Understanding Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Posted Monday, January 16, 2012 to PROFILES > Plastic Surgery

Posted by John D. Smoot, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Associates for Plastic Surgery - Blog

Surgery for cosmetic or reconstructive purposes can do a lot to help with a person’s self image. There are procedures for almost any situation, and whether you are rebuilding something that was damaged through injury or disease, or choosing a procedure that is strictly elective, there are many choices and options for beautifying and reconstructing the body.

Cosmetic Procedures

Studies continue to show that more and more people in the United States approve of plastic surgery in general, and between 2009 and 2010 there was almost a 9% increase in the total number of procedures performed. However, even with the growing acceptance of cosmetic surgery, there are still many people that don’t understand what it encompasses and what it can do for the patient.

Cosmetic procedures and strictly elective, and they can include breast augmentation, liposuction, abdominoplasty, rhinoplasty, facelifts and other contouring procedures. A lot of the recent growth in the industry though, is due to the prevalence of new, non-surgical procedures (such as Botox injections). Patients are now able to get some great results without having to go under the knife. The procedure is finished quickly, and recovery time is reduced.

Patients who are considering these types of procedures can benefit greatly from the results. Many of us perceive certain flaws about our bodies, and while this isn’t a cure-all, plastic surgery does offer one way to make a lasting change that can improve self-image and self-esteem.

Reconstructive Surgery

The people we deal with who are looking for plastic surgery in San Diego, California are either trying to correct some of their perceived flaws, or restore the form and function of something that was damaged through injury or illness. These types of injuries can do more than just physical damage, and it can be very hard to accept what has happened. These types of procedures, though, aren’t necessarily about building a self image, but restoring what was lost.

These surgeries are used for repairing things that have permanently affected the body. This could include birth defects along with the results of traumatic injuries. There are a lot of options available for different problems, from breast reconstruction or reduction to surgeries to correct maladies on the hands and feet. Facial surgeries can correct breathing problems or defects like a cleft lip, and, of course, injury repair can help individuals who have been severely burned or cut.

Advancing the Industry

As we continue working in this area we are continuing to see new developments that change the way we think about both cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries. Whether it is the new, non-invasive surgeries or new tools that help us restore someone to their previous appearance, we can see the industry advancing quickly, and there are always new opportunities to provide the services people want and need.

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