What Is Plastic Surgery?

Just because the name includes the word "plastic" doesn't mean patients who have this surgery end up with a face full of fake stuff. The name isn't taken from the synthetic substance but from the Greek word plastikos, which means to form or mold (and which gives the material plastic its name as well).

Plastic surgery is a special type of surgery that can involve both a person's appearance and ability to function. Plastic surgeons strive to improve patients' appearance and self-image through both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures.

Reconstructive procedures correct defects on the face or body. These include physical birth defects like cleft lips and palates and ear deformities, traumatic injuries like those from dog bites or burns, or the aftermath of disease treatments like rebuilding a woman's breast after surgery for breast cancer.

Cosmetic (also called aesthetic) procedures alter a part of the body that the person is not satisfied with. Common cosmetic procedures include making the breasts larger (augmentation mammoplasty) or smaller (reduction mammoplasty), reshaping the nose (rhinoplasty), and removing pockets of fat from specific spots on the body (liposuction). Some cosmetic procedures aren't even surgical in the way that most people think of surgery  that is, cutting and stitching. For example, the use of special lasers to remove unwanted hair and sanding skin to improve severe scarring are two such treatments.

Is Plastic Surgery the Right Choice?

Reconstructive surgery helps repair significant defects or problems. But what about having cosmetic surgery just to change your appearance? Is it a good idea for teens? As with everything, there are right and wrong reasons to have surgery.

Cosmetic surgery is unlikely to change your life. Most board-certified plastic surgeons spend a lot of time interviewing teens who want plastic surgery to decide if they are good candidates for the surgery. Doctors want to know that teens are emotionally mature enough to handle the surgery and that they're doing it for the right reasons.

Many plastic surgery procedures are just that — surgery. They involve anesthesia, wound healing, and other serious risks. Doctors who perform these procedures want to know that their patients are capable of understanding and handling the stress of surgery.

Some doctors won't perform certain procedures (like rhinoplasty) on a teen until they are sure that person is old enough and has finished growing. For rhinoplasty, that means about 15 or 16 for girls and about a year older for guys.

Girls who want to enlarge their breasts for cosmetic reasons usually must be at least 18 because saline implants are only approved for women 18 and older. In some cases, though, such as when there's a tremendous size difference between the breasts or one breast has failed to grow at all, a plastic surgeon may get involved earlier.

Things to Consider
Here are a few things to think about if you're considering plastic surgery:

Almost all teens (and many adults) are self-conscious about their bodies. Almost everyone wishes there were a thing or two that could be changed. A lot of this self-consciousness goes away with time. Ask yourself if you're considering plastic surgery because you want it for yourself or whether it's to please someone else.
A person's body continues to change through the teen years. Body parts that might appear too large or too small now can become more proportionate over time. Sometimes, for example, what seems like a big nose looks more the right size as the rest of the person's face catches up during growth.
Getting in good shape through appropriate weight control and exercise can do great things for a person's looks without surgery. It's never a good idea to choose plastic surgery as a first option for something like weight loss that can be corrected in a nonsurgical manner. Gastric bypass or liposuction may seem like quick and easy fixes compared with sticking to a diet. Both of these procedures, however, carry far greater risks than dieting, and doctors should reserve them for extreme cases when all other options have failed.
Some people's emotions have a really big effect on how they think they look. People who are depressed, extremely self-critical, or have a distorted view of what they really look like sometimes think that changing their looks will solve their problems. In these cases, it won't. Working out the emotional problem with the help of a trained therapist is a better bet. In fact, many doctors won't perform plastic surgery on teens who are depressed or have other mental health problems until these problems are treated first.
What's Involved?
If you're considering plastic surgery, talk it over with your parents. If you're serious and your parents agree, the next step is meeting with a plastic surgeon to help you learn what to expect before, during, and after the procedure — as well as any possible complications or downsides to the surgery. Depending on the procedure, you may feel some pain as you recover, and temporary swelling or bruising can make you look less like yourself for a while.

Procedures and healing times vary, so you'll want to do your research into what's involved in your particular procedure and whether the surgery is reconstructive or cosmetic. It's a good idea to choose a doctor who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Cost will likely be a factor, too. Elective plastic surgery procedures can be expensive. Although medical insurance covers many reconstructive surgeries, the cost of cosmetic procedures almost always comes straight out of the patient's pocket.

Your parents can find out what your insurance plan will and won't cover. For example, breast enlargement surgery is considered a purely cosmetic procedure and is rarely covered by insurance. But breast reduction surgery may be covered by some plans because large breasts can cause physical discomfort and even pain for many girls.

Plastic surgery isn't something to rush into. If you're thinking about plastic surgery, find out as much as you can about the specific procedure you're considering and talk it over with doctors and your parents. Once you have the facts, you can decide whether the surgery is right for you.

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YOUR EASY REFERENCE TO QUICK FIXES:

Botox
PROS: FDA approved, Great for smoothing wrinkles on forehead, (glabellar region), A quick fix, I personally love Botox,
CONS: 3-6 months lasting ability depending on the individual, In rare cases could cause bruising or side effect of a droopy eyelid,

Collagen
PROS: FDA Approved, Great for lips and nasal labial folds, Fills wrinkles, scars and lines on face and around lips, Immediate results, Lasts up to six months depending on the individual,
CONS: Could be Costly, Not permanent, Patient has to be skin tested for possible allergic reaction,

Fat Injections
PROS: Taken from your own fat, which is great, No allergic reaction, Results are variable, but can be permanent
CONS: Body absorbs own fat, Patient should retain approx. 25-30% depending on the individual, Could be costly

Restylane / Perlane
PROS: I personally love restylane/perlane. It is MY personal choice, Recent recommendation of Restylane approval to the FDA's advisory panel, Great soft tissue filler that adds volumen, Rarely ever an allergic reaction, Can last up to one year,
CONS: Can be costly, Not permanent

Injectable Silicone
CONS: Not approved for cosmetic use in the United States, In 1991 the FDA banned its use for wrinkles and facial defects , Injectable silicone tends to harden, migrate, inflammation and skin necrosis

Beauty and Plastic Surgery

Look Better, Feel Better: Anti-Aging Breakthrough Techniques

Everyone wants to be at his or her best. Men and women all over the country strive to get rid of fine lines, wrinkles, crows feet. Basically, a battle has been waged over the past few years to restore the vitality and effortless beauty of youthfulness. Since the beginning of the 21st century, cosmetic techniques and practices have gained momentum in terms of popularity, and more importantly, acceptance.

Although, cosmetic surgical techniques and procedures are constantly being improved with safer procedures that are less traumatic and more effective, we are in a highly charged environment these days with fast paced lifestyles. It can seem as if there is never enough time to do those little nagging tasks of importance, much less take a few weeks out for a surgical recovery.

More individuals are turning to less invasive procedures such as "Lunchtime Procedures" so that they can erase those pesky frown lines in an hour then dash to their appointment, event, function, etc. These days with the dawn of the non-invasive fillers such as the ever-popular Botox, Collagen, Fat Injections, and the recent recommendation of Restylane approval to the FDA's advisory panel, men and women alike are looking great in no time flat. These lunchtime procedures or quick fixes are rapidly becoming the norm. It would not be surprising to see these injectables becoming as routine as your manicure, pedicure, and your trip to the hair salon.

Why Do Teens Get Plastic Surgery?

Most teens don't, of course. But some do. Interestingly, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports a difference in the reasons teens give for having plastic surgery and the reasons adults do: Teens view plastic surgery as a way to fit in and look acceptable to friends and peers. Adults, on the other hand, frequently see plastic surgery as a way to stand out from the crowd.

The number of teens who choose to get plastic surgery is on the rise. According to the ASPS, over 333,000 people 18 years and younger had plastic surgery in 2005, up from about 306,000 in 2000.

Some people turn to plastic surgery to correct a physical defect or to alter a part of the body that makes them feel uncomfortable. For example, guys with a condition called gynecomastia (excess breast tissue) that doesn't go away with time or weight loss may opt for reduction surgery. A girl or guy with a birthmark may turn to laser treatment to lessen its appearance.

Other people decide they want a cosmetic change because they’re not happy about the way they look. Teens who have cosmetic procedures — such as otoplasty (surgery to pin back ears that stick out) or dermabrasion (a procedure that can help smooth or camouflage severe acne scars) — sometimes feel more comfortable with their appearance after the procedure.

The most common procedures teens choose include nose reshaping, ear surgery, acne and acne scar treatment, and breast reduction.

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Aesthetic surgery of the buttocks

Aesthetic surgery of the buttocks encompasses many forms. Patients may seek to enhance buttock shape with buttock implants, autologous fat transfer, autologous tissue flaps, excisional procedures, or liposuction. Patients with traumatic buttock injuries and contour deformities from injections also require reconstruction, often with fat injections, autologous tissue flaps, and alloplastic implants. The dramatic increase in body contouring after massive loss associated with bariatric surgical treatments for obesity has also extended to buttock contouring. Skeletal and weight loss–associated gluteal deformities are often severe in nature and have also increased interest in these procedures.

The function of the buttock musculature in stability and gait is an important consideration and often has an impact on the procedure chosen for correction in reconstructive procedures. Its impact on aesthetic procedures is less clinically relevant. The history, definition, frequency, etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, aesthetics, classification, and surgical treatment options are discussed in this article.

History of the Procedure

Throughout history, artistic endeavors have documented our preoccupation with the human form as a representation of femininity and fecundity. Careful analysis, mathematical interpretation, and recreation of the human form have remained popular pursuits. Recent studies in evolutionary biology have suggested a strong correlation between the "hour-glass" figure and not only female reproductive potential but also general physical health and psychological health. This correlation is best summarized by an ideal waist-to-hip ratio of 0.7 that transcends cultures, is temporally stable, and is cross-generational. The callipygian form best represents this history.

Buttock contour surgery, in contrast, has a short history compared with the field of plastic surgery or art history. Pressure sores and traumatic deformities of this area have been treated for some time, but buttock contour improvement has become an acceptable and frequent request as demands for body improvement have increased. Patients' desire to look their best and the increased safety of liposuction and other body contouring techniques have dramatically increased the awareness of contour problems of the buttock. Recently, demographic changes in the United States coupled with changing societal fashion preferences, codification of aesthetic norms, as well as procedural improvements have increased interest in buttock contouring surgery by patients and surgeons alike.

The first reported attempts to surgically contour the buttock region in the medical literature were described by Bartels and colleagues in 1969. A mammary implant was placed unilaterally in the subcutaneous plane of the gluteal region to correct a deformity. This was closely followed by bilateral placement for aesthetic correction of platypygia. Problems associated with implant migration, capsular contracture, and migration quickly led to alternative placement in a submuscular plane between the gluteus maximus muscle and the gluteus medius muscle. A small submuscular space and anatomic constraints limited significant augmentation with a round implant. The inherent limitations of this procedure led to the development of intramuscular as well as subfascial planes for gluteal contouring with both silicone gel and silicone elastomer implants with more anatomic shapes.

Contemporaneously, liposuction emerged as the most popular body contouring technique. Liposuction was used to reduce the accumulation of fat in all regions of the body. Specifically, it was successfully applied to the flanks and back and the surrounding aesthetic units of the gluteal region. The success of these interventions in improving buttock contouring quickly led to its adoption as the primary form of contouring this region. Increasing reports of success with autologous fat transfer techniques and the popularity of liposuction led to adoption of aesthetic gluteal contouring with fat injections.

Recently, the dramatic increase in body contouring after massive weight loss associated with bariatric surgical treatments for obesity has also extended to buttock contouring. These severe deformities have accelerated the recent development of various autologous tissue flaps and excisional body contouring procedures to treat this patient population. The limitation of implant design availability in the United States and associated complications have limited the widespread adoption of implant augmentation of the gluteal region.

Problem

Buttock contour defects are common, and patients often seek some form of correction. The treatment choices must match the patient's concerns while not interfering with the necessary function of this area. Long-term approaches are an important consideration, as are scarring and unreasonable expectations. The patient may be concerned with a cellulite-contour irregularity of the skin and desire correction that may not be obtainable. Superficial corrections should be performed with great care to avoid further contour irregularities and detachment of the skin from underlying structures. The inferior fullness below the infragluteal crease or fold is one problem area. Many patients seek contouring of this area, yet excess removal may result in buttock ptosis, which is difficult to correct.

Patients seeking augmentation or enhancement of the buttock should recognize the consequences of implants that are required to withstand a person's weight and activity requirements. The same concerns apply to corrections of traumatic depressions and treatment by fat injections. Lastly, a round buttock with a convex surface demonstrates a groove and depression if a scar crosses the convexity. Restoring the projection and smooth characteristics of the buttock is difficult when normal curvature is distorted.

Frequency

Body contouring of the buttock increased dramatically from 1997-2005. Gluteal augmentation has increased 10% in the last year, but statistics have only recently been collected. Buttock lifts have increased 142%, and body lifts have increase 459% over this same period. The refinement of liposuction, autologous fat transfer, autologous flaps, excisional procedures, and alloplastic implants has contributed to the increase in the number of successful treatments. Liposuction and its progeny of ultrasonic-assisted and superficial liposuction have also had an impact. Codification of gluteal aesthetic standards has added the finesse necessary to achieve the balance between form and function.

Vaginoplasty and Labiaplasty

Vaginoplasty is a procedure that aims to "tighten up" a vagina that's become slack or loose from vaginal childbirth or aging. Some surgeons claim it can even improve sensitivity -- a claim the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has strongly challenged.

While it's true that vaginal tissues can stretch, surgically tightening the vaginal tissue in itself cannot guarantee a heightened sexual response, since desire, arousal, and orgasm are complex, highly personal responses, conditioned as much by emotional, spiritual, and interpersonal factors as aesthetic ones. In addition, sexual "sensitivity" doesn't automatically lead to more pleasure.

Labiaplasty, plastic surgery on the labia (the “lips" surrounding the vagina), can be performed alone or with vaginoplasty. Surgery can be performed on the labia major (the larger, outer vaginal lips), or the labia minor (the smaller, inner vaginal lips). Labiaplasty changes the size or shape of the labia, typically making them smaller or correcting an asymmetry between them.