What is Plastic Surgery? Origin, current state, risks involved, the systematic process, advantages, disadvantages

Mankind’s essential nature entails self-improvement (Schur, 2006). The need for social acceptance and boost of self esteem often trigger an individual’s yearning for self-improvement. Also, one cannot deny the fact that human beings have always sought a strong sense of self-fulfillment usually attained through procedures of self-enhancement (Schur, 2006). That’s probably why an innovating trend in the realm of reconstructive surgical medicine is fast invading mankind. Plastic surgery is a medical procedure popularly used in present time to enhance a person’s physical features.

For the past fifty years, the world of plastic surgery has grown considerably. However, progress in plastic surgery, like other areas in medicine, moved gradually for hundreds of years. It was not until the days of World Wars I and II that mankind became witness to the ability of plastic surgery to reconstruct the human form in a manner unlike anything previously seen (Ciaschini, 2006). Doctors were forced to perform innovative and restorative procedures to patients with shattered jaws, blown-off noses and gaping skull wounds caused by weapons of destruction used during the war. Although plastic surgery evolved during a terrible time in history, it became an instrument to restore and give back the lives of the unfortunate ones who were inflicted by the warfare. The sheer scope of plastic surgery in modern times is truly a testament to the contributions of many individuals from varying background and medical specialties who have come together to form and refine it (Ciaschini, 2005).

Despite the popular misconception, the word “plastic” in “plastic surgery” does not mean “artificial”. Instead, it is derived from the ancient Greek word “plastikos”, which means to mold or give form (Schur, 2006). The fact that people often equate plastic surgeons with cosmetic surgeons is also erroneous. Plastic surgeons perform broader work spectrums and more complex tasks than that of a cosmetic surgeon. Another misconception about plastic surgery is the thought that it is only performed on supermodels, superstars and other public figures found under the glare of publicity. In present time, this thought is bogus. In fact, a study report shows a staggering 293% increase in the number of surgical procedures performed as early as 1997(Reath, 2006). One survey shows that couples are the primary clients of plastic surgeons (DeNoon, 2003). Furthermore, minority patients having plastic surgery increased by 65%, 437,000 of which are Asian-Americans, from 2000 to 2005 (Kockler, 2006). This means the trend in plastic surgery reflects a global phenomenon among middle class consumers as the cost of procedures have gone down as public acceptance goes up. In addition, it is not just a trend among women but to men as well. Men have opted for plastic surgery in order to improve their personal appearance and to increase job security (DeNoon, 2003). In fact, a recent survey shows that 1.1 million men worldwide choose to enhance their looks through surgical procedures such as Rhinoplasty, chest reduction, liposuction, facelifts and eyelid surgery (Reath, 2006). Unusual as it may sound, the recent surveys in plastic surgery depict the fact that men have become more in touch with their feminine side in this age where a person’s appearance becomes one valuable asset.

Plastic surgery offers a long list of procedures ranging from nose lifts and eyelid jobs to breast augmentation and liposuction. In choosing a plastic surgeon, one must make sure that the doctor is board-certified in plastic surgery. The entire procedure consists of four stages; the check-in stage, wherein patients are prepared for the surgery; the recovery period, wherein patients agonize the pain and scrutinize the unusual stitches caused by the surgery; the follow-up visits, wherein the surgeon changes any dressings and bandages, examine the sutures, and check for any excessive swelling or bleeding that might have occurred, as well as signs of infection; and finally the “dealing with the change” period, wherein patients accept the major changes caused by the surgery (Heckaman & Henry, 1999). The most recent development in the field of plastic surgery is the approval of London’s Royal Free Hospital to the world’s first full- face transplant (Barr, 2006). This huge step signifies yet another breakthrough in the realm of plastic surgery.

One fact remains no matter what plastic surgery procedure an individual goes through; the entire duration of the procedure requires sacrifice, money, time and most of all, trust to the plastic surgeon performing the job. Although it has taken many centuries for plastic surgery to achieve a modern identity and place within the realm of medicine, the restoration of normal human form and function always has remained its most humane and admirable goal (Ciaschini, 2005). Plastic surgery may or may not be acceptable to all the members of the human race. Nevertheless, one important thought lingers; this remarkable aspect in the field of medicine will continue to flourish as mankind continues to seek for self-fulfillment through self-improvement.

References:

Ciaschini, M.l (2005). History of Plastic Surgery. Retrieved November 12, 2006
DeNoon, D. (2003). Latest Plastic Surgery Trends and Stats; His/Hers, Mom/Daughter Surgery New Trend. Retrieved November 12, 2006
Henry, K. A., Heckaman, P. (1999). The Plastic Surgery Sourcebook: Checking In For Surgery And Preparation For After Surgery. USA: The McGraw-Hill Companies.
Kockler, D. (2006). Plastic Surgery Moves Beyond Rich and Famous. Retrieved November 12, 2006
Reath, D. (2006). About Plastic Surgery. Retrieved November 12, 2006
Schur, P. (2006). The Early Years of Plastic Surgery. Retrieved November 12, 2006, from www.plasticsurgery.org/History.cfm