. This surgery may involve removing excess cartilage and skin from behind the ear so that it sits closer to or even within one’s head, as well as in some cases, repositioning the entire ear.
There are many types of surgeries out there, you need to decide which one works best for your own personal needs and desires.
Conclusion
Each type of surgery serves a different purpose. Ultimately, it’s up to you and your doctor to decide what procedure will work best in order for you to reach the desired result. Your surgeon can help by going over all available options with you so that you feel comfortable enough making this decision on your own.
Dr. Jim Brantner MD has experience in all kinds of cosmetic surgery procedures, so call today to see if he can help you!
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