| Plastic
Surgery - How Its Scope Evolved in Time!
Plastic surgery though ancient in its origins is still regarded as young in its sophistication. The introduction of
anesthetics and antiseptic
techniques in the second half of the 19th century allowed these types of operations to take place. The timing of this with the American Civil War
casualties, provided the first real ongoing patients for plastic surgery. It was during the First and Second World Wars however, that plastic
surgery became a more structured discipline. The board in Plastic Surgery was founded in 1937. The British Association of Plastic Surgeons
was formed in 1946. With the onset of WWII, plastic surgery centres were established in Great Britain and these became the prime sources of
teaching for western plastic surgeons.
Plastic surgery is really only 4 generations old. Major technological advances have been made in the past two decades. Cosmetic surgery,
considered an integral part of plastic surgery has become one of the main areas that the specialty of plastic surgery encompasses. The plastic
surgeon of today will be faced with an enormous number of challenges. Children born with cleft lips, burn victims, people with large defects
following cancer removal, as well as those concerned with premature ageing make up just part of patients who will be candidates for plastic
surgery. With every patient undergoing plastic surgery, the surgeon has to consider not only the aesthetics of the procedure but the underlying
function of the body.
To become fully qualified in plastic surgery takes years of dedicated training. Just to be selected for training in plastic surgery requires that the
doctor has completed a full medical degree with at least three post graduate years, one of which must be in general surgery. There are then four
more years of detailed and rigorous training in plastic surgery procedures. Contained in this is a detailed curriculum of cosmetic surgery, such as
face-lifts, breast enlargement and reduction, tummy tucks, liposuction etc. Before starting their own private practice, most young doctors will
spend some time overseas studying in major plastic surgery units, where all the latest information is available particularly on cosmetic surgery
procedures.
Plastic surgery has become a fast growing area for the baby boomer generation. Increasing numbers of people in their 40 - 60's are lining up for
procedures to keep their bodies looking as youthful and healthy as they feel. Face-lifts, breast-lifts and tummy tucks are the most commonly
requested procedures. Of course many of these people grew up on the beach without a thought to sun damage and are now paying the price for
sun damaged skin. Plastic surgery has also witnessed a trend towards the non invasive methods of facial rejuvenation such as Botox, Restylane
and collagen. These cosmetic procedures are usually performed in an outpatient setting and do not require a general
anesthetic, have little or
no recovery time and of course cost far less than the more invasive plastic surgery options.
Before committing to plastic surgery it is important to check the credentials of your surgeon. Many doctors are entitled to practice cosmetic
surgery but they are not necessarily qualified plastic surgeons. This means that they have not undergone those rigorous 8 to 10 years of post
graduate surgical training and testing which is required for them to be given the title of plastic surgeon.
When it comes to checking the credentials of your plastic surgeon you need to ascertain that he or she has completed an accredited training
program specifically in plastic surgery. These programs for plastic surgeons typically includes 4 years of full training. Sometimes your surgery will
be carried out in hospital, but quite often the plastic surgeons have their own surgical facilities. Plastic surgeons may belong to a wide number of
professional societies, however some mean more than others. In this country, the most demanding and largest is the Australian Society of Plastic
Surgeons whose members must already be qualified surgeons FRACS and reviewed by their peers. The plastic surgeon never stops learning,
continued education keeping up with new technology and techniques is essential.
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