Comprehensive Guide to Cosmetic Surgery and Plastic Surgery

What Does Cosmetic Surgery Include?

Cosmetic surgeons are medical professionals who specialize in performing surgical procedures to enhance or alter a person's physical appearance. They focus on aesthetic improvements rather than addressing medical conditions. These professionals commonly perform procedures such as breast augmentation, rhinoplasty (nose job), facelifts, liposuction, and tummy tucks, along with a variety of other body contouring surgeries.

These surgeons undergo extensive training and possess expertise in both surgical techniques and aesthetic principles. Their goal is to help patients achieve their desired cosmetic goals in a natural, appealing way. It is crucial to consult with a qualified cosmetic surgeon to discuss your specific needs and expectations before considering any cosmetic procedures. Common areas that often show signs of aging include the face and neck. Changes such as lost skin elasticity, gravity's effects, sun exposure, and daily life stresses can be particularly noticeable in these regions. A facelift, also known as a facelift in the conventional sense, can significantly improve the chin/neck line, smooth the lower face, and eliminate "jowls." Dr. McClure employs multiple techniques based on each patient's unique facial anatomy and degree of skin laxity, ensuring a custom procedure designed to achieve a natural, refreshed, and younger appearance.

Overview of Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery is a medical specialty focused on improving the body and facial structures caused by trauma, illness, or birth defects. This field offers a wide range of procedures to treat abnormalities and enhance appearance.

Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

Reconstructive plastic surgery is performed on abnormal body structures caused by infections, trauma, developmental abnormalities, tumors, diseases, and congenital anomalies. The primary aim is to correct these issues and improve the patient's quality of life. These procedures often require precise techniques to ensure that the repair is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

Unlike reconstructive procedures, cosmetic plastic surgery is designed to improve appearance. Common procedures include breast augmentation or enlargement, typically using saline or silicone gel prosthetics, and occasionally fat grafting. Male breast reduction, known as gynecomastia, involves treating an enlargement of mammary tissue in men. This can be achieved through liposuction or various scar patterns. Other cosmetic procedures include abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), hand and upper limb treatments such as chemical peels, collagen and fat injections, glycolic peels, laser peels, vein removal, scar revision, and much more.

Body Contouring Procedures

Body contouring procedures enhance the physical appearance of various areas. Other forms of body contouring include buttock augmentation, which aims to make the buttocks more prominent. This procedure can involve grafting fat from another part of the patient's body using liposuction. A buttock lift or lower body lift involves removing excess skin from the hips, buttocks, and thighs to tighten and lift these areas effectively.

The world of cosmetic and plastic surgery offers a wide range of options to meet individual needs and expectations. Whether it's a facelift, breast augmentation, or body contouring, the key is to consult with experienced and qualified professionals who can provide guidance and tailor the procedures to your specific requirements.