Plastic surgery is poorly understood by both the general public and some medical professionals as well. Plastic surgery is a unique specialty that defies definition, has no organ system of its own, and is based on principles rather than specific procedures. Unlike other medical disciplines, plastic surgery is not defined by an anatomic area (Ophthalmology, ENT, thoracic surgery) or organ system (gastroenterology, urology,) or patient age group (pediatrics, adolescent medicine, geriatrics). It deals with everything from head to toe; but is associated with the prefix Plastic which symbolizes nothing to the common man and medical community at large.
The spectrum of Plastic surgery is very wide. Plastic surgeons are trained in cranio-maxillo-facial reconstructions, which can be congenital or acquired, cosmetic surgeries, hand and peripheral nerve surgeries burn management and post-burn reconstruction, genitourinary reconstructions, oculoplastic surgeries, bed sore reconstructions, lower limb reconstructions, vascular as well as lymphatic surgeries, post oncologic reconstructions, and almost all sorts of surgeries which involve the restoration of form and function.
While health care has become more effective it has also become more complex, with greater use of new technologies, medicines and treatments. Choosing a qualified surgeon is an important first step in helping to assure your safety and satisfaction. A surgeon ensures a doctor with more than six years of surgical training, with at least three years specifically in plastic surgery. Their training and experience make them uniquely qualified to perform your cosmetic or reconstructive procedure.
Commonly used to treat burns or other injuries, using only the layers of skin closest to the surface In a split thickness skin graft the surface layer of the skin (epidermis) is removed along with a portion of the deeper layer of the skin (dermis). Part of the dermis is left behind on the donor site and this enables the donor site to heal up in the same way as a graze
Often used used to treat relatively small defects on the face or hand; all layers of skin from the donor site are used. In a full thickness skin graft the entire dermis and its overlying epidermis is removed. The donor site wound is closed with stitches.
Used to treat wounds have a complex shape or contour, such as following removal of a skin cancer from the nose; the graft comprises all layers of skin, fat and sometimes the underlying cartilage from the donor site.
