What’s The Difference Between Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery?
Plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Here is a look at the difference between the two procedures, and who they are suitable for.
Plastic surgery
The purpose of plastic surgery is primarily restorative and reconstructive to return the skin or body tissue to achieve a normal level of functionality or appearance. This could include reconstructive surgery to areas which have had cancerous tumours or cells removed, such as the breasts after a mastectomy, or facial features, if there are breathing problems, for example.
Plastic Surgery can be to restore a damaged part of the body after road traffic accidents or following other trauma. It is also used to restore skin and other tissues after serious injuries, such as extensive burns.
Plastic surgery may also be used to correct a congenital defect which has been present since birth, such as underdeveloped breasts, tubular breast deformities and breast asymmetry.
There are several different techniques involved in plastic surgery. Some of them are the same or similar to cosmetic surgery procedures, and often surgeons will be trained in both specialities.
Examples of plastic surgery include skin grafting, free flap transfers and complex scar revision which involves transferring healthy skin from one part of the body to repair lost or damaged parts of the body.
Flap surgery involves transferring a piece of healthy tissue from one area of the body to another, with (free flap) or without (pedicled) completely detaching from the original position to ensure that it remains alive.
Cosmetic surgery
Cosmetic surgery is carried out to enhance a person’s appearance, rather than to correct an abnormality in the appearance or function of the body. It can also be to restore a body part that has significantly altered over the years to restore appearance and wellbeing, The procedure is deemed not to be an absolute medical necessity from a physical viewpoint.
However, that is not to say there are no psychological advantages, and enhancing their appearance may have a very positive effect on a person’s self-esteem. In some cases, such as breast reduction, there may be additional benefits such as pain relief from the weight of heavy breasts, and the ability to exercise more easily.
Cosmetic surgery can help a person to feel more confident in themselves, leading to happier relationships, and more self-assurance in careers or socialising. However, it should not be used as a weight loss method, or as a way of trying to resolve deep seated emotional difficulties, or to try and please someone else.
Cosmetic procedures can be carried out on many areas of the body. Breast enhancement is a popular choice. This could involve a breast uplift to improve the profile of sagging breasts, or a breast augmentation or reduction to make the breasts look more in proportion to the rest of the body.
Body contouring is another popular elective procedure, to provide a more streamlined or symmetrical body shape. This could involve a tummy tuck, or liposuction from the hips, thighs, buttocks, or upper arm areas.
How to access aesthetic surgery
Plastic surgery carried out for reconstructive purposes will normally be available on the NHS, However, in most cases, elective cosmetic surgery will need to be carried out privately by a qualified surgeon.
If you are interested in finding out more about a body lift in Yorkshire, please get in touch today.