Plastic surgery is a procedure that reconstructs or alters parts of the body. It can be divided into two different groups: reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery. Here are the differences between these procedure types:
How Reconstructive Surgery Is Different Than Cosmetic Surgery
Reconstructive plastic surgery covers a range of procedures that resolve injuries sustained from accidents, birth defects, or illnesses. One condition that reconstructive surgery treats is a cleft palate. A cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth that occurs during fetal development. Surgeons assist these patients by repairing the mouth and upper lip, restoring their ability to eat and speak.
Cosmetic surgery offers patients the ability to alter their appearance by choice. This includes removing excess fat and skin from various areas of the body, such as the stomach, thighs, and underarms. This type of procedure may also smooth wrinkles caused by aging or weight loss.
Reconstructive Procedures
At Somerset Plastic Surgery, we offer a range of reconstructive methods to enhance our patients’ daily comfort levels. Scar tissue located on the face can hinder vision, breathing, and speaking capabilities. We are able to adjust previous surgical scars and tissue loss from illnesses like cancer. Here are some of the procedures we perform:
Breast Reconstruction
For patients who have undergone a mastectomy due to breast cancer or other such illnesses, we offer breast reconstruction treatments. A mastectomy is a breast removal surgery that is typically done to remove cancer cells from the area. One or both breasts could be removed depending on the severity of their condition. We provide patients with new breasts that can reflect their original appearance, or our patients can choose a new look for themselves.
Since we use general anesthesia for this procedure, candidates will not be able to drive and may need assistance at home. Recovery rates differ depending on the type of procedure, as some patients will need a skin graft to create the mound of their new breast. This is where our surgeon will remove excess tissue from another area of the body, such as the flank, and move it to the chest. Our team works closely with each patient to help them choose a breast reconstruction procedure that suits their body and implant preferences.
Nose Reshaping
Nose reshaping, also known as a Rhinoplasty, corrects breathing issues by altering a patient’s nostril width or reshaping the nose cartilage. Symptoms of breathing issues may include whistling sounds and the inability to fully breathe through the nostrils. Tissue damage, such as a broken nose, can also cause frequent nose bleeds. Nose reconstruction is an outpatient procedure, which means that patients are able to go home on the same day as their surgery. Since we can perform this procedure with general anesthesia, patients will need someone to drive them to their appointments and back home.
Eyelid Surgery
If a patient has limited vision due to facial scarring from glass shattering during a car accident, we are able to correct this with a Blepharoplasty. This procedure involves reconstructing the eyelids by removing excess scar tissue. We may also alter how any previous incisions were made to minimize visual scarring.
We perform this procedure in-office with local anesthesia, which typically takes 45 minutes to a few hours to complete. Our surgeon will place your incisions in inconspicuous places like the creases of your eyelids. This decreases the chance of noticeable scarring around your eyes while increasing their functionality.
Cosmetic Procedures
Cosmetic treatments involve various methods to change someone’s appearance. Some reconstructive procedures also provide cosmetic alterations, such as breast reconstruction. Here are two of the different cosmetic options we offer:
Liposuction
Liposuction sculpts the body by removing fat deposits from undesirable areas around the body, such as the midsection and thighs. Suitable candidates for this treatment are those who are in shape but have stubborn areas of fat that won’t go away with regular diet and exercise. This procedure offers immediate results to tone and shape the body.
To perform this treatment, our surgeons create a small incision that is as inconspicuous as possible. We then use a cannula, or small tube, to break up the fat layer and suction it away. Depending on the complexity of the surgery, local or general anesthesia will be used, and the procedure may take between one and five hours.
Botox®
Botox is a protein that is injected into the skin to remove or reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles. We commonly place Botox into the areas surrounding the eyes, forehead, and mouth. Neck lines can also be addressed with this treatment which offers a smooth, more youthful appearance.
Schedule Your Plastic Surgery Consultation
At Somerset Plastic Surgery, we offer a range of different procedures to assist our clients in reaching their cosmetic and recovery goals. Our experienced team will walk you through your options and provide individualized care for your specific needs. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.