Reconstructive and cosmetic surgery is thought, by most people, to be a relatively modern set of medical procedures. The increase in demand for such procedures in recent times cannot be denied. However, there exists evidence of skin grafting procedures having been practiced in India as far back as the year 4000BC.
Most of the early evidence of cosmetic surgery seems to stem from India. Joseph Constantine Carpue spent 20 years there studying the surgical techniques being used by local physicians, in particular, rhinoplasty procedures. Following this period of investigative learning, in 1815, he successfully introduced and performed similar procedures in the West.
Later, American surgeon John Peter Mettauer, in 1827, successfully conducted corrective surgery on a patient with a cleft pallet. His groundbreaking technique, carried out using instruments he designed himself, led the way for many sufferers with a cleft pallet to live a vastly improved life.
Today, the term ‘plastic surgery’ is often coined, and is a vast area within the medical profession, which can be viewed in two categories. They are corrective and cosmetic surgery. Corrective surgery is largely seen as the term for reconstructive procedures following physical accidents of trauma. Cosmetic surgery is largely for those who wish to improve their appearance and plays to personal vanity.
At Samitivej Hospital’s Plastic and Esthetic Surgery Institute in Bangkok, they understand that the surgical skills required overlap between reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. With this in mind they have assembled a world-leading team of surgeons and support staff dedicated to improving the lives of thousands of patients, which includes the local population, resident expats and medical tourists.
Common Reconstructive Procedures
Burns victims are commonly treated using reconstructive techniques. The team at Samitivej Hospital realize the importance of realizing patient expectations with the end game reality. Harmonizing these two facets is vital for the psychological wellbeing of the patient.
There is no instant reconstructive fix for burns victims. The surgeons will create a flexible treatment plan, which can often run into years of medical procedures. But this long-term dedication to reconstructive treatment has led to the maximization of potential results.
Scar removal, or ‘revision’, is another area of reconstructive surgery commonly requested by patients. Scars are the visible epidermal residue following injury, or from other surgical procedures.
In some cases, scars can be reduced via the use of basic topical treatment, although the esthetic results tend not to be extensive. Minimally invasive surgical techniques are far more successful in improving the appearance of visible scars. The third option is that of full surgical revision and reclosing the wound using modern closure techniques, this procedure is highly successful in improving the wound’s visible impact.
Some patients come to the institute requesting the removal of birthmarks, in particular facial marks, or what are often referred to as ‘port wine birthmarks’. Generally, such marks can be vastly reduced via laser procedures.
These procedures are non-invasive, and patients experience no more than slight discomfort. Although, if the procedure is to be undertaken on young children, anesthetics will normally be advised due to children being less tolerant to discomfort that goes with the treatment.
Common Cosmetic Procedures
Although reconstructive and cosmetic procedural definitions do overlap, some procedures are purely cosmetic, playing to an individual’s vanity. Some people are conscious of their natural appearance which can lead to a lack of self-confidence. For those that fall into this category, cosmetic enhancement leads to a greater level of confidence and a more fulfilling life.
Perhaps the most common cosmetic procedure requested is breast augmentation, with this treatment being sought by all genders. Quite simply, breast augmentation creates, or enlarges the breasts of the patient using implants or fat transfer.
Breast implants are inserted behind existing breast tissue, or under the chest muscle. The decision of locating the implant will depend on the current shape and size of the breasts, their projection and the thickness of the breast’s skin.
Fat transfer augmentation is a slightly more complex procedure but gives a more natural looking result and removes the risks of complications that can arise from artificial implants. The procedure involves the removal of fat from the patient’s body by liposuction which can then be injected into the breasts.
Cosmetic breast surgery is not exclusive to the pursuit of enlargement; breast lifts and reductions are also common. No two people have the same breasts, shape and size are unique to each person. The team at the institute will create a detailed treatment plan of fat removal, lifting and shape enhancement to meet the patient’s expectations.
Rhinoplasty is perhaps the second most commonly requested technique. Simply, this procedure is focused on changing the shape of the nose. There are cases where this procedure is undertaken to improve the patient’s breathing, known as septoplasty, however, the majority of these procedures are done for purely cosmetic reasons.
No two people have the same nose, so each patient is expertly assessed to plan the surgical procedure. This may include reshaping of the bone, in the upper part of the nose, and the cartilage, in the lower part of the nose. If the shape of the nose is to build up, packing will be used to create the desired shape.
Rhinoplasty is an invasive procedure, and permanent. In most cases, the patient will be able to leave the hospital the same day, or the day after the procedure. Following a successful rhinoplasty procedure, the patient will not require any further treatment.
Other procedures regularly undertaken at the institute include improvements to the chin line, sagging skin on the face neck and body, ear pinning (otoplasty), lip enhancement and reduction. Abdominoplasty, or ‘tummy tuck’ is becoming more popular as are thigh lifts, arm lifts and liposuction.
Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery has advanced exponentially since its early conception, and although today it is commonplace, there are risks for everyone considering such procedures. It is essential that anyone desiring cosmetic or reconstructive surgery should seek out the most qualified establishments.
Samitivej Hospital is accredited by America’s JCI and all the surgeons at the Plastic and Esthetic Surgery Institute in Bangkok are all members of the Board Certificated Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. Only by opting for an institute of this caliber, and a professional team of that equal, can patients be sure to have their expectations of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery realized.
Assured procedures, comprehensive after care and minimalized risk leads to patient confidence, improved personal self-confidence and life experience. It is no exaggeration to say that the Samitivej Plastic and Esthetic Surgery Institute in Bangkok has and continues to improve the lives of thousands of people from across the world.
