Plastic Surgery Isn’t Just Aesthetic – Which Procedures Fix Medical Problems?

Plastic surgery has the reputation of only being performed for cosmetic reasons. This, however, is a complete misunderstanding. There are plenty of very serious medical conditions that require plastic surgery as part of normal treatment. Below are few examples of such surgical procedures.

1. Breast Augmentation

Quite often people assume breast augmentations are only performed to increase the size of breasts of women who are otherwise healthy. This is an unfair assumption. Many breast augmentations are actually performed to help breast cancer survivors recover from their disease. The removal of cancerous growths during surgery can cause an abnormal appearance in the contour of the breasts. An implant can be used to correct this issue so the cancer survivor can appear as she once did before surgery.

2. Rhinoplasty

The “nose job” is another plastic surgery procedure that is not only performed for aesthetic reasons. Many people actually have serious problems breathing during sleep due to the shape of their nose. This can cause problems like loud snoring and even dangerous diseases like sleep apnea. Rhinoplasty is often used to correct the abnormalities in the shape of a person’s nose that are causing the problems.

3. Facial Cosmetic Surgery

Facial cosmetic surgery is also often required to treat certain injuries and diseases. If a person suffers from skin cancer, for example, a significant amount of tissue may need to be removed from the face. The same thing can happen if a person is burned by fire or chemicals. The dead tissue may need to be removed. Plastic surgery is then needed to make the skin of the face both healthy and appear natural again.

4. Lip Augmentation

The lips are another part of the body that may need plastic surgery to address serious medical conditions. This is the case for people that suffer from cleft palates and lips. A cleft lip or palate is a genetic abnormality that can impair a person’s ability to speak or eat properly. The plastic surgery can remove these problems and give the lips in question a more natural appearance.

Overall, while millions of people have had plastic surgery performed strictly for cosmetic reasons, this is not the case for everyone. Many people did in fact require the assistance of a plastic surgeon to treat serious diseases and injuries. This surgery can improve a person’s health and allow them to gain back the lifestyle they once had.