Plastic surgery is the art and science of reconstructing, reshaping, or altering the human body. It is generally classified into two branches: reconstructive and cosmetic. Reconstructive plastic surgery includes craniofacial surgeries, hand and microsurgery, and the treatment of burns. Cosmetic plastic surgery focuses on enhancing a person's appearance. Many types of plastic surgery are performed on both men and women.

 

Patients whose self-perceptions are positive are less likely to undergo plastic surgery. People who have negative self-perceptions are likely to identify several physical defects in their appearances, and seek surgical procedures to correct them. Patients find it difficult to evaluate their bodies objectively, as their mind plays a largely conditioning effect on the way they view themselves. Ultimately, patients may want to undergo plastic surgery to correct the imperfections they feel are detracting from their beauty.

 

The NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital's plastic surgeons specialize in breast augmentation, facial rejuvenation, and liposuction. In addition to aesthetic procedures, plastic surgeons at the hospital have extensive experience treating skin cancer and traumatic injuries. In addition to their expertise in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, the department also offers comprehensive options in head and neck surgery. Its surgeons are committed to restoring a patient's appearance.

 

While it is common for Hollywood stars to undergo plastic surgery, most people first seek this type of surgery because they saw it on television. Plastic surgery has a long history, and its earliest instances date back to around 2000 B.C. in India, where pre-historic surgeons reconstructed noses with wax replicas. Although many of us have the same goal, the fact remains that our genes play a significant role in how we look.

 

While other doctors may be interested in a patient's physical appearance, a plastic surgeon's work can affect their mental, emotional, and spiritual state. Often, a patient's body is the mirror to his or her soul, and the surgeon must understand the human psyche and experience the wavering between them to find the right cosmetic solution. Ultimately, plastic surgery must improve a patient's appearance if it is to be successful and satisfying.

 

Before plastic surgery, patients meet with a nurse to go over their medical history and answer any questions. The nurse will also review any medications and lifestyle concerns. She will then discuss expectations regarding the procedure, including the amount of pain and medications they can expect to take, activity restrictions, and the need for a ride home. Patients should carefully follow their surgeon's instructions and be sure to read the aftercare information provided by the hospital. In most cases, patients will receive a post-operative visit with written instructions about how to recover, what medications to take, and how to use them.

 

There are many kinds of plastic surgery. The most common types involve reconstruction after trauma or cancer surgery. Cosmetic procedures may include facelifts, rhinoplasty, chin reshaping, breast augmentation, and even weight loss surgery. Many other types of reconstructive procedures address problems relating to the face, such as deformities of the lip or palate, and other facial trauma. The field of plastic surgery is growing more specialized each year, with new procedures being performed on a daily basis.