Today, more than ever, the appearance-related demands have assumed great significance. Advances in medical science and practices have provided individuals innumerable surgical pathways toward their proclivity. Among these, aesthetic surgery and plastic surgery have been termed wrongly interchangeably. Though nearly similar and sometimes overlapping, aesthetic surgery and plastic surgery really have two distinct connotations. This article centers on differentiating Aesthetic Surgery from plastic surgery.
What Is Aesthetic Surgery?
Aesthetic surgery (also referred to as cosmetic surgery) is a type of surgery performed solely to improve appearance. It deals with the enhancement of features such as facial symmetry, outlines of the body, or skin texture. To put it simply, it is not aimed at any medical condition but is performed merely to make one look good and feel confident.
Some common aesthetic procedures include:
Rhinoplasty (reshape nose)
Breast augmentation (size and shape enhancement of the breasts)
Facelifts (wrinkle and sagging skin reduction)
Liposuction (removal of stubborn fat deposits)
Tummy tuck (abdominal flattening)
These procedures are elective; they are patient-initiated procedures and would thus be termed cosmetic in that they are not medically necessary. Recovery times differ for all procedures; however, results will greatly enhance self-esteem and body image.
What Is Plastic Surgery?
Plastic Surgery is a more inclusive medical specialty, meaning it includes both reconstructive and aesthetic procedures. The word plastic originates from the Greek word plastikos, meaning to mold or to form. Plastic surgery is usually done to correct physical defects, restore function after an injury or illness, or improve appearance after an injury, illness, or birth defect.
Some examples of reconstructive plastic surgery include:
Breast reconstruction after mastectomy
Cleft lip and palate repair
Scar revision
Burn care and skin grafting
Hand surgery for congenital and traumatic conditions
While reconstructive surgery may improve the appearance, its primary goal is that of a medical or functional nature. Ever since they affect the well-being of a patient, many of these procedures are covered by health insurance.
Key Differences Between Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery
Each of these groups generally refers to the visual improvement of someone, with critical differences being noted in these areas:
Purpose
Aesthetic surgery: To enhance appearance.
Plastic surgery: To reconstruct or repair some defect with an aesthetic benefit.
Medical Necessity
Optional procedures, with almost no insurance coverage, are considered aesthetic.
Plastic (reconstructive) procedures are often of medical necessity and are covered.
Training and Certification
Plastic surgeons go through complete training in both reconstructive and aesthetic procedures.
Interventional plastic surgery is done by people with various medical specialties and more recent qualifications in aesthetic surgery.
Motivation of Patients
Patients undertaking aesthetic surgery usually want to improve themselves and their self-esteem.
Patients undergoing plastic surgery are almost always someone with a medical condition or injury they wish to correct.
Making an Informed Choice
If you are considering surgery, whether for cosmetic or reconstructive purposes, it is important to be fully aware of your goals and to choose the best professional. Always check if the surgeon is registered, does have proper board certification, and has safety records concerning the procedure you intend to have done. Ask to view before-and-after pictures, read reviews from other patients, and talk openly about your expectations and recovery.
In conclusion, while both aesthetic and Plastic Surgery may heal the woes of the appearance of an individual, they serve different purposes and motivations. The distinction would benefit you to create the best choice for your own body, health, and confidence.