Frequently, people think that plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are the same, and even use both terms as synonyms because they do not know the differences between them. We will explain to you both specialties so that you can better choose the one you need. Let’s get started!
What is plastic surgery?
Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery is a medical specialty which, covers two fields of action: Reconstructive plastic surgery, which consists of correcting congenital, acquired, tumoral or involutional processes that affect the shape and body function. The techniques used in this specialty are based on the tissues mobilization through the graft transplantation as well as implants made of inert materials such as silicone.
The other part of plastic surgery is restorative, whose purpose is to correct aesthetic alterations, reduce the accidents or illnesses consequences and improve functionality in order to have more body or facial harmony.
Patients who resort to plastic surgery are usually affected by accidents such as burns, diseases, skin tumors, damage to supporting tissues, malformations or deformities, among other congenital or acquired anomalies that affect any part of their body, especially shocking to the patient when they occur on the face, hands and genitals.
Plastic surgery is the oldest medicine´s branch since there are antecedents of these procedures from the Mesopotamian cultures and ancient Egypt. Thanks to its evolution, today there are surgeries such as:
- Facial or body reconstruction after burns
- Scar surgery
- Limb reconstruction surgery
- Reconstruction after cancer surgery
- Congenital malformations reconstruction
- Surgeries to reconstruct facial and hand fractures
What is cosmetic surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is part of plastic surgery, but usually the purpose is the characteristic´s correction which are considered defects by patients, such as wrinkles caused by the aging process, or to correct physical features that physiological evolution has deformed or modified.
However, the above does not mean that cosmetic surgery does not consider functionality, since aesthetic procedures also seek to preserve function, but with the difference of working with healthy body parts to improve their appearance.
Most of the patients who look for cosmetic surgery are healthy people, but who want to have a better facial or body appearance, so that they come closer to a certain cosmetic ideal. For this reason, it is considered to be an elective surgery, in which patients can choose whether or not to undergo it, since it will not affect functionality or quality of life, unlike reconstructive surgery, where the purpose is having an improvement in function and a balanced appearance.
Cosmetic surgery demand has increased considerably since there are many options and offers such as:
- Otoplasty
- Rhinoplasty
- Blepharoplasty
- Breast or buttock augmentation
- Abdominoplasty
- Liposuction or Liposculpture
- Thighs, arms, facial and body lifting
- Mommy makeover
- Bichectomy
- Mentoplasty
- Hair transplant
Cosmetic surgeries greatest demand are those related to subcutaneous atrophy, which results in the appearance of furrows, folds or wrinkles, as well as in the skin´s lack of elasticity and flaccidity correction and the breasts volume modification and accumulated fat aspiration.
Considerations before plastic or cosmetic surgery
In both types of surgery, when a patient will undergo a procedure, they must have a realistic idea of the results that can be obtained, both of what the surgery can achieve and of the care before and after, which will help them have better results, but also to make an informed and clear decision.
The choice of specialist is also a key factor in order to have adequate advice regarding surgery, pre and post care, expectations, as well as to make sure that it is a specialist in the field, who has experience in the procedure and with satisfied client´s testimonials.
Should I wait?
In the first consultation with the surgeon, the specialist will listen to your needs and expectations, make a clinical history and tell you the results that you can expect with the procedures that he considers most appropriate. If you accept, you will request lab tests to determine the ability to coagulate, cure and heal, among other important data, in order to ensure that the time of surgery is indicated.
It is important that you know that, in addition to the surgeon´s experience and skill, the results also depend on the patient´s physiological characteristics and the care that he or she receives after surgery.
Now that you know the differences and similarities between plastic and cosmetic surgery, we invite you to schedule your appointment with Dr. Juan Gordillo, a specialist in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and in High Definition Liposculpture and Body Contouring, with whom you will find professional care with excellent technology, safe surgical processes, warmth and satisfactory results.
Why in Mexico?
If you live in the United States and are looking for a cheaper option for cosmetic or plastic surgery, Mexico is the ideal destination. Here you will find certified plastic surgeons, highly trained for all types of treatments.
Dr. Juan Gordillo executes innovative procedures, with state-of-the-art technology, materials and medications approved by the FDA. In addition to having bilingual staff and many options to stay.
The best? A savings of up to 70% compared to plastic surgeries in the US.
Schedule your appointment by WhatsApp at 3325065301, call 3338133228 or through our online chat. We will gladly assist you.
