The basics of plastic surgery
By Emily Carden
Every year, millions of people undergo some form of plastic surgery. Whether it is reconstructive or cosmetic, plastic surgery changes the lives of millions of people each year. However, though both types of plastic surgery alter a person's body in some form, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery are not the same.
Reconstructive surgery is used to correct body abnormalities. It can fix birth defects like a cleft lip and palate or it can be used after a person suffers an injury, such as a soldier who was severely injured in combat. Reconstructive surgery's main goal is to help patients regain function - allowing them to live a normal lifestyle - though, in some cases, it also helps to improve appearance.
On the other hand, cosmetic surgery is used to enhance an individual's appearance and self-esteem rather than to fix a physical defect. This type of plastic surgery is what's most commonly portrayed on television and in the movies, and it's typically what most people think of when they hear the term plastic surgery. Facelifts, breast augmentation and liposuction are some of the most popular forms of cosmetic surgery.
Recovery from plastic surgery varies depending on its type, but most procedures have a recovery time of about two weeks. One area teen who had cosmetic surgery to get breast implants talked about her recovery.
"The recovery was typical of most surgeries - nothing drastic. It was a couple of days' rest, and movement was a little slow for a few days due to pain, but the pain was relieved with mild painkillers. I was back to work in one week," she said.
Statistics show that women account for more than 90 percent of the cosmetic surgeries performed in the United States. Common procedures for women are liposuction, breast augmentation, facelifts, rhinoplasty and tummy tucks. For men, they include liposuction, rhinoplasty and facelifts.
Although some people question the morality of cosmetic surgery, it has helped many of its patients improve their self-confidence. "It improved my self-esteem a great deal," said the local teen.
But while cosmetic surgery has helped average people feel better about their looks, it's not something to be taken lightly. If you are considering plastic surgery, be sure to do your research and discuss the topic thoroughly with your parents and your potential surgeon.