Plastic Surgery: Aesthetic and Reconstructive Procedures Explained
Plastic surgery is a medical specialty that involves surgical procedures performed on the body for aesthetic or reconstructive purposes. Aesthetic plastic surgery includes procedures aimed at improving or altering a person's appearance, while reconstructive plastic surgery focuses on correcting tissue loss or damage. The goal of plastic surgery is to use surgical techniques to enhance patients' functionality and quality of life by addressing conditions such as trauma, congenital anomalies, and tissue deficiencies following burns or cancer surgery, as well as resolving aesthetic concerns.
What is Plastic Surgery?
Plastic surgery is a surgical intervention performed to correct congenital or acquired physical abnormalities, shape, and functional disorders. It also encompasses surgeries performed for aesthetic purposes to improve and refine the appearance of the body.
Plastic surgery can encompass many different areas and involve various procedures. These include aesthetic surgeries such as rhinoplasty, breast aesthetic surgeries, liposuction (fat removal surgery), and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). Additionally, procedures referred to as reconstructive surgery are also part of plastic surgery and involve correcting traumatic injuries, burns, or deformities following cancer surgery.
What Areas Does Plastic Surgery Address?
Plastic surgery generally focuses on two main areas: aesthetic (cosmetic) aesthetic treatments and reconstructive aesthetic treatments. Aesthetic surgery involves procedures performed to enhance or alter a person's appearance and includes aesthetic procedures such as breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, facelift, and liposuction.
Reconstructive plastic surgery, on the other hand, aims to reconstruct or repair tissues or organs due to reasons such as tissue loss, damage, or congenital anomalies. Procedures in this field include breast reconstruction, burn treatment, facial and hand reconstruction, and breast reduction, among others.
Plastic surgery aims to improve patients' quality of life by combining surgical techniques and aesthetic understanding to achieve both aesthetic and functional outcomes.
Plastic Surgery Procedures
Aesthetic treatments procedures are typically carried out by experienced plastic surgeons in hospital settings, most often under anesthesia. These procedures can significantly enhance an individual's quality of life and boost self-confidence. By improving both physical appearance and functional capabilities, plastic surgery can contribute to greater happiness and a stronger sense of success in social and psychological aspects of life.
Gynecomastia Surgery
Gynecomastia is the abnormal enlargement of breast tissue in males. Gynecomastia surgery removes excess fat and glandular tissue from the breast to restore a more typical male chest contour. The goal of this procedure is to achieve a flatter, firmer, and more natural-looking chest appearance.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Surgery
Abdominoplasty, commonly known as tummy tuck surgery, removes excess fat and loose skin from the abdominal area while tightening the abdominal muscles. This procedure results in a flatter, firmer, and more toned-looking abdomen.
Otoplasty (Ear Pinning) Surgery
Otoplasty, or ear pinning surgery, is performed to correct protruding ear deformities, whether present from birth or caused by injury. The procedure involves reshaping the cartilage and skin of the ear to achieve a more natural appearance.
Buttock Augmentation Surgery
Buttock augmentation surgery is designed to correct shape irregularities and enhance the appearance of the buttocks. This procedure improves the contours and volume of the buttock area using a variety of specialized techniques.
Chin Augmentation Surgery
Chin augmentation surgery addresses volume loss or a weak chin profile by adding volume to the chin. This procedure uses filler materials to create a more defined and balanced chin appearance.
Ozone Therapy Surgery
Ozone therapy uses medical-grade ozone gas for therapeutic purposes. The treatment involves applying ozone”created by combining oxygen and ozone gas”to the body. Ozone therapy may help decrease oxidative stress and support the immune system due to its antioxidant properties.
Chin Tip Filler Surgery
Chin tip filler surgery enhances chin projection by injecting filler material into the tip of the chin. This procedure is designed to create a fuller, more contoured, and well-defined chin appearance.
Height Lengthening Surgery
Height lengthening surgery is a procedure designed to increase a person's height by lengthening the bones. This is achieved using specialized devices or surgical methods implanted in the limbs to gradually extend bone length.
Sebaceous Cyst Removal Surgery
Sebaceous cyst removal surgery eliminates cysts that develop on the body. The aim of this procedure is to relieve pain or address aesthetic concerns associated with sebaceous cysts.
Plastic Surgery Prices
The cost of plastic surgery can vary widely based on several factors. These include the type of procedure, the location where the surgery is performed, the surgeon's experience, hospital or surgical center fees, anesthesia costs, materials used, and expenses for post-operative care. More complex or lengthy surgeries typically have higher prices, while simpler procedures tend to be less expensive. Additionally, costs may vary depending on the geographic region in which the surgery takes place.
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is cosmetic surgery the same as plastic surgery?
No. Plastic surgery is a broad specialty that includes both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. Cosmetic surgery focuses on enhancing appearance, while reconstructive surgery corrects functional or structural problems caused by trauma, illness, or congenital conditions.
What procedures does plastic surgery include?
Plastic surgery covers a wide range of treatments, including rhinoplasty, breast surgery, liposuction, abdominoplasty, facelifts, and reconstructive surgeries following injury or cancer.
Is plastic surgery safe?
When performed by experienced and certified surgeons in accredited hospitals, plastic surgery is generally safe. Risks depend on the procedure, patient health, and post-operative care.
How long does recovery take after plastic surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery. Minor aesthetic procedures may require only a few days, while major surgeries can take several weeks for full recovery.
Does plastic surgery leave scars?
Some procedures may leave minimal scars, but skilled surgeons place incisions in less visible areas and use techniques that promote optimal healing and minimal scarring.
Can men have plastic surgery?
Yes. Many men undergo procedures such as gynecomastia surgery, rhinoplasty, liposuction, and hair transplantation to improve appearance and confidence.
What is the difference between reconstructive and aesthetic surgery?
Reconstructive surgery restores form and function after trauma, burns, or congenital anomalies, while aesthetic surgery aims to enhance or refine appearance for personal satisfaction.
How do I choose the right plastic surgeon?
Always verify the surgeon’s qualifications, experience, and credentials. Check before-and-after results, patient reviews, and ensure the hospital meets international safety standards.
Are plastic surgery results permanent?
Some results, such as fat removal or structural correction, can be long-lasting, while others, like fillers or Botox, are temporary and require periodic maintenance.
Where can I have plastic surgery in Türkiye?
Liv Hospital in Istanbul offers advanced plastic and reconstructive surgeries performed by expert surgeons using modern technology in a safe, patient-centered environment.
