Plastic surgery

Plastic surgery
 

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  Plastic surgery
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      What difference is there between Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery?
   


Reconstructive Surgery

Primarily, Reconstructive Surgery focuses on correcting or repairing the physical, aesthetical form or function of the human body which may be congenital, or birth deformities, or due to an accident or illness, or even due to a particular medical treatment such as a mastectomy after breast cancer.

This surgery can be both complex and difficult as is the case of a Craniofacial operation, or that of heavily burnt victims. In these cases other techniques are put in use and other specialists are called in to intervene.
Sometimes satisfactory results are only attained after numerous operations; Reconstructive Surgery in many cases is therefore practiced in specialised hospitals (Facial Reconstructive Surgery, Paediatrics, and Burn victims).

France is one of the pioneers in Craniofacial Reconstructive Surgery under Dr. Tessier at the Foch Hospital of Suresnes, just outside Paris.

In France, all surgical procedures which have been acknowledged as being reconstructive are fully reimbursed by the Social Security.

Historically, Reconstructive Surgery has in some ways been the crucible of all other forms of surgery that endeavour to either reconstruct or make physical changes to the human figure. In this respect the two World Wars of this past century were a major source of all sorts of wounded soldiers (such as those of the famous “gueules cassées » - war veterans with horrendous facial injuries) and thus allowing great advancement in facial surgery. This is why for a long time Plastic Surgeons were at first trained in Reconstructive Surgery.


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Aesthetic or Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic Surgery is above all related to the patient’s personal feelings and how he/she perceives beauty.
In this case there is no birth defect or injury due to an accident which the Social Security may identify as a handicap. Therefore technically, this procedure does not treat any deformities. Nevertheless, some procedures though considered cosmetic, can be judged admissible by the Social Security, such as a Mammaplasty. In these cases, the Social Security deems whether it recognises it as a handicap or not.

In the United Kingdom, the terminology « Cosmetic Surgery » fully illustrates the ‘beauty product’ aspect of this surgery. Surgeons who perform both Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery have followed additional studies in order to become plastic surgeons. It is also true that Plastic Surgery has always had its opponents disqualifying it of all its values, treating it as an optional surgery.

However Plastic Surgeons are required to have at least 3 or 4 years of basic surgical training after medical school which is then followed by 2 or 3 or more years of training in the specialty of plastic and reconstructive surgery.


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Plastic Surgery

From plastikos meaning to model or to shape, taking full sense of the word as this surgery is both reconstructive and cosmetic.
This procedure is therefore both reconstructive and alters the body. The title “Plastic Surgeon” means that they are fully qualified to operate in both specialities.


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