Plastic surgery is the medical specialty that works in the repair of different regions and tissues of the human body in its morphological and functional aspects. It has two main areas: Reconstructive plastic surgery , which restores normal form and function that may be absent or has been lost due to different circumstances; Cosmetic or esthetic surgery , which modifies the appearance and the body contour, counteracting the effects of aging and/or to obtain more balanced, desired, or considered ideal characteristics. Reconstructive plastic surgery Reconstructive plastic surgery is performed since ancient times. There are reports of reconstructive surgery interventions long before the Roman Empire. Currently, frequent interventions by a plastic surgeon are made, for example: In an emergency context , to repair lesions of trauma to the hand, face and even legs and feet; In the area of breast oncology , in the reconstruction of the female breast after cancer treatment, which is crucial for the recovery of breast shape and for restoring self-esteem; In the area of obesity treatment : after significant weight loss, especially after obesity surgery, it is the plastic surgeon who corrects the skin folds, restoring an adequate body contour; In the craniofacial region , for the treatment of congenital malformations; In the treatment of gynecomastia or male breast enlargement , a frequent and bothersome complaint that in many cases can be resolved by surgical excision or liposuction. Cosmetic or esthetic surgery Due to various influences, interest in cosmetic surgery has increased exponentially in recent decades, particularly in recent years. Cosmetic surgery is not futile or less acceptable . In fact, the main motivation for undergoing a esthetic surgery or procedure is a personal dissatisfaction with some part of our body that bothers us or that causes us discomfort and that negatively affects our daily lives. These personal grievances are not worthless. They are related to individual health and well-being and the current concept of health is much broader than the absence of disease. If something causes discomfort and can be fixed, there is no harm in doing so! It is not futile, nor is it superfluous. After cosmetic surgery, it is common to see many people start or resume leisure or work activities that they previously avoided because they did not feel comfortable doing so. The most common cosmetic surgery interventions are performed on the face, breast, abdomen, arms, buttocks, thighs and legs and genital region. The revision and correction of scars and the removal of tattoos also have an important place in the plastic surgeon activity. The plastic surgeon makes other recommendations It is still the role of the plastic surgeon to promote a healthy lifestyle . In the midst of busy life, food and leisure cannot be neglected, it plays an essential role in our health. It is up to each of us to transform small activities of daily living into physical exercise : walking more, climbing stairs instead of using the elevator or cycling to work are free options that depend only on our will. To replace fast food, excess pasta and cakes for fruits and salads and having a healthy and balanced diet almost always depends on our will. And having a healthier lifestyle also helps the plastic surgeon work to achieve the desired results . Author : Márcio Paes Barreto Meet the reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery clinical team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
