Introduction A few years back, people used to get scared hearing the word Plastic Surgery! It's a common misunderstanding that the word plastic in plastic surgery means artificial. Let us clear this out! The word comes from the ancient Greek word plastikos, which means to mold or give form. Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty involved with both the improvement in a person's appearance and the reconstruction of facial and body tissue defects caused by illness, trauma, or birth disorders. In other words, Plastic surgery restores and improves function, as well as appearance. It can involve surgical or non-invasive procedure on any part of the anatomy, except the central nervous system, including:

• Skin, for skin cancer, scars, burns, birthmarks, and tattoo removal
• Maxillofacial (the facial skeleton)
• Congenital anomalies, including deformed ears, cleft palate, and cleft lip

Plastic Surgery Elaborated! Plastic and reconstructive surgery helps patients of all ages and types - ranging from the child with a birth defect, to the young adult injured in an accident, or the older adult with a problem caused by aging. Plastic surgery includes both reconstructive and aesthetic (cosmetic) procedures: Reconstructive plastic surgery Reconstructive surgery is done on abnormal structures of the body that may be caused by:

• Trauma
• Infection
• Developmental abnormalities
• Congenital (present at birth) anomalies
• Disease
• Tumors

This type of surgery is usually done to improve function, but may also be done to change the appearance. Cosmetic (aesthetic) plastic surgery Cosmetic surgery is done to repair or reshape otherwise normal structures of the body, generally, to improve appearance. Types of Plastic Surgery that are commonly performed!

• Head, face, and eyes
• Facelift
• Brow/forehead lift
• Eyelid lift
• Ear pinning
• Ear reshaping
• Hair replacement surgery
• Nasal surgery
• Nose reshaping
• Chin, cheek, or jaw reshaping / facial implants
• Lip augmentation
• Cleft lip and cleft palate
• Craniosynostosis (craniofacial anomaly)

For Mouth and teeth

• Oral and maxillofacial surgery

For Breasts

• Breast augmentation
• Breast reconstruction
• Breast reduction in men with gynecomastia
• Breast lift

For Abdomen

• Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
• Liposuction

For Hand and Upper Limb

• Chase Hand & Upper Limb Center

For Skin

• Chemical peel
• Dermabrasion/dermaplaning
• Collagen/fat injectable fillers
• Botox/filler injections
• Glycolic peels
• Laser peels
• Vein removal
• Scar revision
• Tattoo removal

  Surgical Techniques Used in Plastic Surgery There are many different techniques used to perform cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. The following are the procedures: Endoscopic Surgery Endoscopic surgery is performed with an endoscope, a tubular probe that has a tiny camera and a bright light, which is inserted into a small incision. Images from the camera are transmitted back to a screen, which the surgeon watches while manipulating the endoscope inside the body. The endoscope is a device to assist the surgeon during surgical procedures. Instruments to actually perform the surgery are inserted through different incisions.   Flap surgery Flap surgery involves transporting healthy, live tissue from one location of the body to another - often to areas that have lost skin, fat, muscle movement, and/or skeletal support. There are several different types of flap surgery methods that may be utilized, depending upon the location of the flap and the structures that need to be repaired.   Laser surgery Lasers used in plastic surgery often provide for minimal bleeding, bruising, and scarring. There are many different types of lasers that may be utilized, depending upon the purpose and location of the surgery to be performed. Consultation of a plastic surgeon is required to determine which type of laser surgery is most appropriate for you. Skin graft A skin graft is used to cover skin that has been damaged or is missing. This surgical procedure involves removing healthy portions of skin from one part of the body to restore normal appearance or function to another portion of the same body. Tissue expansion A tissue expansion is a surgical procedure that involves inserting a balloon-like device (called an expander) under the skin. The expander then slowly secretes liquid into the area to be repaired to actually stretch and expand the skin. This serves the function of "growing" extra skin to repair nearby lost or damaged skin. What are the Complications and Risks involved and how can they be treated? The main risk you run in undergoing a plastic surgery procedure involves medical complications that can arise afterward. Other plastic surgery risks can include:

• An unexpected reaction to anesthesia
• Infections
• Scarring
• Excess bleeding
• Blood clots
• Nerve damage
• Fluid buildup
• Separation at incision site

Be aware that there may be a more specific set of risks associated with the specific procedure you choose to get. Answer your surgeon's questions honestly During the consultation process for cosmetic surgery, your surgeon will ask you about your medical history. Answer honestly about past surgeries, health issues, and medications or supplements that you take so your surgeon will have the most information about any possible complications.   Is Plastic Surgery painful? One of the most popular questions prospective plastic surgery patients have for their doctor is, “How painful is plastic surgery?” While many are excited about rejuvenating their appearance, they are not as excited about the possible pain and discomfort the surgery may cause. Fortunately, due to recent innovation and advancement of technology, the pain has significantly reduced. However, some amount of pain and discomfort is inevitable in every type of surgery. Moreover, the extent of pain a person goes through varies from person to person. Each patient will tolerate pain post-operatively in a different way. While some patients may describe the pain as an ache, others experience greater discomfort. Appropriate pain medications are prescribed for the post-operative patients, and these help minimize discomfort. Most facial cosmetic operations have minimal discomfort post- operatively. Liposuction is slightly more uncomfortable, and operations that require elevation or tightening of the muscles-such as an abdominoplasty have discomfort equal to that of a C-section.   Recovery from Plastic Surgery Procedures! After you've decided to have plastic surgery and you've chosen a great plastic surgeon, you're probably going to get a great result, right? Actually, there is someone else just as essential to a great outcome – you! The best plastic surgeons take every measure to minimize your risks, but they can't be there with you as you recover, so that's when you're the one in control. If you bend the rules, you could end up with an emergency bleed or other complication requiring emergency surgery or forever impacting your result. A study says that 54% of women actively considering plastic surgery list recovery issues as a reason they are hesitant about surgery. After all, the procedure may only take a couple of hours, but recovery is something you will be facing for days or weeks after the big day. While every process is different, we’ve put together a basic timeline for recovery for some of the most common cosmetic procedures. A Basic Timeline for Recovery The First 24 Hours During the first 24 hours after surgery, it will be best to have someone with you. Not only will you have someone who can help if you need anything, but if you find yourself feeling low, you’ll have assistance getting to the doctor for follow-up care. At this time you will likely have a prescription for pain relief and may be told to ice the affected area. You just need to follow all your doctor’s advice and relax. The First Week For most major cosmetic surgery procedures, the first week will involve bruising, swelling and some pain. Most people will take this time off from work and may need some help with chores around the house. Follow all wound care guidelines to make sure your incision heals properly. Week Two At this point you will likely have had a follow-up visit with your doctor and may be cleared to go back to work. Make sure you get plenty of rest at night and do not neglect your wound care process—even as you start feeling better. Three Weeks and Later The bruising and swelling will somewhat subside. You may still have some healing left to do, but in many cases, you will feel much better and prepared to resume nearly normal activity levels. Talk to your doctor before you continue to exercise or complete any heavy-duty work.   Development of Plastic Surgery in the past few years! The world's first plastic surgery was performed on October 23 in the year 1814. Plastic surgery has been around for many, many years. The mention of treatments for broken parts of a human body was first found in an Ancient Egyptian medical text around 2500 BC and the reconstructive surgeries in India have been carried out since 800 BC. Plastic Surgery Today In the 2000s, plastic surgery has enjoyed an explosion in popularity, and medical advances have made possible reconstructive feats that were once only a dream of what might one day be. In this age of accelerated communication, the internet and television have gotten in on the game, and we can now view just about any kind of plastic surgery procedure from the comfort of our own homes. Currently, the most important trend in plastic surgery is a move toward less invasive procedures designed to stave off the visible signs of aging. In fact, the most popular procedures at this time entail the use of injectable substances, such as facial wrinkle fillers and, most notably, Botox. Why plastic surgery isn’t a taboo anymore? Not so long ago, plastic surgery was something everyone knew about, but no one talked about. First, it was reserved only for the rich and famous. Second, it was considered taboo to desecrate the temple that is one’s body, especially for such vain reasons as looking beautiful. However, times are changing quickly, with celebrities coming out with their plastic surgery stories and people sharing their positive experiences and all the ways plastic surgery improved their lives. Also, now the technology is evolving so fast that surgery is more accessible and more practical than ever before. If your nose or your breasts are making you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious, the millennial don’t apologize about their feelings, no matter if they’re a woman or a man, young or old, married or single. An increase in the number of experienced surgeons to provide you with the best counseling, best pre-op, and post-op care and best results you’re bound to be satisfied with, is another strong reason of more and more people opting for plastic surgeries. With the awareness and acceptance amongst the people regarding plastic surgeries, the shame associated with the plastic surgeries is fading away! Let us BUST some of the MYTHS allied to Plastic Surgeries! Cosmetic surgery has been around for a long time now. Despite its established place in the medical world, cosmetic surgery’s long history has led it to be the subject of many myths and rumors which have damaged its reputation. As experts in plastic surgery, we have compiled a myth busting guide to dispel the rumors once and for all. Myth 1: Facial surgery and injectable treatments will leave you with no expression We’ve all seen pictures of the well-known anti-wrinkle injection and other facial surgeries ‘gone wrong’. Whilst it’s true that fillers and injectables like these can leave you with complications if applied by a non-certified. A trained and experienced professional will target the right points, making sure that your facial muscles all work together as they should. Myth 2: Breast implants make breastfeeding difficult Because breast implants are placed under breast tissue, there’s no reason that women with implants can’t breastfeed. Myth 3: Cosmetic surgery is only for older women It’s become widely believed that cosmetic surgery is solely for women, especially for those over a certain age. In fact, cosmetic surgery is suitable for men and women, from age 18 upwards, as well as younger people who may require reconstructive surgery. Myth 4: Cosmetic surgery is only for the super wealthy The range of treatments is now so broad that there is an option for every budget. In your consultation, discuss your budget with a professional who’ll be able to let you know the options available to you so that you can make an informed choice. Myth 5: The results last forever Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever and this rule applies to cosmetic surgery too. Anti-wrinkle and injectables do wear off over time, but the effects can easily be renewed with regular ‘top-ups’. Other surgeries may slow down the process of aging, but you’ll still notice natural changes that can’t be stopped even by the best surgeon! Myth 6: Cosmetic and plastic surgery are one and the same thing Although used interchangeably, plastic surgery is a much broader term, which encompasses reconstructive, cosmetic as well as hand surgery. Whereas, cosmetic surgery mainly deals with restoring or improving the exterior appearance. This requires a strong knowledge base, high levels of training and practical experience. Myth 7: Men do not opt for plastic surgery This illusion crops from the belief that beauty and improved looks are required and desired only by women. But irrespective of gender, a flabby body or premature balding becomes a cause of distress and low self-esteem. You’ll be amazed to know that there is an extensive range of plastic surgery services available for men, viz. hair transplant, six-pack abs, male breast reduction, penile enlargement, face lift, abdominoplasty, and rhinoplasty. Myth 8: Fat is regained after liposuction You have the same number of fat cells in your body right now, as it was when you were born. Surprised? Technically speaking, the number of fat cells in a body remains fixed throughout one’s lifetime. Our food habits and lifestyle choices lead to an increase in their size and hence, the weight gain. In a plastic surgery, fat cells are sucked out and stubborn pockets of fat are eliminated. Possibility of weight gain after surgery is low, the primary factor being reverting to eccentric diet and exercise patterns. How to choose plastic surgeon?

• Make sure your plastic surgeon has the proper licensure and board certification.
• You should also make sure that the facility where your surgery will take place is properly accredited.
• You should ask your plastic surgeon about their experience with the specific procedure you would like to get. You can also ask them about risks specific to the procedure, and if your situation puts you at any higher risk of complications.
• If you have ensured that your potential surgeon has the expertise and experience, you are on your way to choosing the right doctor but he or she also needs to produce exceptional results. Most plastic surgeons keep a file of "before and after" pictures which you should examine.
• Choose a plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable talking and who supports your information needs. Find a plastic surgeon who shows an interest in getting to know you, who will consider your treatment preferences, and who will respect your decision-making process.