Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery is a specialized field of medicine focused on the restoration, reconstruction, or enhancement of the human body. It is generally divided into two main categories: reconstructive surgery, which aims to correct physical abnormalities or restore function after trauma, cancer, or birth defects; and cosmetic surgery, which focuses on enhancing a patient’s appearance.

As a physician, I must emphasize: plastic surgery is not merely about aesthetics. It can improve a patient’s quality of life significantly — whether through restoring hand function, removing tumors, or rebuilding facial structures after injury.

Plastic surgery includes a broad range of procedures, medically indicated or elective. The two main types are:

Reconstructive Surgery – medically necessary, aimed at restoring function and form (e.g., cleft lip repair, skin grafts after burns, post-mastectomy breast reconstruction).

Cosmetic Surgery – elective, performed to improve appearance and self-esteem (e.g., rhinoplasty, facelift, liposuction).

Each type follows strict clinical indications. A qualified plastic surgeon always performs a full medical evaluation before recommending any procedure.

Cosmetic surgery is intended to enhance the appearance of healthy individuals who wish to improve specific physical features. Some of the most commonly performed procedures include:

Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) – reshapes the nose to improve appearance or breathing

Facelift (Rhytidectomy) – reduces visible signs of aging in the face and neck

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) – corrects droopy eyelids and bags under the eyes

Breast Augmentation – increases breast size or restores volume lost after weight loss or pregnancy

Liposuction – removes localized fat deposits that do not respond to diet or exercise

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) – tightens abdominal muscles and removes excess skin

Cosmetic procedures are not risk-free. Proper patient selection and ethical counseling are fundamental.

Reconstructive plastic surgery is medically necessary in many cases. It aims to restore both function and a natural appearance. Common examples include:

Cleft lip and palate repair

Breast reconstruction post-mastectomy

Skin cancer reconstruction (e.g., after Mohs surgery)

Burn reconstruction with skin grafts

Scar revision surgery

Hand surgery for nerve and tendon repair

These procedures are often covered by health insurance and require a multidisciplinary approach involving surgeons, therapists, and sometimes psychologists.

Plastic surgery costs vary widely depending on the procedure, country, facility, and the surgeon’s expertise. Cosmetic procedures are typically not covered by insurance, while many reconstructive surgeries are. Here’s a general price range:

Rhinoplasty: $3,000 – $12,000

Breast Augmentation: $4,000 – $8,000

Liposuction: $2,500 – $7,000

Facelift: $7,000 – $15,000

Cleft Lip Repair (Reconstructive): Often covered by insurance

Patients should consider consultation fees, anesthesia, facility charges, and aftercare when budgeting.

Countries known for advanced plastic surgery and medical tourism include:

South Korea – world leader in facial cosmetic procedures

Turkey – known for affordable, high-quality cosmetic and hair transplant surgeries

Brazil – home to world-renowned plastic surgeons and body contouring experts

Mexico & Thailand – popular among North American and European patients for quality and cost-effectiveness

When choosing a country, always verify the accreditation of the clinic and the board certification of the surgeon.

Your safety depends largely on who performs your surgery. As a physician, my advice is:

Verify board certification in plastic surgery (not just general surgery)

Review before & after photos of similar cases

Ask about complication rates and revision policy

Ensure the procedure is performed in a licensed facility

Be wary of “too-good-to-be-true” prices

A qualified surgeon will never pressure you and will prioritize your health and expectations.

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for plastic surgery — and any ethical surgeon will explain this clearly during consultation. Patients must undergo a full medical assessment to identify any conditions that may increase surgical risk or compromise outcomes.

Patients who may not be eligible include:

Those with uncontrolled chronic illnesses (e.g., severe heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes)

Individuals with blood clotting disorders or autoimmune conditions

Smokers who refuse to quit before and after surgery

Patients with unrealistic expectations or untreated body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)

Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding

As physicians, we have a responsibility to say no when surgery is not in the patient’s best interest.

Surgical success begins with proper preparation. As a medical professional, here are the most essential steps every patient should take before undergoing any plastic surgery:

Disclose your full medical history and list of medications

Undergo required blood tests, imaging, and cardiac clearance if necessary

Stop smoking at least 4 weeks before surgery

Avoid blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, NSAIDs) as advised

Maintain a healthy, stable weight

Arrange for post-operative care and transportation

Your surgeon will provide a personalized checklist based on your procedure and health profile.

Each surgical procedure follows a structured and medically supervised protocol. While details vary by surgery, a typical sequence includes:

Pre-operative assessment and anesthesia consultation

Marking the surgical site and pre-surgery photos

Administration of anesthesia — either local, sedation, or general

Surgical intervention using sterile, controlled techniques

Wound closure and dressing

Monitoring in recovery with pain management

Modern surgical protocols follow evidence-based standards to minimize risks and improve healing.

All surgical procedures carry risks — plastic surgery is no exception. Common side effects include:

Swelling, bruising, and temporary pain

Infection at the incision site (rare with proper hygiene)

Scarring, which varies by individual healing

Hematoma or seroma (fluid build-up)

Anesthesia complications, though rare when screened properly

Asymmetry or unsatisfactory results, sometimes requiring revision

As a surgeon, we assess these risks against potential benefits and ensure you’re fully informed.

Recovery times depend on the type and extent of surgery, but proper aftercare is crucial for healing and minimizing complications.

General aftercare instructions include:

Keep the surgical area clean and dry

Take prescribed pain relievers and antibiotics

Avoid strenuous activities and lifting for 2–6 weeks

Follow up with your post-op appointments

Use compression garments if prescribed

Watch for signs of infection or abnormal bleeding

Your surgeon will provide customized aftercare protocols and be available for questions during your recovery period.

Plastic surgery can offer long-lasting or even permanent results, but it requires long-term commitment:

Protect your skin from the sun to maintain results (especially for facial procedures)

Maintain a stable weight, particularly after body contouring procedures like liposuction or tummy tuck

Avoid smoking, which impairs skin elasticity and healing

Follow a balanced diet and hydration plan

Routine check-ins with your surgeon ensure continued health

Surgical results often evolve over months, and some procedures (like breast implants) may need maintenance or replacement after 10–15 years.

Most plastic surgery results are long-lasting, especially when the patient follows aftercare instructions and leads a healthy lifestyle. However, no surgery can stop the natural aging process.

Here’s what you can expect:

Rhinoplasty and chin augmentation typically last for life

Breast implants may require revision every 10–15 years

Facelifts offer results that last 8–12 years

Liposuction results are permanent only if weight is maintained

We always advise patients to view surgery as a part of their journey — not the finish line.

Plastic surgery can have a deep psychological effect — both positive and negative. Many patients experience:

Increased self-esteem and social confidence

A sense of relief or closure (especially after reconstructive surgery)

Motivation to pursue healthier lifestyles

In some cases, disappointment or regret if expectations were unrealistic

It is essential that patients undergo surgery for the right reasons — not due to peer pressure or impulsive dissatisfaction. A psychological evaluation may be recommended when mental health is a concern.

Q1: Is plastic surgery safe?
Yes, when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited facility, the risk is minimal.

Q2: How long is the recovery period?
Varies by procedure: minor procedures may take 1–2 weeks, major surgeries may need 4–8 weeks.

Q3: Will I have visible scars?
All surgeries involve some scarring, but experienced surgeons place incisions discreetly and provide scar care protocols.

Q4: Can I get multiple procedures at once?
Yes, if medically safe. This is common in "mommy makeovers" or facial rejuvenation packages.

Q5: Is plastic surgery painful?
Most patients report manageable discomfort, controlled with medication during recovery.