Let's learn more about plastic surgery. Don't worry, let's talk!

Do you sometimes think this when you look at yourself in the mirror? "Oh, if only my nose were a little more shapely", "How nice it would be without these wrinkles under my eyes", "If only I could wear clothes properly without this sagging skin on my stomach..." We often think about things like this. Or maybe a scar left by an accident in childhood is bothering us a lot. You must have heard of "plastic surgery" as a solution to such things. But because you don't know much about it, you may also be a little scared. "Is it dangerous?", "Does it hurt a lot?", "Does it cost a lot of money?", etc., are probably on your mind. So today we are talking about all of this, to find answers to all the questions you have in your mind.

What exactly is plastic surgery?

First, let's look at why it's called 'plastic' surgery. Many people think that this is something that involves putting plastic items on the body. That's a complete misconception. In fact, the name comes from the Greek word "plastikos". It simply means "to shape" or "to create" . So, these surgeries are used to reshape or create certain parts of the body.

Simply put, plastic surgery refers to a group of surgical procedures used to change the shape and repair various parts of your body, such as your face, neck, breasts, abdomen, arms, and legs.

There are two main types of this. Many people confuse the two.

1. Reconstructive Surgery

2. Cosmetic Surgery

Let's now understand the exact difference between these two.

The difference between reconstructive and cosmetic surgery

Although both of these fall under the category of plastic surgery, the purposes for which they are performed are completely different. Imagine, one is done out of medical necessity, and the other is done out of a desire to make one's appearance more beautiful.

What is Reconstructive Surgery?

This involves restoring a body part that has been damaged due to an accident, illness, or a congenital defect. The main goal here is to restore the function of that body part and to make it look as normal as possible.

Think about situations like these:

• Birth defects: Some babies are born with a cleft lip and palate. We call it `(Cleft lip and palate)`. There are also babies born with `(Webbed fingers)`. These surgeries are performed to avoid such things and to be able to use those organs normally.
• Burns: Severe scarring caused by burns from fire or hot objects can sometimes make it impossible to bend or straighten a limb properly. In such cases, these surgeries can help restore function by removing the scarring and grafting skin from another area.
• Some medical conditions: For example, a woman who has had a complete breast removed due to breast cancer can have a breast reconstructed. These surgeries are also used to reconstruct parts of the breast removed due to head and neck cancers.
• Severe injuries: These are used to repair and restore the skin to its normal state when a large area of ​​skin is torn, such as from a major car accident or being caught in a machine.

So what is cosmetic surgery?

This is what most people think of when they hear the word "plastic surgery." These procedures are performed without any medical reason, but because they are dissatisfied with their appearance and want to make it look more beautiful. Many people resort to these surgeries to overcome their anxiety and shame about a certain part of their body and to increase their self-confidence.

These surgeries mainly focus on the following:

• Shape: Things like changing the shape of the nose (Rhinoplasty), changing the shape of the chin.
• Size: Breast augmentation or reduction.
• Symmetry: Eliminating the dissimilarity between two similar parts of the body (e.g., two breasts) and giving them a similar appearance.

The table below shows the main differences between the two more clearly.

Who performs these surgeries? How do I choose a doctor?

This is a very important question. Plastic and reconstructive surgeries are performed by surgeons who have received special training for the purpose. We call them Plastic Surgeons .

However, cosmetic procedures are sometimes performed by doctors in other fields. For example, dermatologists and ENT surgeons perform some cosmetic procedures.

Choosing a well-trained, board-certified doctor will increase your safety and the success of your surgery. They have undergone rigorous training and exams, and have proven their knowledge of the field and safe procedures. So never go to a cheap, unqualified place to get these things done. The harm that can be done is very serious.

What are the types of plastic surgery?

Now let's see what are the most common types of plastic surgery.

Face and neck surgeries

• Rhinoplasty: This is what is called a "nose job." This includes things like enlarging, reducing, and changing the shape of the nose.
• Facelift: This procedure helps to reduce sagging and wrinkles on the face as we age, tighten the skin, and give it a youthful appearance.
• Eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty): This procedure removes sagging skin and fat from the upper and lower eyelids, giving the eyes a clearer, more youthful appearance. Sometimes, if the upper eyelids are drooping and obstructing your vision, this can also be done.
• Brow lift: Lifting up wrinkles and drooping eyebrows on the forehead.

Breast surgery

• Breast augmentation: Enlarging the size and shape of the breasts using a saline or silicone implant.
• Breast lift / Mastopexy: To lift and firm breasts that have become saggy due to childbirth, weight loss, or aging.
• Breast reduction: Breast reduction is a procedure to reduce the size of the breasts by removing excess tissue as a solution to problems such as back and neck pain, and skin infections caused by large breasts.

Body shaping and fat reduction surgeries

• Abdominoplasty / Tummy tuck: Removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen after pregnancy or significant weight loss, tightens the abdominal muscles, and provides a flat abdomen.
• Liposuction: The removal of excess fat from specific areas of the body (abdomen, thighs, hips, arms) using a small tube.
• Body contouring: After significant weight loss, the body is reshaped by removing loose skin from various areas of the body (arms, thighs, buttocks).

What are the risks of plastic surgery?

This is the most important part that everyone should know. As with any surgery, plastic surgery can have some risks and complications. Since many of these are complex surgeries, it is very important to make a decision with a good understanding of this.

The likelihood of complications depends on your health condition, the type of surgery you choose, and lifestyle habits such as smoking.

The main risk is that you may not get 100% of the results you expected. You may not be satisfied with the results.

Other possible risks are:

• Complications of anesthesia: Some people may experience problems such as breathing difficulties during anesthesia.
• Blood loss: Excessive bleeding during or after surgery.
• Infection: Germs entering the surgical wound.
• Blood clots: Blood clots can form, especially in the veins of the legs. These can be dangerous.
• Fluid accumulation (Edema): Swelling and fluid accumulation in the surgical area.
• Abnormal scarring: Some people's skin may leave large, unsightly scars.
• Nerve damage: This can cause numbness or loss of sensation.
• Delayed wound healing: Some people's wounds may heal more slowly than expected.

It is very important to discuss these risks with your doctor before surgery and ask all your questions.

So what are the benefits of plastic surgery?

Although there are risks, for many people the benefits of these surgeries far outweigh them. If done correctly, these surgeries can make a huge positive difference in your life.

• Improved quality of life: After reconstructive surgery, life becomes much easier when you regain lost function (e.g., regaining use of your hand after a burn injury).
• Self-confidence and a positive attitude towards one's body: When you stop worrying about your appearance, you will have a lot more confidence to face society and wear clothes.
• Improved safety: For example, when drooping eyelids are removed, vision becomes clearer and accidents can be avoided.
• Achieving a more natural appearance: Restoring a body part that has been deformed by an accident or disease to a normal appearance.
• Relief from pain: Back pain and neck pain caused by large breasts disappear after breast reduction surgery.

How is the recovery time after surgery?

After surgery, once you regain consciousness and the effects of the anesthetic wear off, you may be able to go home. However, after some major surgeries, you may need to stay in the hospital for a day or two.

Before you go home, your doctor or nurse will give you a set of instructions to follow at home. It is very important to follow these instructions exactly to reduce the risk of complications.

At home you will have to do things like:

• Get enough rest: Avoid lifting heavy objects and standing for long periods of time.
• Changing surgical dressings: Keep the wound clean and change the bandages at the appropriate times as directed by the doctor.
• Special diet: After some surgeries (e.g. jaw surgery), you may be asked to eat only liquids or soft foods.
• Elevating the surgical area: To reduce swelling, you may be asked to keep the operated arm or leg elevated, such as on pillows.
• Taking painkillers: Since the painkillers prescribed by the doctor can cause constipation, you will be given medicine for that as well.
• Bathing: You may be advised not to bathe for a few days.

Recovery time varies greatly depending on the surgery you have had. After some minor procedures, you may be able to return to normal activities within a few days. However, after a major procedure like a tummy tuck, it may take weeks or months to fully recover.

Sometimes you may need additional treatment during your recovery.

• Physical therapy: Restore movement in joints.
• Speech therapy: Overcome speech difficulties after facial or jaw surgery.

When should I call the doctor after surgery?

If you experience any symptoms of complications after surgery, you should contact your doctor immediately. Be on the lookout for these symptoms.

• Excessive bleeding from the wound: If the bandage is completely soaked with blood.
• Signs of an infection: fever , if the wound becomes red, swollen, painful, or if a yellow, pus-like fluid oozes out.
• Severe pain that is not controlled by medication.
• Signs of a blood clot: Unusual swelling and pain in the leg or groin.
• Continuous vomiting and inability to retain fluids.

If you have any of these symptoms, don't ignore them. Seek medical advice immediately.