Things you need to know about plastic surgery

When we hear the word "plastic surgery," most of us immediately think of something done to look beautiful or change our appearance. While there is some truth to that story, plastic surgery is a much deeper and broader subject than that. Sometimes it can be a necessary procedure to save a life, or to restore someone's life to normal. So today, let's talk about this in a simple and straightforward way.

What is this plastic surgery?

When you hear this name, some people might think that plastic surgery is used for this. But that's not the case. The name comes from the Greek word "plastikos." It means "to shape" or "to create." Simply put, plastic surgery is the process of changing, reshaping, or repairing the shape of a part of our body, such as the face, neck, breasts, abdomen, arms, or legs.

This can be divided into two main parts:

1. Reconstructive Surgery: Surgery performed to repair a defect caused by an accident, illness, or birth defect.

2. Cosmetic Surgery: Surgery performed to improve one's appearance, without a medical reason, based on personal preference.

Let's now look at these two types separately.

What is Reconstructive Surgery?

Imagine a person who has suffered a serious facial injury in an accident. Or a child who was born with a cleft lip. Or a woman who has had a breast removed due to breast cancer. In such cases, these surgeries can help them regain normal appearance and function.

Here are some of the main situations where these are needed:

• Birth defects: Cleft lip and palate, conditions such as fingers stuck together.
• Severe burns: To restore scars and skin deformities caused by burns.
• Some medical conditions: Reconstruction of body parts removed due to conditions such as head and neck cancer and breast cancer (Breast reconstruction).
• Scars that interfere with movement: Some scars can make it difficult to bend or straighten a joint properly. Removing these scars can make movement easier.
• Severe injuries: Cases where a large area of ​​skin is torn or cut due to major accidents.

So what is cosmetic surgery?

This is the part that we all know and often talk about. What happens here is that a healthy part of the body, which has no medical problems, is changed for one's own pleasure and self-satisfaction.

For example, someone may not like the shape of their nose. Another may be concerned about sagging facial skin as they age. In such cases, these surgeries can help them achieve the look they want.

The main focus here is on:

• Shape: Changing the shape of parts such as the nose and chin.
• Size: Breast enlargement or reduction.
• Symmetry: Avoiding imbalances between two similar parts of the body (e.g., two breasts) to create a similar appearance.

How do you choose the right doctor for these surgeries?

This is the most important thing and the one you should be most concerned about. These are very complex surgeries. Therefore, the qualifications and experience of the doctor you choose directly affect your outcome and safety.

There are plastic surgeons who are specially trained to perform plastic and reconstructive surgery. Also, specialists in other fields, such as dermatologists and ear, nose and throat surgeons, also perform some cosmetic procedures.

If you are considering surgery, it is essential to choose a board-certified, Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) registered doctor who has extensive experience in the type of surgery you are considering. You can ask your family doctor or the doctor who is examining you about this.

What are the risks of plastic surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, plastic surgery carries certain risks. Since these are complex procedures, it is important to be well-informed and talk openly with your doctor before making a decision.

These risks may vary depending on your health condition, lifestyle (especially if you smoke), and the nature of the surgery being performed.

• Not getting the expected result: Sometimes you may not get the look you had in mind.
• Unusual scars: Surgical scars can sometimes be larger and more visible than expected.
• Blood clots: Blood clots can form, especially in the veins of the legs.
• Excessive bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or after surgery.
• Complications related to anesthesia: Adverse reactions of the body to anesthesia.
• Infections: Germs entering the surgical wound.
• Edema: Fluid accumulation and swelling in the surgical area.
• Nerve damage: Sometimes, damage to the nerves in the area of ​​surgery can cause numbness or pain (Neuropathy).
• Delayed wound healing: Conditions such as diabetes and smoking can delay wound healing.

When to see your doctor immediately

If you experience any unusual symptoms after your surgery, do not ignore them. If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).

• The wound bandage is soaked with blood: This could be a sign of heavy bleeding.
• Fever or yellow fluid (pus) draining from the wound: These are signs of an infection.
• Severe pain that cannot be controlled even with painkillers: This may be due to some complication.
• Unusual swelling in the leg or groin: This could be a sign of a blood clot.
• Persistent vomiting: Vomiting can cause dehydration by removing fluids and salts from the body.

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