Types of Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery gives people the opportunity to achieve their dream appearance and improve self-perception. We aim to provide our clients with the procedure that helps them with this while informing them about the risks and benefits. There are many types of plastic surgery based on what results you are looking for. 

Below, you’ll be able to read all about them and decide which is the right choice. The most important thing is to find a reliable and reputable surgeon before starting your journey.

Different Types of Plastic Surgery

The plastic surgery field, like other medical fields, encompasses different surgical procedures. Some types of plastic procedures are medically essential, while others are elective. Elective surgical procedures are for patients looking to improve the aesthetic appearance of body areas.

In contrast, reconstructive plastic surgery is medically essential. Reconstructive procedures potentially aim to restore the patient’s appearance and function following an injury, illness, or congenital issues. The most common plastic surgery Lexington, KY involves procedures related to:

• Body
• Face 
• Breast

Body surgical procedures

Plastic surgery procedures about the body may help patients achieve their desired physique. Many people are unhappy with their body shape and seek the help of plastic surgeons to improve their body contour. The most typical body contour procedures are the following: 

• Tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty)
• Liposuction
• Buttock enhancement

Tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Abdominoplasty is a plastic surgical procedure that may improve the shape of a person’s abdomen. During a tummy tuck surgery, the doctor removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen.

The surgical procedure aims to tighten the abdominal wall’s muscles and fascia. Often, people decide to go for a tummy tuck because of the following:

• Significant weight loss
• Pregnancy
• Aging

Liposuction 

Liposuction is a popular surgical procedure involving the removal of fat from specific body areas. During liposuction, the surgeon uses suction to remove fat from areas such as: 

• Stomach
• Tighs
• Hips
• Buttocks
• Arms

The process may also shape the part from where the fat is removed. This process is known as body contouring.

Buttock enhancement 

A butt lift is a procedure that may help you achieve a rounded shape of the buttocks. The procedure entails the removal of fat from other body areas and insertion into selected buttock areas. 

Types of plastic surgery for the face

As people age, their faces change. After 40 is when most start showing the first signs of aging. This is also when they start searching for ways to restore a more youthful appearance. Therefore, several types of facial procedures may help people address aging issues. These include:

• Facelift
• Brow lift
• Eyelid surgery
• Neck lift
• Rhinoplasty

Facelift 

A facelift is a surgical procedure that may help restore a more youthful appearance. The goal of the facelift procedure is to lift and tighten sagging facial tissues. This may give your face a younger, firmer, and less wrinkled appearance. So, a rhytidectomy, or a complete facelift, involves lifting the 

• Eyebrows
• Eyes
• Jawline
• Neck

This is the most intrusive procedure to possibly address the visible aging signs on the face and neck. People may also consider getting a minor facelift instead of a complete facelift if they do not have overly visible aging signs.

Brow lift 

With this procedure, the surgeon will raise your eyebrows to potentially improve the appearance of your forehead. A brow lift is often included with a facelift. You may be a good candidate for a brow lift if your brows are low, sagging, or uneven. 

Eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty)

As we age, our eyelids stretch. This makes the muscles supporting them weaken. This makes excess skin and fat gather above and below the eyelids. Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty may help address this issue. During eyelid surgery, the doctor removes the excess skin from the eyelids. 

Neck lift

When patients have a lot of sagging skin on their necks, they may address it with a neck lift. The neck lift procedure possibly aims to achieve a more defined and youthful look by removing excess skin and fat.

Rhinoplasty

There are several reasons why people want nose jobs. They may feel self-conscious because they think their nose is larger or because it has a lump or hump. Some people want their crooked noses corrected. 

These patients will undergo a rhinoplasty to modify the external nose’s shape and appearance. But rhinoplasty isn’t limited to the nose’s external structure. People often need nose surgery to possibly treat respiratory issues, sinus problems, or injuries.

Breast enhancement procedures 

Surgical procedures for breast enhancement are among the most popular in the plastic surgery field. Based on the effects you want to achieve, there are the following types of breast enhancement.

• Breast augmentation
• Breast reduction
• Gynecomastia 

Breast augmentation 

A surgical treatment called breast augmentation is used to increase the size, shape, or volume of the breasts. This procedure involves surgically inserting implants. Breast augmentation may serve an aesthetic purpose or medical (mastectomy). 

The most popular breast implants are silicone and saline. There are also other choices for incisions. Implants may be positioned above or below the pectoral muscle. You will decide on the ideal implant size, style, and insertion and placement technique with your surgeon.

Breast reduction 

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that may provide great relief to women with overly large breasts. Large breasts may often be the cause of back pain and a curved spine due to the weight. With breast reduction, the weight is lifted from the patient’s back, and they may get a better life quality.

Gynecomastia 

Breast surgery is not only for women. Often, it is men seeking breast reduction due to suffering from gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is the enlargement of the male breasts, which may cause self-image issues. With breast reduction surgery, men suffering from gynecomastia may get their confidence back. 

Plastic Surgery: Choose the Right Surgeon

Always be sure the surgeon doing your procedure has a license to practice in the state where they are employed. Additionally, they must practice at a reputable and long-standing facility for cosmetic surgery and hold a board certification.

If you are looking for plastic surgery in Lexington, KY, consider Dr. Theo Gerstle, a Harvard-trained plastic surgeon. If you choose us, during your first appointment with Dr. Gerstle, you will get the chance to ask him about the procedure you want done.

The doctor will also ask you about your medical history to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the surgery. The most important thing throughout the entire process is to follow the surgeon’s instructions to the letter. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risks associated with plastic surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks you should be aware of with plastic surgery. Your surgeon will explain the ones associated with your chosen procedure. But the most common issues may be:

• Complications due to anesthesia
• Infection
• Mild bleeding
• Abnormal scarring
• Pain and numbness

When is reconstructive plastic surgery used?

Reconstructive types of plastic surgery might be used to repair the following:

• Abnormalities such as cleft lip and palate, webbed fingers, or birthmarks.
• Body areas that are damaged due to the removal of cancerous tissue. 
• Extensive burn marks and other serious injuries.