Plastic Surgery

Plastic Surgery stands out as a diverse surgical subspecialty. It enhances both function and appearance and is applicable to any part of the body, excluding the central nervous system. This makes it a field that demands both technical prowess and a natural flair for creativity. Within this specialty, plastic surgeons address a wide spectrum of pathologies, ranging from congenital anomalies to conditions such as cancer, trauma, and degenerative or autoimmune disorders.

Moreover, the collaborative nature of plastic surgery is evident, as plastic surgeons routinely collaborate with various specialties including general surgery, gynecology, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, oral surgery, orthopedic surgery, otolaryngology, and urology to reconstruct anomalies or defects in the body.

Why is Plastic Surgery needed?

Plastic surgery is performed for various reasons, including:

• Cosmetic Enhancement: Improving or enhancing physical appearance is a common reason for plastic surgery. Procedures like facelifts, breast augmentation, and liposuction fall into this category.
• Reconstructive Purposes: Plastic surgery is often used to reconstruct and restore normal function and appearance, especially after injuries, trauma, or surgeries related to cancer. Examples include breast reconstruction after mastectomy or facial reconstruction after accidents.
• Correcting Congenital Anomalies: Plastic surgery is employed to correct birth defects and congenital anomalies, such as cleft lip and palate or hand deformities.
• Trauma and Injury Repair: Plastic surgeons address injuries and trauma by repairing and reconstructing damaged tissues, bones, and skin to restore normal appearance and function.
• Medical Need: In some cases, plastic surgery is necessary for medical reasons, such as the removal of tumors, treating chronic conditions, or alleviating physical discomfort.
• Improving Quality of Life: Certain plastic surgery procedures, such as rhinoplasty to correct breathing difficulties or breast reduction to relieve back pain, can enhance an individual's overall quality of life.

You may expect following before the Plastic Surgery:

• Your surgeon will discuss the potential impact of plastic surgery on your body and outline the anticipated outcomes. This is an opportunity for you to articulate your surgical goals. Having a clear understanding of the available options and potential results will empower you to make an informed decision.
• Details about specific procedures, expectations, benefits, risks, potential complications, and alternative options will be provided. The surgeon may suggest additional procedures to enhance overall results.
• The concept of asymmetry will be clarified, emphasizing that the human body is naturally asymmetric. Reflecting on the true image versus the mirror image in the context of cosmetic surgery helps patients appreciate their authentic appearance and understand how it may transform.
• The surgeon will also explain the principle of balance—how modifying one aspect of the body can influence overall appearance and how additional procedures may contribute to greater harmony.
• During the nurse review, health-related inquiries will be addressed, covering general health, current medications, lifestyle factors (including smoking history), and post-surgery expectations such as pain management, medications, dietary considerations, activity restrictions, and the need for arrangements for transportation after the procedure.
• A consent form is likely to be presented for your signature, allowing the use of photographs as a reference for the surgeon and inclusion in your medical record before the plastic surgery.
• You will receive an estimate of surgical fees, as cosmetic surgery procedures are typically not covered by insurance, and payment is usually required in advance.
• A preoperative examination may be scheduled to assess your overall health before the surgery, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of your medical condition.

Plastic surgery procedures that involve general anesthesia or IV (intravenous) sedation take place in a hospital, overseen by a team comprising an anesthesiologist and a nurse anesthetist.

On the other hand, certain procedures like facial filler injections can be conducted in an outpatient setting or a physician's office, utilizing local anesthesia. Before the surgery, you'll have another consultation with the surgeon or a member of your healthcare team to address any remaining questions.

Every surgical procedure carries inherent risks. So does the plastic surgery as it involves potential alterations to sensitive structures adjacent to major organs or delicate tissue. Even cosmetic procedures, which target otherwise healthy areas of the body, introduce a level of risk.

The likelihood of complications varies based on factors such as the type of surgery, your medical history, and lifestyle choices like smoking. Complications can manifest during the surgical process or emerge post-recovery. A primary risk is the possibility of not achieving the anticipated results. Additional potential risks associated with plastic surgery are:

• Abnormal scarring
• Blood clots
• Blood loss.
• Anesthesia-related complications, including respiratory issues during the procedure
• Fluid retention (edema)
• Infection
• Nerve damage leading to neuropathy
• Scarring impeding natural movement
• Delayed wound healing and incisions that take longer than expected to heal

After regaining consciousness as the effects of anesthesia subside, you might be allowed to return home. If a hospital stay is necessary, it typically lasts for just one or two nights. Prior to your departure, you will be given instructions for at-home care, and adhering to these instructions diligently can minimize the risk of complications.

Your home recovery plan may involve:

• Ample rest, avoiding heavy lifting, and limiting time spent on your feet
• Regularly changing surgical dressings
• Following a specific diet, possibly restricted to soft foods
• Elevating the surgical site to reduce swelling
• Remaining absent from work or school until you progress further in your recovery
• Using stool softeners to alleviate constipation resulting from analgesic medications
• Waiting a few days before taking a shower or bath

Recovery timelines can vary based on the specific procedure. For certain surgeries, such as minor ones, you might be ready to resume normal activities within a few days. However, more extensive procedures like a tummy tuck may require several weeks to months for a full recovery. Some individuals experience complete benefits and become pain-free within a few weeks, while advanced procedures like facial feminization surgery may entail up to a year for swelling to fully subside.

In certain instances, additional treatments may be incorporated into your recovery plan, such as:

• Physical therapy to assist in regaining range of motion or alleviating stiffness
• Speech and swallow therapy to overcome challenges related to speaking and swallowing
• Occupational therapy to aid in relearning daily activities, such as dressing

The success rate of plastic surgery can vary depending on the type of procedure, the skill and experience of the surgeon, the patient's overall health, and how well post-operative care is followed. Generally, plastic surgery has a high success rate, and many people are satisfied with the outcomes of their procedures.

For common and routine procedures, such as breast augmentation or rhinoplasty, the success rates are generally high, and complications are relatively rare. However, more complex surgeries or those involving significant reconstruction may have different success rates.

The cost of Plastic Surgery in India is generally more affordable than in numerous Western nations, while still maintaining world-class quality. The typical price range for such procedures in India spans from INR 15,000 ($188) to INR 2,50,000 ($3,133).

Following are the factors affecting cost of Plastic Surgery in India:

• Out of pocket expense
• Health insurance coverage
• Consultation fees
• Pre Surgical expenses
• Surgery cost
• Hospital fees
• Doctor fees
• Patients age
• Severity of deformation
• Type of surgery
• Overall health status of the patients
• Complications involved after the surgery
• City where hospital is located

The cost for diagnostic tests and evaluations linked to plastic surgery can fluctuate due to several factors. These factors include the particular tests needed, your choice of healthcare facility or clinic, and your geographical location. These diagnostic evaluations may include pre-operative assessments, photographs, allergy tests, blood tests, urine tests, and other evaluations aimed at confirming your suitability for the procedure. The approximate cost of diagnostics for such treatments is INR 500-1000.

MedFlick, your trusted healthcare companion, is dedicated to ensuring that your medical journey goes as smoothly and successfully as possible.

• Individualized Guidance: Personalized guidance throughout your medical journey.
• Access to a broad network of prominent hospitals, top doctors, and skilled surgeons.
• Transparent and Competitive Pricing: A full breakdown of treatment costs that eliminates surprises and offers you cost-effective solutions.
• MedFlick provides everything from travel arrangements to hotel and visa help to lodging.
• Multilingual Support: Breaking down language barriers to allow patients and medical professionals to communicate more effectively.
• The road to a successful plastic surgery is challenging, full of hope, resilience, and the promise of a brighter future. With MedFlick as your guide, navigating this life-changing adventure becomes simple and liberating.