Beauty Article

Plastic surgery includes two broad fields
namely cosmetic (or aesthetic) and reconstructive surgery. Cosmetic surgery is performed to enhance the appearance of a person
who finds his/her body parts
though otherwise fully functional
to be unattractive. Thus cosmetic surgery is performed with a purely aesthetic intent. On the other hand
reconstructive surgery focuses on concealing the destructive effects of trauma
disease or accident. That is
it strives to improve function and impart a standard look so the patient may lead a normal life.

Reconstructive surgery is a way of veiling defects by using skin implants and tissue flaps. Either local tissue is used or tissue is transferred from another part to the problem area. Reconstructive tissue flaps comprise of skin
muscle
fat
bone or a combination of these elements. The most common reconstructive surgery is to cover the defects of burn survivors and other accident victims.

Another common reconstructive surgery is breast reconstruction for women who have had mastectomy – surgical removal of one or both breasts
either partially or completely. Mastectomy is performed to combat breast cancer
or to circumvent the disease if a woman is at a high risk of acquiring it. Rhinoplasty may also be considered as a reconstructive procedure if the extent of damage to the nose cartilage and bone is rather grave. In such a case
tissue is moved from another body part and grafted in the damaged area.

One of the most prevalent uses of reconstructive surgery can be found in the field of professional contact sports. Players are likely to suffer injuries during vigorous contact sports
and such injuries can only be treated by reconstructive surgery. Though rare
sexual reassignment surgery is another example of reconstructive surgery. There is a certain gray area between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery
and distinguishing one from another can be confusing at times. But in a gist
reconstructive surgery is usually performed to correct an abnormality
and not to enhance an otherwise normal appearance.