Plastic surgery is not only about getting charming looks, it has got more to it which is not only confined to getting a specific feature, but a necessity as well.
Dr Anil Behl, Director, Cosmetic, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram said plastic surgery has often been romanticised as glamorous, a panacea and what not. Bollywood too has had a share in contributing to these dreams, depicting a girl next door walking in and a radiant Bollywood actress-look alike walking out.
There are many myths related to plastic surgery following which many misconceptions and oversimplified ideas have been generated about plastic surgery.
Dr Behl said plastic surgery usually encompasses both form as well as function (Aesthetic surgery and Reconstructive surgery) with significant overlap. Easy way to remember would be that reconstructive surgery restores the normal and cosmetic surgery improves on the normal.
There is myth that ‘Plastic Surgery means using various plastics’, while many associate the field with the material plastic, the word actually comes from the Greek word meaning “to mold”.
Dr Behl informs that there is no plastic in plastic surgery, it is using the plasticity and elasticity of the tissues which allows the surgeons to mould them into the desired shape.
Many people believe that facial plastic surgery is only about beauty and vanity, but it actually is based on the philosophy and practice of repair, functionality and overall results after surgery, not just aesthetics. It has a wide repertoire, from birth defects (like cleft lip), to post injury restoration, to post cancer reconstruction of the excised part, and yes also aesthetic surgery like rhinoplasty, botox, and facelifts, feels Dr Behl.
It restores the physical body as well as buoys up the spirit. If it correct or improves an aspect of a person’s body image that causes them anxiety, depression, or embarrassment, then facial plastic surgery can be a very welcome improvement in their confidence and in the quality of their life.
Following lifestyle changes, and genetically many people are obese and they think liposuction is an effective way to lose weight, however, it has a limitation of how much fat can be removed, typically the upper limit is 10 per cent of the body weight.
Liposculpture as it is called nowadays is a means of spot reduction of target areas, it means contouring not an overall reduction in BMI.
And after liposuction, many also fear that their fat may come back, but Dr Behl adds on to clarify this myth that fat cells (called adipocytes) increase in numbers only thrice in a lifetime. As a neonate, during preschool years and during teenage. Other than that the absolute number of fat cells does not change. Each fat cell can enlarge and become bigger, but the total number remains.
”Liposuction removes mature fat cells, the balance left behind can hypothetically increase in size, but since their numbers are so few, the corrected contour usually lasts. Yes, if you continue to be indiscreet in eating and not exercising, you will gain weight but typically you will gain weight at sites other than the area which has undergone liposuction. So we do tell the patient to continue dietary discipline or else the weight will come at other areas,” added Dr Behl.
The individual’s mental makeup is vital for the success of aesthetic surgery. Plastic surgeons will often attempt to gauge a patient’s expectations, to ascertain that she/he is emotionally stable; and whether he or she really wants the operation or is being coerced, and will counsel the patient about the likelihood of success, rehabilitation involved.
