Plastic surgery involves the construction, reconstruction, reshaping and modifying of a variety of structures in the human body. This is achieved through the use of autologous tissue (from your own body) and/or alloplastic (synthetic) material.
Plastic surgery, as a whole, is a fascinating field. It can be broadly be divided into two – reconstructive surgery and aesthetic surgery. Reconstructive surgery itself can be divided into general reconstruction, microsurgery, hand surgery, breast reconstructive surgery, burns surgery, craniofacial and cleft surgery, and lower limb reconstructive surgery. It is a dynamic field with new sub-specialties constantly being created.
Aesthetic surgery has received much attention in the media and is undoubtably one of the most talked about fields in medicine amongst the general population. From its almost clandestine origins, it has quickly become acceptable and desirable among people of all ages and ethnicities. Some of the most popular surgeries include breast augmentations (boob job), breast reductions, breast lifts, abdominoplasties (tummy tuck), liposuction, rhinoplasties (nose job) and face lifts. Plastic surgeons are the pioneers of aesthetic surgery and remain at its forefront courtesy of their extensive training in the theoretical and practical aspects of the field. They are also comfortable with non-surgical options in aesthetic medicine.
To fully define plastic surgery’s scope is difficult: literally any structure from head to toe can be modified and/or reconstructed, be it for aesthetic or reconstructive purposes. Should you or your doctor feel that you may benefit from a plastic surgeon, please contact The Plastic Surgeon on (031) 942 1354 or email us at reception@theplasticsurgeon.co.za