It is often assumed that plastic surgery is a choice of luxury for one to change or improve areas of their body to meet their personal expectations. For example, to have breast implants for a more voluptuous look or a face lift in the hopes of looking 10 years younger.
There is no doubt that plastic surgery or also known as reconstructive surgery is a life-changing medical procedure that can positively impact one’s life in many ways. On top of boosting one’s appearance and self-esteem, plastic surgery procedures can help to improve one’s way of life especially when a medical reason is the cause behind it.
Both children and adults can benefit from plastic surgery as a treatment option for various medical reasons, which we will explore below. Read on to discover how plastic surgery can help with treating or managing some medical-related conditions.
#1 CLEFT PALATE & LIP
A cleft lip is when the structure of your child’s upper lip was not formed well when your baby was developing in the womb. This leaves an opening in between your child’s upper lip. A cleft palate is similar to a cleft lip whereby your child’s roof of the mouth is not formed completely.
Babies born with cleft lip and/or palate often struggle with feeding and it could also affect their speech development in the future. Depending on the severity of the cleft, plastic surgery can help to reconstruct the child’s lip and/or palate. Ultimately, the aim of the treatment is to help the child feed and speak with minimal or no challenges.
#2 POLYDACTYLY
The majority of babies are born with 10 cute fingers. However, some babies are born with one or more extra fingers and this birth abnormality is known as Polydactyly.
The most common treatment for Polydactyly is to remove the extra finger(s). Typically, an x-ray will be conducted for your child’s doctor to understand the structure of the extra finger. The finger can consist of just soft tissue and skin or it could have a bone as well as with or without a joint.
Nonetheless, reconstructive surgery can be conducted during the child’s early years to remove the extra finger. At times, more than one surgery is needed and occupational therapy can help with your child’s recovery.
#3 BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
Breast reconstruction surgery is performed on women who are breast cancer survivors. This procedure can help a woman regain confidence following the diagnosis and treatment, without having to worry too much about losing a part of herself or having to wear a prosthesis bra.
As a matter of fact, if breast implants are opted for, it can be inserted the same time a mastectomy is conducted, unless advised otherwise by your doctor. Therefore, in most cases, you need not worry about having to undergo another surgery to have your breast(s) reconstructed.
#4 BREAST REDUCTION
Breast implant surgery to enhance one’s breast size is generally more talked about than breast reduction surgery. Genetics and other factors such as weight and body fat play a role in influencing one’s natural breast size. In some circumstances, the weight of a woman’s breast can affect her posture as well as spine health. Therefore, causing symptoms such as neck pain, backache and poor posture.
To relieve these symptoms and improve a woman’s quality of life, breast reduction surgery can be considered. This surgery involves removing extra tissue and skin from the breasts to reduce its size and weight.
A breast reduction surgery can be considered by women of all ages but ideally, it’s recommended for one to wait until your breasts are fully developed before undergoing the surgery.
#5 RHINOPLASTY
Rhinoplasty or also known as a ‘nose job’ is a reconstructive surgery option not just for those who would like to have a sharper or celebrity-inspired look. A rhinoplasty can also be a form of medical treatment that can save one’s life.
Individuals with sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that can affect one’s breathing, may consider rhinoplasty as a treatment option. This reconstructive surgery is recommended for individuals who are struggling with sleep apnea due to nasal blockage or also known as obstructive sleep apnea. If sleep apnea is a concern of yours, it’s best to discuss with a doctor about your treatment options to manage this life-threatening disorder.
Plastic and reconstructive surgery does play a crucial role in treating and managing selected medical related disorders and conditions.
#6 TRAUMA RECONSTRUCTION
It’s not just medical disorders that require reconstructive surgery as a treatment option. Physical trauma due to various reasons such as accidents and burns may require the help of a plastic surgeon.
From replacing your skin tissues to repairing facial structures and reconnecting tissues, the role of a plastic surgeon in treating trauma injuries is vast. Depending on the extent of the physical injury, the ultimate aim of trauma reconstruction surgery is not only to help with one’s physical appearance but also to manage bleeding, repair damaged tissues and treat broken bones.
#7 SKIN CANCER
Depending on the type of skin cancer, a plastic surgery can help to remove the area of the skin that has been affected by cancer. During the procedure, your doctor may also replace the affected area with skin and tissue derived from another area of your body. A plastic surgeon’s specialised techniques can help to minimise scarring as well as manage skin cancer.
Plastic and reconstructive surgery does play a crucial role in treating and managing selected medical related disorders and conditions. There is no doubt that through such treatments, one’s quality of life can be improved.
