The Differences Between Plastic Surgery and Traditional Surgery

Posted On April 27, 2022April 27, 2022

There are various types of surgery that are done for multiple reasons. For example, some people undergo surgery to alleviate pain and suffering caused by an underlying illness, whereas others do it for cosmetic purposes. Knowing what to expect during surgery is an effective way to get rid of fear, anxiety, and doubts. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you understand the difference between plastic surgery and traditional surgery.

Plastic Surgery

This type of surgery aims to repair, reshape, and reconstruct parts of the body. It is done for aesthetic purposes or to improve body functionality. Plastic surgery procedures can either be surgical or non-surgical.

Types of Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

This is a procedure performed by a plastic surgeon to enhance the appearance of a particular body part.

Common procedures include:

• Skin rejuvenation – fillers, peelers, laser treatments, and botox
• Breast surgery – mastopexy, augmentation, and reduction
• Body contouring – tummy tuck, lower body lift, and buttock augmentation
• Facial rejuvenation – rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, chin augmentation, and brow lift

Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

This type of surgery is performed on dysfunctional body parts to restore their functionality and natural appearance. It is an effective procedure for reconstructing body tissue defects caused by birth disorders, accidents such as burns or animal bites, illnesses, developmental abnormalities, and trauma.

Common reconstructive procedures include:

• Hand surgery
• Scar revision
• Craniofacial surgery
• Burn surgery
• Microsurgery
• Breast reconstruction after mastectomy
• Lower extremity reconstruction
• Jaw straightening

What’s Involved in Plastic Surgery?

When deciding on whether to undertake plastic surgery or not, you need to find an experienced plastic surgeon who can help you understand the intricacies of plastic surgery, including what to expect before, during, and after surgery. Besides that, the surgeon walks you through the downsides of the surgery and any potential risks involved. Be sure to understand the physiological and physical changes associated with plastic surgery to avoid disappointments.

If you consider having plastic surgery, knowing it’s an expensive affair. It is essential. Many medical insurance plans do not cover cosmetic plastic surgery; you must pay out-of-pocket. However, it’s not all doom and gloom for plastic surgery patients, as some medical insurance plans cover reconstructive surgery.

Recovery after plastic surgery varies from one patient to another; some people may take days, weeks, or even months to recover. If an individual does not like how they look after plastic surgery, they may opt to undertake a revision surgery to correct any issues arising from surgery. An unsuccessful surgery is not the only reason why one may have revision surgery. However, some procedures do not last very long, such as facelift surgery. Over time one may be required to have a facelift revision to maintain their youthful look.

Traditional Surgery

Traditional surgery is also known as open surgery. It is an operation whereby a surgeon cuts the skin and tissues using a scalpel to access a particular organ. The incision size will vary depending on the procedure the patient is undertaking. In most cases, the incision ranges 3-4 inches. https://www.verywellhealth.com/open-surgery-3157124

Due to the technological advancements in the medical world, traditional surgery is not commonly practiced. Nowadays, many surgical operations are performed using minimally invasive surgical techniques. However, that has not scrapped traditional surgery and remains the best option to undertake in certain circumstances, for example, when undergoing an organ removal like the kidney.

Pros of Traditional Surgery

Traditional surgery is an effective method as the surgeon has a non-obstructed view of the organ that requires attention. Open surgery has been demonstrated to have long-lasting results compared to other types of surgery.

Cons of Traditional Surgery

Patients that undergo traditional surgery have more extended hospital stays because of the deep incisions and the risk of contracting infections. In addition, traditional surgery patients experience intense pain and discomfort and are often on a pain management treatment plan. Other than that, the complexity of this surgery contributes to longer recovery sessions in patients.

Bottom Line

Undertaking a surgical procedure is not something you should rush to get done. All surgeries come with a set of risks and have different outcomes. However, determining the right surgery for you can be overwhelming and confusing. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult your surgeon on the best surgical procedure.