Plastic surgery is most commonly associated with cosmetic procedures such as facelifts or breast augmentation. But it is no longer a purely aesthetic choice. This versatile field of medicine can also provide significant medical benefits for patients in need. It has transcended the world of beauty and makeovers, becoming a critical component of medical care. Commonly referred to as reconstructive surgery, this type of plastic surgery can help patients restore their physical features after experiencing a traumatic injury or chronic illness such as cancer. It is often a necessity in order to improve the quality of life. Below is a look at some of the circumstances in which plastic surgery is considered necessary.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Breast reconstructive surgery can be necessary following a mastectomy to help restore the appearance of natural breasts. Women born with virtually no breasts or asymmetrical breasts may opt for breast reconstruction surgery as well. Breast reduction surgery is beneficial in situations when the breasts are disproportionately large, resulting in a physical strain that can cause back, neck, and shoulder pain. Reconstructive surgery helps to restore self-esteem post-mastectomy, as well as improve physical comfort due to disproportional breasts. This type of surgery remains a viable option for many women to help restore the body and its original appearance.
Burn Repair Surgery
Burn repair surgery is necessary when a patient has experienced disfigurement due to severe burns. Such burns to the face can leave a person’s skin significantly damaged, making them almost unrecognizable. This form of reconstructive surgery is necessary to restore the patient’s facial appearance and repair the contours and structures of the face. Surgery typically uses microsurgical tissue transfers and advanced dermal lasers to minimize scarring and help the skin achieve a more natural look. Burn repair surgery can help reduce further skin damage and restore facial expression, so the person can feel more confident and secure about their appearance. By undertaking burn repair surgery, the scars can be reduced to a more acceptable degree, allowing the person to continue to live a more normal life.
Craniofacial Surgery
Craniofacial surgery is necessary to treat various facial defects in both children and adults. It is a sub-specialization of plastic surgery used to correct cleft lips and palates. It is also used to treat rare congenital and genetic defects, such as Apert syndrome, Pfeiffer syndrome, and Crouzon syndrome. Plastic surgery can help correct facial paralysis in adults and children that is caused by Bell’s palsy or another condition. In addition, children born with facial asymmetry or severe birthmarks also benefit from this procedure. Plastic surgery can provide a better quality of life to people in need of such types of surgery. Ultimately, craniofacial surgery is a crucial procedure in providing children with the chance to live a normal childhood.