About Plastic Surgeons
Plastic surgeons, also called plastic reconstructive surgeons, are surgeons with advanced training and education in cosmetic and function of the human body. Plastic surgeons treat patients who desire cosmetic enhancement and people with deformities.
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History
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The art of plastic surgery dates back more than 4,000 years, when facial injuries were treated. In 400 B.C. in India, the first use of skin grafts was documented. It wasn't until the 19th century that plastic and reconstructive surgery were brought to the United States. In 1827, Dr. John Peter Mettauer performed the first reconstructive surgery on a patient with a cleft palate. World Wars I and II played a huge role in the development of the plastic surgeon as a specialist. Modern weapons created a new severity of wounds never seen before, and plastic surgeons were developing ways to treat them. In 1931, the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, or ASPRS, was formed and developed the first specialized training and certification for the plastic surgeon.
Function
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The function of the plastic surgeon is twofold. Being a cosmetic specialist is as much creativity as it is surgical skill. Changing a person's appearance by manipulating tissue and implanting prosthetics is a major function of the plastic surgeon. The second function of the plastic surgeon is the reconstructive function. Plastic surgeons use their surgical skills and modern technologies to reconstruct physical defects of the human body. These defects can be either congenital or from trauma.
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Considerations
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Many things need to be considered before deciding to become a plastic surgeon. Take into account the length of education and training the profession requires. A typical plastic surgeon's training is at least 12 years, including undergrad, medical school, surgical residency and a plastic/reconstructive fellowship. A plastic surgeon may be in her early 30s before entering into practice. Other considerations include long work hours, detailed work and a stressful environment. Emotional stressors may also need to be considered. A plastic surgeon will encounter the worse of deformities and wounds of the human body than most other doctors.
Misconceptions
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A plastic surgeon has to clear up many misconceptions about plastic surgery and themselves. The No. 1 misconception is that all plastic surgeons are the same when it comes to surgery and outcomes. Going along with that is the misconception that it is taboo to ask the surgeon to see previous work they performed. Other common misconceptions of plastic surgery include that all surgeries will be successful, the surgery will leave no scar and the patient will always look and feel better. A popular misconception is that all doctors who perform plastic surgery are actually plastic surgeons.
Benefits
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As stated above, many surgeons perform plastic surgery. Patients will realize a much more favorable outcome with the benefit of a plastic surgeon. Plastic surgeons complete a much more in-depth training program concentrating on purely plastic and reconstructive surgery. They experience more plastic surgery procedures during their practice and continually learn from these experiences. They learn what works and what does not work for their patients. Board certified plastic surgeons have taken the extra step to show their benefit to the patient. Patients who are in need of cosmetic or reconstructive surgery will benefit immensely with the services of a plastic surgeon.
Theories/Speculation
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With the rapid advancement of materials and technology, the plastic surgeon will be required to become more than just a plastic surgeon and an artist. The advancement of implantable prosthetics and material will require the plastic surgeon to become familiar with the chemistry and makeup of the material and how it reacts in the human body. Robotics are rapidly becoming a part of the reconstructive plastic surgeon's arsenal of tools. The future plastic surgeon will need the knowledge of bioengineering and robotics so they can utilize them in their procedures.
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