Sociology

Plastic surgery can be defined as a surgical specialty or a procedure that is concerned with the restoration, construction, reconstruction or improvement in the form, function and appearance of body structures that may be missing or misfunctioning. It may also be called reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. In addition, plastic surgery can be explained as a medical specialty that is concerned with the correction and restoration of form and function. It is famous for aesthetic purposes but it also includes many types of reconstructive surgery, hand surgery, micro surgery and the treatment of burns. The word plastic is derived from the Greek word plastikos meaning to mould or to shape something but its use in this context is not connected with the synthetic polymer material that is known as plastic. People go for plastic surgery for several reasons. It could be reconstructive procedures to correct defects on the facebody or cosmetic reasons (altering part of the body of which one is not comfortable with). Plastic surgery is associated with some problems like development of complications after the procedure that may lead to occurrence of other ailments (Anju 1).

General Information
Plastic surgery also known as cosmetic surgery can also be looked as a branch of medicine that makes use of surgical and nonsurgical procedures to make changes to a persons appearance. The procedures used in this kind of surgery include cosmetic enhancements and functionally reconstructive operations. During these procedures, bones, cartilages, muscles, fat and skin are reshaped and molded (Anju 1). In the recent past plastic surgery was not common and people did not have a choice as to how they appeared and they had to live with body parts that made them unhappy. Examples of the undesired traits were fat that did not fade away with exercising, small breasts, flat buttocks and even flabby stomachs. In the past these problems were not an issue and they were regarded as vanity although they led to serious interpersonal problems like lack of confidence and self esteem. Statistics show that over 12 million plastic surgery procedures had been carried out by the year 2008 and this leaves many to question the reason as to why this procedure has become so popular over the years. Answers to these may vary depending on different individuals self interests in the procedure (Anju 1).

The use of surgical means to correct facial injuries dates back to more than 4000 years ago perhaps because human beings have been actively engaged in pursuit of self improvement. Physicians in India used skin grafts for reconstructive work as early as 800 BC, but this practice was slow in coming to European countries. The overall progress in plastic surgery was slow over the next thousand years because techniques in India were introduced to the West and then subsequently adapted for new applications. However, there were developments made in Medicine during the Greco-roman period and it was during this period that the Roman medical writer, Ails Cornelius wrote the book De Medicina which layed out surgical methods for reconstructing ears, lips and noses (Natalie1). Though the practice of reconstructive surgery continued throughout the early middle ages, it later came to a standstill. During the seventeenth century, it was still on the decline but by the late eighteenth century it came into existence again. In the 20th century major advances were made when the casualties of war made reconstructive plastic surgery a necessary procedure for many soldiers. It was mainly the First World War that lifted plastic surgery to a new level within the medical field (Natalie1).

The main reason as to why people opt to undergo plastic surgery nowadays is to boost their confidence and to feel better of themselves. Research has also shown that those who alter or interfere with their bodies by following dieting programs and carrying out exercise regimens are known to be happier and confident than those who dont. Likewise, plastic surgery works in the same way (Higuera 1). Many people especially teenagers are commonly known to diet because they want to have body features like those of popular stars or celebrities or simply because they feel they dont appear the way they want to be. Some of them even end up suffering from anorexia nervosa as a result of excessive dieting and exercising but they still believe that they can be happier by altering the body parts that they dislike and this normally reflects on their self perception and esteem. Despite the prevalence of beautiful models, many women and young girls are pre-occupied with negative feelings about their body images especially with the reality programs that document plastic surgeries as a way of obtaining what one requires (Higuera, 1).

Another reason why people get plastic surgery is to correct or enhance the various parts of their bodies that exercising and dieting cannot help or has failed to work. As an example, exercising cannot correct droopy eyelids or a bump on someones nose or even enlarge someones breasts. Instead of living with bothering things, plastic surgery becomes an option in giving aesthetic results that can make someone happier and more confident. Moreover, the race against time has also contributed a lot in making plastic surgery a popular option. The human bodies are usually in the process of aging from day to day and as people get older, they are often compelled to fight against the effects of aging. The motive behind this is that the personal image of people keeps them in line with their competition and its a notion in many peoples minds that the younger, more attractive people usually do better both socially and professionally. This explains why many men and women are pursuing plastic surgery more than ever before to keep their competitive edge at the work place (Jayshree 1).

Others go for plastic surgery to remedy post pregnancy or post-traumatic issues. This is common in mothers who want to retain their initial body shapes after giving birth and most of them ask for tummy tucks, breast lifts or liposuction procedures to bring back their pre-pregnancy shapes. In addition, others who have dealt with body abnormalities from birth defects or trauma also choose to go for plastic surgery to reconstruct the affected parts (Jayshree 1).

Plastic surgery is not necessarily a bad thing basing on several factors. For example, if someone gets an accident, facial and body injuries can cause deformities that can only be corrected by the reconstructive plastic surgery. Another example where plastic surgery plays indispensable role is in people or children who are born with cleft lips. Such children often have problems in their talking and they perceive themselves to be ugly looking hence they lack self confidence and esteem. In such conditions, plastic surgery is normally very essential in restoring happiness to the affected children because it corrects the disorder and they get back their smiles. Additionally, cosmetic surgery can be a life saver when it comes to extreme obesity. However, Women are so much consumed with looking pretty and having the best body shapes ever a notion that may not be achievable. They end up having repeated plastic surgeries with the hopes of fulfilling their desires which is unhealthy although to onlookers these persons appear so beautiful (Jayshree 1).

The risks or dangers of plastic surgery still prevail although there is a great improvement in technology and it requires someone to be powered by the knowledge of the risks involved in this procedure. Today, the dangers of plastic surgery have become less and peoples attitude towards getting operated is becoming more open because they get discussions on all the risks and effects of being exposed to the procedure. The problems of plastic surgery vary from person to person and it also depends on the type of surgery that is involved (whether reconstructive or cosmetic). The following are some of the common physical problems that may be encountered during a plastic surgery.

Bleeding This is a pretty regular occurrence that happens for few hours after the surgery and at times it results into complications. It may result into hematoma a condition that is caused by clotting and accumulation of blood under the skin which becomes firm in appearance, feel and the colour of the overlying skin changes to blue or purple. The area experiences a lot of pain but it gradually reduces once the bodys own anti-clotting mechanism reabsorbs the accumulated blood. However, if the condition remains in status quo, the hematoma continues to grow and compresses the surrounding tissues which disrupt the flow of oxygen through blood from circulating around the affected area. This may lead to numbness, inflammation and death of the skin. The presence of large haematomas can increase the risks of other problems like infection, wound separation and necrosis.

Scarring This is one of the common problems of plastic surgery that anyone should be aware of. This happens due to thickening of skin edge and formation of granular tissue during the healing process. Most surgeons hide the scarring in unnoticeable places for example in tummy tucks its hidden beneath the swing wear line while in breast augmentation, the incision lines are normally hidden under the crease of the breasts.

Necrosis This refers to death of tissues due to insufficient supply of oxygen to the operated area. There is possibility of necrosis in plastic surgery that involves facelifts, breast reductions and tummy tucks and it normally increases with sudden inflammation. Smokers are usually prone to this condition as they experience blood vessel constriction and relatively less oxygen supply. It can be treated in early stages by hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Nerve damage This occurs in very rare and extreme cases and its characterized by numbness and tingling sensation. Weakness and paralysis of certain muscles may be experienced if a nerve related to muscle movement is tampered. This condition can be treated by reconstructive surgery.

Adverse reaction to Anesthesia This is rare and it depends on factors like healthiness and seriousness of the surgery. Someone is more susceptible to dangers of plastic surgery if there are pre-existing health issues. For example if you are a smoker, a diabetic, have heart conditions or certain allergies then chances are that you are more likely to experience complications that other people can avoid. It is therefore important that before surgery, one should have blood tests and a physical test to ensure that heshe is a good candidate for the procedure (Jayshree 1).

Although plastic surgery offers many potential improvements in quality of life, studies have shown that it can produce unfavorable emotional changes for some people. First of all, anticipation of the procedure can cause stress to someone because there is fear of the outcome of the procedure. In addition, the recovery process is another issue which may involve the emotions of grieving the loss of facial or bodily imperfection or lack of support from family members or friends. For example, a child whose mother has undergone surgery may prefer that her mum would look just the way she always was (Iverson, 1).Post operative depression is also common among people who have gone through plastic surgery whereby you will find that emotional and social challenge associated with other people looking with in disapproval. This can produce feelings of isolation and anger (Scalafi 1).

In the present age, plastic surgery has really enjoyed an explosion in popularity and medical advances have made a great contribution in making reconstructive feats possible yet earlier on, they were only a dream of what might have been one day. In this era of accelerated communication, the internet and television have made it possible for people to view any kind of plastic surgery procedure in the comfort of their homes .This has enhanced the creation of awareness among people about plastic surgery hence before they choose to undergo the procedure, they already know what takes place (Todorov 1). In addition, the most important trend currently about plastic surgery is the move towards less invasive procedures that are designed to scrape off the visible signs of aging. Infant the most popular procedure at this present age involves the use of injectable substances like facial wrinkle fillers and Botox. Despite the ongoing debates about the effects of plastic surgery there is no doubt that people are thinking and talking about plastic surgery more than ever before in its history (Natalie, 1). Today the dangers of plastic surgery have become very few mainly because of the advances in technology, techniques and instruments that are used which enhance the safety and satisfaction of patients. Technological advancements has brought the use of better and improved machines and has also allowed creation of extra awareness to the public about plastic surgery through the use of media in the world (Jayshree 1).

Plastic surgery is becoming more and more popular especially in the United States and each year several million people are undergoing surgery to improve their appearance. The procedure has become even cheaper in the present age and people are realizing that even the plastic surgeons are highly skilled specialists with specific training and an understanding of todays aesthetics (Grunwald 1). More than ever before senior citizens are living longer, staying fit and they are also gaining a greater and more active role in the society because they opt for plastic surgery to restore a more youthful appearance. Surgical procedures that were once thought to be only for the rich and famous are now commonly affordable and undertaken by men and women with average incomes. People can now save money for a much desired cosmetic procedure just the same way they could have saved money for buying  a piece of jewelers. Such people feel that they are investing in themselves to improve their self image and lifestyle because they have recognized the affordability of cosmetic surgery and its potential returns (Wayne1).

In conclusion, plastic surgery as discussed in this essay is a procedure that can be so useful in carrying out reconstructive processes and it can really bring or restore happiness to many people who have lost their self confidence and self esteem. This procedure should not be abused either way because it can have adverse effects on people who become addicted to. Although, it was once viewed as a procedure that was used by rich people in the recent past, it has become cost friendly and it has also gained popularity and there is creation of awareness about it through the media. In addition, cosmetic surgery has both negative and positive effects (both mental and physical) and this calls for someone to properly understand them before undergoing the procedure.