Florida Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery Resources.
Plastic surgery encompasses procedures that improve the quality of life for patients in a variety of ways. Methodology for various procedures has improved in leaps and bounds to the point where we are hearing of near-miracle recoveries for people who have suffered serious injuries or are missing limbs. The science and art of plastic surgery lead to positive outcomes for patients in situations that would otherwise be completely devastating.
Over the years, some people have objected to the use of the term “plastic” surgery, feeling that it either implies the implantation or grafting of actual plastic parts into people or that the term is synonymous with "fake" or "superficial". In actuality the term comes from the original Greek "plastikos" which means "able to be molded". There is some truth to the assumptions made about the terminology but they fall quite a bit short of the actual miracle that plastic surgery can be for a person.
What, precisely, is plastic surgery?
According to the American Board of Plastic Surgery, plastic surgery deals with the repair, reconstruction or replacement of physical defects of form or function involving various parts of the body. These parts may be skin, musculoskeletal system, craniomaxillofacial structures (face/head), hand, extremities, breast and trunk, external genitalia. Plastic surgery also deals with the cosmetic enhancement of these areas of the body, as well as functional improvement. The plastic surgeon uses cosmetic surgical principles both to improve overall appearance and to optimize the outcome of reconstructive procedures.
There are two main types of plastic surgery: Reconstructive and Cosmetic. Reconstructive surgery focuses on correcting any physical feature that is deformed or abnormal. This may be the result of a birth defect, some kind of trauma (such as a burn), congenital disorder or illness. Many times reconstructive surgery’s goal isn’t just to improve the appearance of a given part of the body, but, within certain constraints, to improve the functionality as well. Cosmetic surgery focuses more specifically on the repair or remodeling of an aesthetic feature for the purposes of making it more aesthetically pleasing to the patient.
How do I know if I'm a good candidate for plastic surgery?
In Florida most people can be considered viable candidates for plastic surgery. There is no defined criterion with regards to age, sex or weight that automatically qualifies or disqualifies any given candidate. All candidates for plastic surgery in Florida should be in reasonably good health, at a reasonably stable weight and not taking medications that are contraindicated for surgery (such as blood thinners). As with any surgery, smoking increases the risk of blood-clot complications during recovery as well as reducing the body's ability to heal properly so anyone considering plastic surgery really should quit before having it done.
Several considerations must go into determining candidacy on an individual basis, however. The first question is, of course, what type of procedure is being considered and why. A person may be an excellent candidate for rhinoplasty (nose job) but not a suitable candidate for a tummy tuck. Concerns about quality of life, mental health and emotional stability are all part of the decision making process. Lifestyle and work schedules are important considerations as well. Will you be able to take the time needed for proper recovery? Is your lifestyle going to appropriately support your surgical efforts? For example, if you are a long distance runner you may wish to reconsider having your breasts enhanced to three times their current size. Only you can know whether or not you are a good candidate within these considerations but your doctor can help you decide based on your health and emotional well-being.
Plastic Surgery in Florida
Cosmetic plastic surgery in Florida has gained in popularity by leaps and bounds. Large cities, like Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Palm Beach are places where finding well qualified surgeons is relatively easy to do. Some of the most popular procedures and what they entail are as follows:
- Body Lift - A body lift improves problem areas of the body’s underlying tissues that support fat and skin. Excess skin and fat can sag, despite quality exercise routines and healthy lifestyles, leaving patients frustrated and unhappy with their appearance. Removing excess skin and fat and tightening the supporting tissues can greatly improve the body’s contours. A body lift can be performed on the abdominal area (either locally or extending around the sides and into the lower back), the buttocks, groin area tissue sagging into the inner thigh, and the thighs themselves. Body Lifts are not the same thing as liposuction and are not intended to strictly remove fat. In general, Body Lifts are intended to treat conditions caused by a lack of elasticity in the skin an underlying tissues.
- Breast Enhancement - Breast enhancement is a term that encompasses several different procedures, all intended to enhance the shape, size, contour or feel of your breasts. This may include breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, fat redistribution, nipple surgery and more. This is a very common set of procedures both for cosmetic purposes as well as reconstructive purposes.
- Rhinoplasty - Most people refer to this procedure as a "nose-job". The premise behind this cosmetic surgery is to improve the appearance of the nose to the person it belongs to. Procedures for this vary somewhat depending on what the client wants their nose to look like in the end as compared to what it looks like before surgery. Rhinoplasty is also done for reconstructive purposes and to improve the functionality of a person’s nasal passages.
- Blepharoplasty - When people talk about getting their eyes done, this is what they are referring to. Procedures include removing excess skin, tightening up eye sag or drooping lids and removing the appearance of puffiness or wrinkles. A blepharoplasty can literally remove years off your face's appearance.