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Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery is a medical specialty focused on the correction, reconstruction, or enhancement of the human body. It encompasses both reconstructive and cosmetic (aesthetic) procedures, aiming to restore function, improve appearance, or both. The word "plastic" comes from the Greek "plastikē" (the art of modeling), referring to reshaping tissue, not synthetic materials.

History & Etymology

Plastic surgery has ancient roots, with early reconstructive techniques described in Egypt (c. 1600 BC) and India (Sushruta, 6th century BC). Roman, Arabic, and Renaissance surgeons advanced the field, but modern plastic surgery developed rapidly during and after the World Wars, especially for facial and burn reconstruction. Sir Harold Gillies and Archibald McIndoe pioneered many modern techniques, including skin grafts and social reintegration for injured soldiers.

Subspecialties

  • Reconstructive Surgery: Restores function and appearance after trauma, disease, or congenital conditions. Includes craniofacial, hand, burn, and pediatric surgery. Uses techniques like skin grafts, tissue expansion, and biomaterials (see biomaterials).
  • Cosmetic (Aesthetic) Surgery: Performed to enhance appearance according to personal or cultural ideals. Common procedures include rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), breast augmentation, liposuction, facelifts, gluteoplasty (see cosmetic_enhancement), labiaplasty, and body contouring. Non-surgical options include fillers, botox, and laser treatments.
  • Microsurgery: Involves tissue transfer and reconnection of blood vessels, often for breast or head/neck reconstruction (see microsurgery).
  • Ethnic Plastic Surgery: Alters ethnic features, sometimes for cultural or identity reasons (see ethnic_plastic_surgery).

Types of Plastic Surgery

  • Reconstructive Surgery: Addresses congenital defects, trauma, disease, or injury. Examples include cleft lip repair, burn treatment, and breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
  • Cosmetic (Aesthetic) Surgery: Performed to enhance appearance according to personal or cultural ideals. Common procedures include rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), breast augmentation, liposuction, facelifts, and gluteoplasty (see cosmetic_enhancement).

Common Procedures

  • Facial Surgery: Rhinoplasty, facelifts, eyelid surgery, chin augmentation.

  • Body Contouring: Liposuction, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), gluteoplasty, body lifts.

  • Breast Surgery: Augmentation, reduction, reconstruction, lifts (see breast_augmentation, breast_implants, capsular_contracture, bia_alcl).

  • Skin Procedures: Scar revision, mole removal, skin grafts, laser treatments.

  • Other Procedures: Labiaplasty, phalloplasty, calf augmentation, dermal fillers, micropigmentation, and more. See cosmetic_enhancement and body_modification.

Gluteoplasty (Buttock Surgery)

Gluteoplasty includes both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures to reshape or enhance the buttocks. Techniques include silicone implants (see biomaterials), autologous fat transfer (Brazilian Butt Lift/BBL), liposculpture, and non-surgical fillers. Indications range from correcting congenital or acquired deformities, trauma, or massive weight loss, to achieving aesthetic goals influenced by cultural and media-driven ideals. Surgical anatomy involves the gluteus maximus and medius muscles, with careful attention to innervation and vascularization.

Techniques:

  • Implants: Permanent, predictable volume increase, but higher complication rates (up to 31%).
  • Fat Transfer (BBL): Uses patient's own fat, lower complication rates (~7%), but carries risk of fat embolism (potentially fatal) and unpredictable graft survival.
  • Liposculpture & Body Contouring: Used for fine shaping, especially after weight loss.
  • Non-surgical: Injectable fillers (e.g., Sculptra, hyaluronic acid) offer temporary or semi-permanent results.

Risks:

  • Infection, capsular contracture, nerve injury, implant shifting, fat embolism, anesthesia complications, and rare but serious risks (e.g., implant explosion, death).
  • Psychological impacts include changes in self-image, body confidence, and the risk of body dysmorphic disorder.

Cultural & Ethical Context:

See gluteoplasty for a detailed overview.

Risks & Considerations

  • Surgical risks: infection, bleeding, scarring, anesthesia complications.

  • Psychological impact: changes in self-image, body confidence, and self-esteem; possible dissatisfaction or regret.

  • Ethical and cultural considerations: societal pressures, media influence, and access to care.

  • Psychological risks include body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), which can drive repeated procedures and dissatisfaction (see body_dysmorphic_disorder). Social media and filters can distort expectations ("Snapchat dysmorphia").

  • DIY plastic surgery is dangerous and increasing due to online misinformation.

  • Device-specific issues in augmentation: capsular_contracture, symmastia, bia_alcl, malposition, rupture.

Regulatory updates: The World Health Organization recognised breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) in 2016 and national regulators continue to collect data; for example, as of April 2022 the US FDA had received over 1,100 medical device reports for BIA-ALCL (with reports of deaths in a small number of cases) and countries with implant registries provide the most reliable risk estimates. See bia_alcl for details.

Psychological & Cultural Context

Plastic surgery is influenced by cultural ideals of beauty, media representation, and personal motivations. While it can improve quality of life and self-confidence, it may also reinforce unrealistic standards or lead to emotional challenges if expectations are unmet. Social reintegration and psychological support are crucial, especially after reconstructive surgery. Cultural and gendered ideals shape demand and satisfaction, with most cosmetic procedures performed on women. Trends show increasing demand globally, especially in Asia and among younger patients.

Megan Fox and Plastic Surgery Discourse

Megan Fox has been at the center of public speculation about plastic surgery, with media and fans frequently analyzing changes in her appearance. While Fox has not confirmed specific procedures, her evolving look has fueled debates about beauty standards, authenticity, and the pressures faced by women in the spotlight. Fox's influence on beauty ideals—especially regarding facial features, lips, and body shape—has contributed to broader conversations about cosmetic enhancement, self-image, and the role of media in shaping expectations. See also Body Image, Body Confidence, and Cultural Ideals.

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