Frequently Asked Questions About Plastic Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions About Plastic Surgery
The tremendous popularity of plastic surgery has made it
one of the most visible and popular areas of medicine.
Because of the diversity of the subspecialty of Plastic
Surgery, there are many questions that patients have as
well as numerous misconceptions about what plastic surgery
is and the procedures that are available. Here are some of
the most commonly asked questions.

Why is it called "plastic" surgery?

The word "plastic" comes from the Greek word "plastikos"
meaning to mold or to shape. That is also the origin for
the name of the man-made material that is found almost
everywhere today -plastic. Whether it is a toy or computer
monitor, plastic is the material of choice as it can be
molded or shaped into any desired form.

The term "plastic surgery" then refers to surgery that
molds or shapes the human body. Unfortunately, despite the
latest advances in plastic surgery, we still cannot mold
the human body into any desired form. And we very rarely
(with the exception of breast implants) actually use a
plastic material to do the surgery. We can, however, make a
big difference in either sculpting one's face or body for
cosmetic purposes or reconstructing a missing or lost body
part by using today's state-of-the-art surgical techniques.

What is the difference between plastic surgery, cosmetic
surgery, aesthetic surgery, and reconstructive surgery?

Cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery, and aesthetic surgery
all refer to the same thing; surgery done to improve one's
appearance or reshape normal body parts to improve
appearance. This is why cosmetic surgery is not covered by
insurance.

Reconstructive surgery is performed to reshape abnormal
structures of the body, from either accidents, injuries,
infections, cancers, or other diseases, as well as
congenital deformities. These types of problems are usually
covered by your medical insurance.

What are the most common cosmetic plastic surgery
procedures?

In 2005, 10.2 million cosmetic procedures were performed in
the U.S of which 1.8 million were actual intraoperative
surgeries. Total U.S. spending on these procedures was 9.4
billion dollars.. The five most commonly performed cosmetic
procedures in the United States are nose reshaping,
liposuction, eyelid surgery, breast augmentation, and
facelift. With the latest innovations in cosmetic plastic
surgery, patients may now benefit from more natural
results, faster recovery, and safer procedures.
Consequently, more and more people have decided to take
advantage of these advanced procedures to help them their
appearance or restore a more youthful look. In fact, the
number of people choosing cosmetic plastic surgery has
nearly tripled in the past 10 years!

The most popular plastic surgery procedures for women
include nose reshaping, liposuction, breast augmentation,
eyelid surgery, facelift, brow lift, tummy tuck, and breast
lift. Men also have nose reshaping, liposuction, eyelid
surgery, facelift, as well as surgery to treat
gynecomastia, or male breast reduction.

Why is plastic surgery of the nose so popular?

The first plastic surgery performed, thousands of years
ago, was nasal surgery in India and Egypt. People have had
concerns about their noses for a long time! The popularity
of rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) is due to its effectiveness
at changing the shape of the nose (as the whole appearance
of the face) as well as improving breathing through the
nose. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of the
nose, change the shape of the tip or bridge, narrow the
span of the nostrils, or change the angle between the nose
and the upper lip. It may also correct a birth defect or
injury, or help relieve some breathing and sinus problems.

What are the most common reconstructive plastic surgery
procedures?

In 2005, 5.1 million reconstructive procedures were
performed by plastic surgeons in the U.S. The top five
procedures performed include skin cancer removal,
laceration repair, scar revision, hand surgery, and breast
reduction

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Dr Barry Eppley runs a private plastic surgery practice
through his hospital-based medspa locations at Clarian
Health in Indianapolis. To learn more about the latest
trends in plastic surgery, spa therapies, or skin care, go
to his daily blog, http://www.exploreplasticsurgery.com .