July 15 is observed as Plastic Surgery Day to spread awareness about this lesser-known super specialty. On the occasion, Dr. A.B. Prabhu, Senior Consultant, Plastic Surgery, and Dr. Akhil Garg, Consultant, Plastic Surgery, at Fortis Hospital, Mohali, bust some common myths surrounding plastic surgery, and also talk about latest trends in the specialty.
Is the demand for plastic surgery in the region going up? If yes, what are the kind of cases you are getting?
Dr. A.B. Prabhu: The demand for Plastic Surgeries has gone up steadily over the past decade as more and more people are aware of the picture-perfect looks. On the whole the cosmetic procedures like Rhinoplasties, liposuction for body contouring, Male Gynecomastia liposuctions, Full body Liposuctions for 3 D contouring, Female breast reduction and augmentations Hair transplants are being frequently performed and showing an increasing trend.
Dr. Akhil Garg: Yes, definitely, the demand is increasing. People are becoming more and more aware, particularly about their appearance. Everyone likes to look their best on social media. The cases we are seeing are both reconstructive and cosmetic. Reconstruction after cancer and trauma is being done to help the patients lead a normal life. Cosmetic surgeries like breast enhancement and body sculpting have seen a significant increase in demand.
Is there a gender difference in the demand for plastic surgery and why?
Dr. A.B. Prabhu: Nowadays males are also coming forward to get their looks enhanced as much as the female counterparts. The main reason for the increase in procedures is probably due to social media awareness and better marketing.
Dr. Akhil Garg: Yes, there is a significant gender difference. World over and in India, the majority of patients seeking cosmetic procedures are women. However, the biggest change we have observed is the increase in men getting plastic surgeries. Earlier, the only ones getting plastic surgery were celebrities and models, but now we are seeing a lot of young men, getting gynecomastia (male breast) correction, nose jobs and other deformities correction done.
Are there non-surgical alternatives to plastic surgery? How is it different from
plastic surgery?
Dr. A.B. Prabhu: There are also plenty of non-surgical short lunchtime procedures with minimal downtime like HydraFacial, liquid or aqua facelifts, thread enhancements for nose, Micro needling Radiofrequency, PRP therapies are being done frequently in the OPDs.
Dr. Akhil Garg: Yes, with the advancement of technology, there is a wide range of non-surgical options for those who are afraid or unwilling for surgery. These range from Botox and fillers for the face, non-surgical skin tightening and fat reduction techniques. These are different as they don’t require anaesthesia or hospital admission, they can be done in the doctor’s office and the patient can go home afterwards. However, these are better suited for mild to moderate deformities and should be done by experienced professionals.
What are the impacts of reconstructive plastic surgery on a patient’s life? How is it
different from cosmetic surgery?
Dr. A.B. Prabhu: Reconstructive surgeries are one the main stays of plastic surgery wherein patients of trauma or cancer who are unfortunately suffering from deformities can be cured of the problems by a well planned and executed reconstructive surgery so as to get them back to their normal life with minimal morbidity. It can be said safely that no traumatic or mutilating injuries are complete without reconstructive surgeries.
Dr. Akhil Garg: Reconstructive surgery, as the name suggests, refers to procedures where an existing defect in the body is corrected to make it normal. These are done to recreate a part of the body, which was either absent from birth or damaged due to trauma/burn or it was removed due to diseases like cancer. For instance, breast reconstruction after breast removal surgery, jaw reconstruction after cancer of the mouth, correction of contracture due to severe burns, or face deformity after accidents and so on. Aesthetic or cosmetic surgery, on the other hand, is taking the normal and improving it or making it more beautiful. Examples include breast implants, liposuction, nose jobs, mommy make over, and gynaecomastia surgeries.
Plastic Surgery: Risks and complications
Dr. A.B. Prabhu: In an experienced hand the risk of plastic surgery is minimal and practically safe to undergo an enhancement or reconstruction. The risks if any can also be greatly mitigated by staging the procedures.
Dr. Akhil Garg: Due to advances in technology and established protocols, most of these procedures are very safe now a days. These surgeries have a huge impact on the quality of life as these patients are usually very underconfident or embarrassed about their appearance and are reluctant to meet others or go out. These surgery gives them confidence and joy back to reclaim their lives. However, like any surgery, plastic surgery too is not totally free of risks. Some can be simple, like not getting the desired result, while others can be serious, like severe infections and anesthesia-related complications. This is why it is essential to always get operated by a well-qualified plastic surgeon in a well – equipped hospital or center, in addition to clearly discussing the risks, benefits, and expectations before the surgery
