Cosmetic surgery is a discipline of medicine that focuses on improving appearance through medical and surgical techniques. Cosmetic surgery can be carried out almost on all body parts. This type of surgery is not only chosen by the celebrities but also a number of common people these days.
Dr. Alton Ingram points out the difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery
Those who think that plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are the one and same, then they are not right. It is important to note that plastic and cosmetic surgery is closely related subjects, but they are not the same. The techniques, principles, and procedures of cosmetic surgery are totally engrossed on improving a patient’s look. On the other hand, plastic surgery is known to modify dysfunctional areas of the body parts.
Dr. Alton Ingram is a well-known reconstructive and plastic surgeon located in Nashville, Tennessee. He has several years of experience in reconstruction and cosmetic surgery, with the exception of craniofacial surgery. Dr. Ingram states that the procedures and outcomes of each surgery are quite different and thus the training of plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons are also not the same.
It is important to note that plastic surgery includes reconstructive surgery as well as cosmetic surgery and seeks to maximize both look and function, irrespective of the initial presentation. Often a noteworthy amount of overlap is found between the two. Reconstructive surgery is done on anomalous structures of the body that is caused by developmental abnormalities, congenital defects, infection, trauma, disease or tumors. This type of surgery is usually performed to enhance utility, however it may also be done to improve the normal appearance.
Cosmetic surgery may include abdominoplasty, face lifts, breast reduction etc. and these are usually done to reform normal configurations of the body, and to improve the look of these body parts. Cosmetic surgery if done rightly under the supervision of the experienced surgeon; then one can get a lot of advantages. Mentioned below are some of the advantages that cosmetic surgery offers:
- It helps in increasing self-confidence and can motivate a person to set new goals and feel more comfortable.
- It can enhance the physical health of a person. For instance, breast augmentation can help to improve the body contour.
- Cosmetic surgery can also help to improve the mental health. In case an individual is self-conscious about a particular part of their body they may try to hide themselves away. However, it has been found that people after going through the cosmetic surgery tend to feel less self-conscious and fell more confident.
- As per a survey it has been found that people who are more attractive enjoy more personal and professional opportunities. Thus, after a successfully done cosmetic surgery one can reach new heights of success.
However, before planning to go for a cosmetic surgery, one must find out what their expectation is and whether the surgery will help to improve the quality of life.
Dr. Alton Ingram is a associate of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and American Medical Association as well as Tennessee Medical Association. Previously he has been associated with Doctors Without Borders, Habitat for Humanity, and Operation Smile.