Plastic surgery is an assortment of surgical procedures that restructure various parts of the body, particularly the face. In general, plastic surgery is considered an elective procedure, meaning the surgery is not medically necessary. But how old is plastic surgery as a discipline and where did its name come from? Learn everything you need to know about the origins and specialties of plastic surgery before you book your consultation at Kaniff Cosmetic Medical Center in Sacramento, CA.
Why Is It Called Plastic Surgery?
Plastic surgery has been a household term for far longer than the days of medical dramas. As with words from most other medical disciplines, the origin of this field can be traced back to an ancient Greek word for “mold or shape”, which is plastikos. The first plastic surgeries happened in ancient India, as well as in Ancient Rome and Egypt, as a way to restore appearance deficits.
Modern plastic surgery as we know it began to be more popular in the late 1930s and the American Board of Plastic Surgery was founded in 1937. And while the procedures common to plastic surgery are broad, most procedures fall into one of two specialties: reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery.
Reconstructive vs Cosmetic Surgery
The main difference between reconstructive and cosmetic surgery is the purpose. Generally speaking, most cosmetic surgery is performed with the purpose of improving the appearance for the sake of beauty. Reconstructive surgery, on the other hand, can be necessary due to medical issues, diseases, and injury. Some plastic surgery procedures are considered both cosmetic and reconstructive, such as rhinoplasty.
Common Types of Plastic Surgery
There are many different plastic surgery procedures that are common to most practices. At Kaniff Cosmetic Medical Center, some plastic surgeries we specialize in include:
- Liposuction
- Rhinoplasty
- Facelift
- Brow lift
- Mini facelift
- Neck lift
- Chin implant
How Do I Know If I Should Have Plastic Surgery?
Because plastic surgery is elective, knowing if you should have plastic surgery is a choice that is ultimately up to you and your appearance goals. If you feel that your appearance can improve as a result of a plastic surgery procedure, then it’s worth attending an evaluation or consultation to hear about your treatment options.
Many people elect to have plastic surgery to correct birth deformities, issues related to injuries or sickness, or as a way to improve other health concerns, such as a deviated septum that makes it more difficult to breathe. Others choose to have plastic surgery to improve their overall appearance, including slimming down, contouring and augmenting the body, or seeking long-lasting anti-aging treatments, such as facial surgery.
Get Expert Plastic Surgery At Kaniff Cosmetic Medical Center
Whether you are seeking plastic surgery for reconstructive or cosmetic purposes, this field of medicine can help you solve many appearance-related concerns. If you think plastic surgery might be the right option for your care, please contact Kaniff Cosmetic Medical Center in Sacramento, CA to schedule your initial consultation today.
