While plastic surgery is not a new invention and has been around for years, many people still seem to be confused about what exactly it entails. A common source of this confusion is the fact that the term plastic surgery is often used as a general description of all kinds of body-altering procedures without a deeper understanding of their specific purpose and the differences between them. In reality, it can actually be divided into two types of plastic surgery: reconstructive and cosmetic ones. What makes them different? How are they used, and how do they help patients?
It’s important to note that even the same procedure can sometimes be considered either cosmetic or reconstructive, depending on why it is performed. The reasons for the operation will also determine whether you will have to pay for it yourself. Don’t worry if the operation you’re interested in is not available on the NHS, there are many private clinics, including those located abroad, that can help you get the body of your dreams – and if you’re looking for an affordable option without sacrificing your safety and the quality of healthcare, consider getting your plastic surgery in Poland!
Reconstructive plastic surgery
The different types of plastic surgery are frequently seen in a very stereotypical manner as a way to improve one’s look or restore their youthful appearance, but the purpose of reconstructive surgery is decidedly different. Its aim is not so much to improve as to restore both the appearance and function of the body by removing or correcting deformities resulting from diseases, injuries or congenital conditions, among others. Many of these are not merely an aesthetic issue but can actually lead to problems with mobility, speaking, or the proper functioning of certain body parts of the affected person, e.g., due to extensive burns, scarring, abnormal tissue growth or removal of cancerous tissue.
Apart from physical difficulties, there’s no denying that appearance can have a huge impact on self-esteem, which in turn affects patients’ entire life. Living your everyday life with visible deformities and scars can be very taxing mentally and hinder one’s ability to interact with others and lead a happy and fulfilling life.
Considering both the physical and mental aspects of this issue, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the effects of reconstructive surgery can bring great relief to patients, alleviating their suffering and improving their quality of life. This type of surgery can be, and often is, considered to be medically necessary and may be available without payment within the public healthcare system for those who qualify, however, its availability may vary between different areas of the country.
Cosmetic plastic surgery
The main difference between cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery is that the first one is not seen as a medical necessity – it isn’t performed to repair or reconstruct injuries or deformities but rather to enhance one’s natural beauty to achieve the desired result. Of course, many patients choose to undergo such procedures due to low self-esteem and dissatisfaction with their look, and, as a result, can feel a significant improvement in their wellbeing. However, unlike reconstructive surgery, cosmetic procedures have more to do with solving patients’ issues with self-image and self-acceptance rather than visible and objective problems of aesthetic and functional nature. Cosmetic surgery offers the chance to achieve the desired look and get rid of imperfections, but as it’s not essential for health reasons, it is, in most cases, not available on the NHS.
Remember that every single surgery, regardless of its type, carries certain risks of complications. You can minimize such risks and ensure your safety by choosing a well-established clinic and entrusting your health into the hands of professionals with years of experience in their field.
