An Overview of Plastic Surgery: Meaning, Types, Advantages and Disadvantages

The word plastic surgery isn’t a new term, I’m sure you’ve heard it at one time or another.

In Nigeria, there have been many myths and opinions about it. Some say ‘it is good’, some others feel it is wrong. And we also have people who are entirely clueless about plastic surgery.

In this article, we are going to look in detail at what plastic surgery entails; types, advantages, disadvantages, and others. 

What is Plastic Surgery?

The word “plastic” in plastic surgery originated from a Greek word called “Plastikos” which means to shape or mold.

Plastic surgery involves several procedures used to move the body tissues. It involves the reconstruction, renewal, and amendment of the body.

Plastic surgery is becoming very popular in every part of the world.

According to statistics, more than 15 million people undergo plastic surgery annually in the United States, and so is the number increasing in other parts of the world.

Some kinds of plastic surgery are medically advisable while some are not.

In this article, we will give you in full detail everything you need to know about plastic surgery.

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Categories of Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery is divided into two categories:

• Reconstructive plastic surgery
• Cosmetic plastic surgery

1. Reconstructive plastic surgery

The word “Reconstructive” means to repair or remake something that has been damaged.

Reconstructive plastic surgery is performed or carried out to rectify malformation or deformity caused by trauma, burns, scars, medical conditions, or defects. 

It could be defects from birth, Or a defect that was developed due to a disease or injury; Breast reconstruction and cleft lip are examples of reconstructive plastic surgery.

Reconstructive plastic surgery is medically necessary and is usually covered by health insurance plans.

Reconstructive plastic surgery helps to repair parts of the body that have been affected due to defects of any kind. 

Most times, it is usually done under medical advice for the benefit of the person involved. 

Reconstructive plastic surgery is not the kind of surgery done to enhance beauty or for show off. 

The main goal is to improve body functions. Defects can be from accidents, Burns, Diseases/infections, or Tumors.

Some examples of reconstructive surgery are:

• Breast reconstruction,
• Facial reconstruction,
• Breast reduction, etc.

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2. Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic plastic surgery is performed to improve or change appearance.

Unlike reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery is not medically necessary. Health insurance rarely covers the cost of cosmetic surgery.

Cosmetic plastic surgery can be done to enhance beauty and improve the overall appearance of a person.

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Types of Plastic Surgery

Some of the most common types of plastic surgery are:

• Breast enlargement
• Breast lift
• Buttock lift
• Facelift
• Eyelid lift
• Forehead lift
• Lip augmentation.

Advantages of Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery offers a number of benefits to people. These benefits include; 

1. Helps to improve self-image and confidence

Most people born with a defect or who got one due to any circumstance rarely have confidence in themselves.

They feel they are not like the person next to them because of the defect they possess. A perfect example is women who undergo cancer operation (mastectomy) where their breasts are removed.

Many women feel ashamed of themselves after the process and do not have the confidence they once possessed because they feel incomplete.

After undergoing reconstructive plastic surgery, people with defects now come to have full confidence in themselves.

2. To erase birth defects

Some persons are born with some kind of physical abnormality that can be rectified as the person grows older. 

This can be done through a series of surgeries, but since the goal is to bring back normal function and appearance of the body, reconstructive surgery is usually considered.

3. For treatment of some health conditions

Plastic surgery can be used as a treatment for some health conditions. 

For example, Rhinoplasty improves breathing and Blepharoplasty helps to improve vision.

4. To improve physical appearance and look younger

Looking younger is one of the enormous reasons most people undergo cosmetic plastic surgery.

Many people try to avoid looking their real age, and cosmetic plastic surgery is the best option to consider in cases like that.

Some others are not aging, but love to continue improving how they look. They love being physically attractive at all times.

In some parts of the world, such as South Korea, physical attractiveness is an important factor that is usually considered when searching for employment.

5. To look like someone

Some people undergo plastic surgery to look like their celebrity idols in terms of appearance and fashion. 

We have heard of a couple of cases where people had to undergo plastic surgery to change their look to that of a celebrity they look up to.

Read also: Common sleeping problems: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment. 

Disadvantages of Plastic Surgery 

Botched Plastic Surgery

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word “Botch” means to make or do something in a clumsy or unskillful way.

Plastic surgery, just like every other surgery, has a risk attached to it, a failed plastic surgery is usually described as Botched plastic surgery.

Many plastic surgery patients usually share their botched plastic surgery experience. 

This shows that anyone can become a victim of the error in it, regardless of who you are, or your body type.

Complications of plastic surgery depend on the part of the body operated on, the type of surgery done, pre-existing medical conditions, and lack of care during or after the operation.

But, there are other general complications like scarring, blood loss, hematoma, etc, that could also happen in any other surgery.

Complications can also arise if the medical personnel handling the surgery is unskilled.

FAQ

Can plastic surgery be done in Nigeria?

The answer to this is, Yes. Plastic surgery can be done effectively in Nigeria, like in any other place in the world, what you need is the right person.

The right person in the sense that you must get a qualified and certified plastic surgeon who operates in a fully equipped medical facility, and who will also be ready to do the necessary preoperative and postoperative care.

Conclusion

Getting plastic surgery is a choice; If you feel it is necessary, and you can’t live with the defect, burn, scar, trauma, then go for it. 

But, if you want to undergo plastic surgery for an unnecessary reason, I will advise you to stay away from it; It is not worth it. You look good the way you are.

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About Author

Victor Onileowomailto:victoronileowo62@gmail.com

My name is Onileowo victor, and I am a content writer, storyteller, and fiction writer.

I use simple but attention-catching words to carve out my content, thus making it consumable by my audience.

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