Plastic surgery concepts and applications

Plastic Surgery Introduction In the past few decades, plastic surgery has emerged as a significant concept in the areas of reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, as an increasing amount of individuals are turning toward it. Plastic surgery is generally separated between two genres; reconstructive surgery corrects or masks birth defects and the destructive effects of trauma, surgery or disease, and cosmetic or aesthetic surgery changes features that the patient finds unflattering. Although plastic surgery has early origins, it has never been as widespread as it currently is, raising the awareness of plastic surgery patients, doctors and regulatory agencies. Plastic surgery includes both operations that pose little risk to the patient; however, there are more complicated procedures that if not performed carefully, have the potential for much larger risks, including death. As a result of its popularity and potential risks, plastic surgery has received both positive and negative feedback. The majority of the negative feedback results from surgery performed for purely cosmetic reasons, and fatal errors made by staff members. This paper will discuss the background of plastic surgery, and will provide an overview of the pros and cons. Background of Plastic Surgery Plastic surgery has its origins as far back as the late 1800s and early 1900s, where the driving force behind it was the war injuries suffered by soldiers. During World War I, plastic surgery was used to repair extensive facial and head injuries, such as shattered jaws, blown- off noses and lips, and gaping wounds caused by modern weapons that required innovative restorative procedures (American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2006). After the war, plastic surgery discoveries increased, and the scope of the procedures performed by surgeons grew to a greater depth. The discovery of silicone in the 1960's further boosted the use or plastic surgery procedures, as silicone become commonly used to treat skin imperfections and was later used in a breast implant device. In the 1970s it was determined that all parts of the human body could benefit from plastic surgery, and surgeries such as kidney transplants and the endoscope, a fiber-optic tool used by orthopedic surgeons, popularized it even more. Plastic Surgery Cons In the 1990s health care reform came about, challenging plastic surgeons to become more active in advocating for coverage for reconstructive procedures in any new health plan and ensuring patient choice and access to specialists (American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2006). The 1990s spurred the growth of cosmetic surgery, including breast augmentations, liposuction and lip implants. In the 1990s alone, cosmetic surgery grew at a pace of over 175% growth rate (Ciaschini, 2005). Cosmetic surgery has received criticism as a result of the negative aspects associated with surgery purely for aesthetic reasons. Sufficient amounts of plastic surgery can result in irreversible damage to the normal body structure, which has occurred in those addicted to surgery for cosmetic purposes. Important risks cited by researchers in this area include the fact that in the United States it is legal for any doctor, regardless of specialty, to perform cosmetic surgery, but not plastic surgery. Plastic surgery is recognized by certifiable associations as the surgery to repair defects of form or function, which includes cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery; whereas, cosmetic surgery refers to surgery that is designed to improve appearance. The problem with this is that in other countries, many doctors that are not qualified as surgeons also perform cosmetic procedures. This increases the risk of plastic surgery, when a non-board surgeon is performing the surgery. Critics of plastic surgery also not that the danger lies not in the actual surgery, but in the administration of the anesthetic. An incorrect does of anesthetic can be fatal for those that would have otherwise have had no problems with the surgical procedure. Reconstructive surgery also has risks and uncertainties, such as the possibility of infection, bleeding, blood clots and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Critics of plastic surgery generally advise patients that their risks can be reduced by choosing a qualified plastic surgeon and closely following his or her advice, before and after surgery. Plastic Surgery Pros Plastic surgery also has several advantages, especially in the area of reconstructive surgery. Reconstructive surgery is used to correct deficiencies that would otherwise have no means of treatment. Reconstructive surgery has made some of the most notable advancements in the area of microsurgery, and can be used to repair birth defects, such as cleft pallets, and internal forms of function. It can also be used to repair injuries suffered in accidents, and has led to saving limbs and restoring joints that otherwise would be irreparable. Burns can be repaired by skin grafting, and facial injuries involving extensive dental repair are common procedures for plastic surgery, that can improve an individual's self esteem as well as their ability to perform usual and normal functions. Additionally, the field of plastic surgery has widely grown, increasing the accuracy of procedures. Finally, as innovations in this area allow plastic surgery to flourish, the restoration of normal human form and function will become safer. Bibliography American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2006). The History of Plastic Surgery, ASPS and PSEF. Retrieved November 20, 2006 from http://www.plasticsurgery.org/History.cfm? Ciaschini, M. (2005). The History of Plastic Surgery. Retrieved November 20, 2006 from http://www.emedicine.com/plastic/topic433.htm Johnson, D. & Whitworth, I. (2002). Recent Developments in Plastic Surgery. BMJ, 325(7359): 319. McDowell, F. (1978). Plastic Surgery in the Twentieth Century. Ann Plastic Surg., Mar. 1(2): 217.