Plastic Surgery: Types, Procedure, Cost, Risks, Benefits, & Recovery

Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery derives its name from the Greek word ‘plastike’ which implies ‘the art of modelling’ or reshaping the flesh. There are various reasons for considering plastic surgery such as to reduce the effects of an aging skin or to reconstruct a part of the body that has been damaged by an accident. The surgery is also done to enhance facial features.

Today,  we at MyMedTrip.com shall brief you on reasons for getting plastic surgery, the procedures involved, and plastic surgery cost. We will also give you information on plastic surgery side effects and plastic surgery success rate alongside providing you with some plastic surgery before and after pictures.

What is covered in the above mentioned cost for surgery?

This price includes surgery cost, doctor’s fee, standard prescribed tests and all standard expenses required at the hospital.

About plastic surgery

Plastic surgery is a surgical technique that is used to reconstruct or re-shape parts of the body. It is classified into two main kinds, reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery. There are various kinds of reconstructive surgeries such as craniofacial surgery or hand surgery. This is done to reconstruct parts of the body and enhance its overall function.

Cosmetic surgery on the other hand is done on desirable parts of the body such as the face. This surgery is done to make a specific area aesthetically pleasing.

Types of plastic surgery

Plastic surgery has various sub-categories. Some of the categories are aesthetic surgery, burn surgery, ethnic plastic surgery, pediatric plastic surgery, hand surgery, etc.

1. Aesthetic surgery

This kind of surgery encapsulates the entire body, including the face. It is also known as cosmetic surgery and its main function is improving the overall appearance of the body or face. Some examples of aesthetic surgery are tummy tuck surgery, breast augmentation surgery, or buttlift surgery.

2. Burn surgery

There are two steps for this kind of surgery. At the first phase, there is the acute burn surgery, which takes place immediately after the patient has experienced burns. In the second phase,  there is a  reconstructive burn surgery that takes place after the burn has healed completely.

3. Ethnic plastic surgery

This kind of surgery is done to change the appearance of a person into something that would resemble less or more like that person’s racial belongingness. Examples of this include rhinoplasty (nose surgery) or blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery).

4. Craniofacial surgery 

This kind of surgery is done for correcting genetic or acquired deformities. The surgery may be done on the skull, head, face, jaws etc.

5. Pediatric plastic surgery

This kind of surgery is aimed at improving the appearance and functional quality of a child’s body and face.

Techniques for plastic surgery

Plastic surgery for cosmetic and reconstructive purposes can be performed in various techniques. Some of these techniques are endoscopic surgery, flap surgery, skin graft, tissue expansion, and laser surgery.

• Endoscopic surgery 

Endoscopic plastic surgery involves the use of an endoscope which is a camera with light fixed to it. This endoscope is inserted inside the body via a small incision to aid the surgeon in performing the surgery with minimum damage to the surrounding organs.

• Flap surgery

Flap plastic surgery is the technique in which tissues from a healthy place are extracted and then planted into another region of the body that has lost healthy skin, fats, muscles etc.

• Skin graft

In a skin graft, surgery involves the removal of skin from one part of the body to another. This may be done for cosmetic or reconstructive purposes, to enhance the appearance or restore function in a specific area.

• Tissue expansion  

In a tissue expansion surgery, a device called the expander is used. The expander looks like a balloon which is placed under the skin. This expander releases a liquid solution in the area and works to reconstruct lost or damaged parts of an area.

• Laser surgery

Laser surgery is another technique which can be used to enhance the appearance of a person. There are various kinds of lasers that may be used for fat reduction, hair removal, and skin tightening procedures.

Tests required for plastic surgery

Before being admitted for cosmetic or reconstructive plastic surgery, the plastic surgeon will recommend some tests to rule out any possibilities for complications. Some of these tests will be:-

• ECG
• Chest x-ray
• Urinalysis
• CBC
• PT/PTT

Before a plastic surgery 

Before the commencement of the surgery, the plastic surgeon recommends the patient or candidate to make some lifestyle changes. Some of them are:-

• Quit smoking.
• Avoid using painkillers.
• Refrain from alcohol consumption.
• Avoid eating or drinking anything on the night before surgery.

If the candidate needs to take medicines, then they may do so with as little water as possible.

Procedure for a cosmetic plastic surgery 

As there are many types of plastic surgeries, we have picked two of the common ones.

Abdominoplasty/fat removal surgery

This is one of the most common kinds of plastic surgery/ It is done to remove fatty tissues from specific areas of the skin underside. This surgery uses general anesthesia on patients and may take one-five hours depending on the kind of abdominoplasty. As the anesthesia renders the body unconscious, the surgeon makes the incisions.

The next step involves parting the skin to access the fats, tissues, and muscles. After extracting the excessive fats, skin, and tissues, the surgeon readjusts the muscles. This brings about the tightening effect.

The last step involves sealing off the incisions with stitches or dissolvable adhesives.

Recovery after Abdominoplasty

The patient is moved into the recovery room and kept under observation after an abdominoplasty surgery. A compressor garment may be used at the surgical site. Upon waking up, general instructions with regards to mobility with the wound, is imparted.

It is normal for the  patient to wake up with swelling, bruising, and pain. But in the case of excessive pain, medications will be prescribed. For this, the doctor needs to be alerted if and when there is persistent pain that does not go away.

During the recovery  time it is best to:-

• Refrain from heavy lifting.
• Use a compression garment to reduce swelling..
• Keep the wound clean and dry.
• Use ice packs.
• Avoid nicotine for at least three months.

Complete recovery from abdominoplasty takes three months.

Complications of abdominoplasty

The risks involved with abdominoplasty are:-

• Infection or scarring.
• Excessive bleeding or blood clots.
• Allergies from anesthesia.
• Fat necrosis or death of fatty tissues.
• Asymmetry.

One must call the doctor immediately if the candidate is suffering from very high fever, discharge from the surgical site, persistent pain, or numbness that does not go away.

Procedure for a reconstructive plastic surgery

Breast reduction surgery

Breast reduction surgery is another common type of plastic surgery. This surgery is aimed at reducing breast size for functional purposes. This surgery helps to alleviate back pain, breathlessness, and other functional difficulties that arise from having enlarged breasts. Among men, a breast reduction surgery is aimed at correcting the effects of gynecomastia or large breasts.

Breast reduction surgery usually takes three- five hours. During this time, the patient is given general anesthesia. In some cases, the doctor may use additional medicines through the IV.

At first, the doctor makes incisions using a surgical marker. It is initiated in the nipple area and is continued through a vertical line till the breast crease. Another cut is made below the breast crease. The incisions made depend entirely on the size of the breasts, the sagging nature of the breasts, and positioning of the nipple-areola. For instance, micro incisions are made in the case of large fatty breasts that do not sag.

The second step involves the careful removal of  excessive fats and breast skin with a scalpel. Liposuction may be used by the doctor, in addition to the surgery, for the removal of some extra tissues. Sometimes the doctor may also remove some extra tissues from one breast if they are in improper alignment.

In the third step, the remaining skin and fats are reshaped and uplifted. The nipple-areola complex is moved up to a higher position in case of a large breast.

The fourth step involves adding extra stitches inside the breast tissue for extra support. The incisions are then closed off and stitches are bandaged.

The patient is either discharged on the same day or kept for two days in order to observe the surgical response.

Recovery after breast reduction surgery

Patients are kept for up to two days to ensure that the surgery is successful. Before discharge, the patient is given clear instructions on how to take care of the wounds, how to wear compression garments, what kind of diets to follow, and when to return for consultation.

Special instructions with regards to bathing and sleeping are given. These involve suggestions such as sleeping with pillows placed under the upper back and head, or taking sponge baths without wetting the hair.

Within the first week of surgery, the drains and stitches are removed. The patient is advised to refrain from any kind of physical activity for at least a month. However, light walking is recommended to avoid blood clots.

Within the first two-three weeks, few changes become visible in the breast area. This is general and involves swollen or bruised breasts with a tender and sensitive feel in the surgical area.

It takes a total of one month to recover. However, recovery is subjective and dependent on the patient’s response. Usually, the women patients are advised to avoid wearing wired bras and start wearing stretchable elastic bras for a few months.

Complications of breast reduction surgery

• Hematoma or excessive bleeding.
• Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis.
• Damage of breast nerves, blood vessels, and tissues.
• Permanent numbness.
• Breast asymmetry.
• Reduced milk production resulting in difficulty to breast-feed.

How can MyMedTrip.com help?

If you have decided to travel to India for Plastic surgery, you may contact us on our Whatsapp number +91 9818237391 or email us at hi@mymedtrip.com The first consultation arranged by us is free of cost! We also provide visa invitation letters and help in facilitating the medical journey to India.

Throughout the journey, you shall be provided with one of our staff members for proper guidance through linguistic barriers, even though most of the hospitals and doctors we feature are well versed with Arabic, Russian,Bengali, and English.

If you have any further queries or questions related to Plastic surgery services in India, please do not hesitate to email us at the aforementioned address.

Frequently Asked Questions about Plastic Surgery

What is plastic surgery?

A plastic surgery is a surgical technique which is used to improve the appearance, change the appearance, or restore function, in a specific area of the body.

How many types of plastic surgery are there?

There are various types of plastic surgeries such as a hand surgery, a burn surgery, a pediatric plastic surgery, or plastic surgery for purely cosmetic purposes.

What are the different techniques for conducting plastic surgery?

There are various techniques for plastic surgery. Some of them are, endoscopic plastic surgery, laser surgery, flap surgery, skin graft, and tissue expansion surgery.

What is the most common type of plastic surgery?

The most common type of plastic surgery is abdominoplasty which is done to reduce fatty tissues from a specific area of the body and improve one’s overall look by tightening that area.

What is endoscopic plastic surgery?

Endoscopic plastic surgery is a surgical technique that involves the use of a light and a camera known as an endoscope.

What is laser surgery?

Laser surgery is a cosmetic plastic surgery which involves the use of light energy in specific areas of the body. The main aim of this surgery is to cause minimum damage.

Who are the perfect candidates for plastic surgery?

The perfect candidates for any type of plastic surgery are those with a physically healthy lifestyle, non-smokers, and the people who have realistic expectations.

What are some common kinds of plastic surgery?

Some of the most common types of plastic surgery are breast reduction surgery, brazilian butt lift surgery, abdominoplasty, and cosmetic laser surgery.

Is India a good place for plastic surgery?

India is one of the most common places for plastic surgery. Around the world, it ranks in fourth position.

Where can I visit some of India’s top-most plastic surgeons?

India’s topmost surgeons are mostly located in metropolitan cities of the country such as Delhi and Mumbai. For more, drop us an email at hi@mymedtrp.com

What are the best hospitals for plastic surgery in India?

The best hospitals for plastic surgeries are the ones that are internationally (JCI) and nationally (NABH and NABL) accredited. MyMedTRip.com features all such kinds of hospitals. To know more you may email us athi@mymedtrip.com.