(World Plastic Surgery Day Special)
We are all proud of the rich Indian contribution to the world in the development of Science, Technology, Literature & Medicine. Plastic Surgery has been one such Indian gift to the world. Sushruta aptly known as the father of plastic surgery has contributed richly in the form of many instruments, equipment, and surgical procedures in 600BC some, being practiced and performed still in their original form.
The Association of Plastic Surgeons of India started in the year 2011, with a unique concept of celebrating National Plastic Surgery Day on the 15th of July every year as an insightful thought from Dr. S Rajasabhapathy to educate and create awareness about the advances and technological innovations amongst the public. This concept after its global acceptance since15th July 2021 is now celebrated as World Plastic Surgery Day.
On this unique day plastic surgeons conduct various awareness camps, seminars, public interactions, free consultations and free surgeries for the needy; write articles on various aspects of plastic surgeries and interactions on social as well as mainstream media to educate the public as to the safety, affordability of plastic surgeries, improving, in turn, the quality of life of a common man.
Despite plastic surgery being one of the oldest specialties of medicine many myths and fears still haunt even the word ‘Plastic’, thinking some kind of plastic is used as part of surgical procedures without being aware that it just means, in Greek, TO MOULD. Another popular misbelief is to equate plastic surgeries to cosmetic surgery. Most of them are reconstructive surgeries and involve restoration or recreation of a lost body part due to burns, accidents, or cancer surgeries. Many reconstructive surgeries are affordable and few are covered under insurance and Govt. schemes like ABRK, but unfortunately, cosmetic surgeries are not.
It is a misconception that the rich & famous undergo cosmetic surgeries. In India, cosmetic surgeries are affordable costing as much as surgeries like joint replacement, laparoscopic surgeries, cancer surgeries, sometimes even lesser.
Common reconstructive surgeries include those performed for injuries on the face, hand injuries, burns, after cancer surgery, birth anomalies like cleft lip palate, joint fingers (syndactyly), extra fingers (polydactyly), nerve injuries, open fractures with wounds and some facial abnormalities.
Cosmetic surgeries unlike reconstructive surgeries are performed on normal individuals and done to accentuate the beauty of one or many body parts, thus improving self-confidence and esteem. Cosmetic surgeries are directly or indirectly impacted by improvement in personal life, improving marital relationships, sometimes even cancellation of the divorce, and bettering job opportunities, especially in those where looks matter. Modern anesthesia and ever-evolving techniques have made both reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries safe and affordable.
They are safer than any other surgeries diseases and are equally safe in those with co-morbidities. As cosmetic surgeries are done on otherwise healthy individuals, the risk of surgery and anesthesia tends to be the least. The public needs to be aware of fake news about plastic surgery being risky and seek proper advice from those practicing the specialty.
One has to be alert but not afraid and exercise caution while choosing cosmetic surgeries.
TIPS TO MAKE YOUR COSMETIC SURGERIES SAFE
• Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon (M.Ch or DNB in Plastic Surgery), affiliated to APSI (Association of Plastic Surgeons of India)/ IAAPS (Indian Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons)
• Surgeries are performed in a Hospital/Clinic set up with a well-equipped theatre & instrumentation.
• Anaesthetist is qualified and experienced
• Do not withhold any information from the doctor about the disease or any medication that you are currently on.
Dr. S S Shirol
Cosmetic & Plastic Surgeon
Sampige Plastic Surgery Centre, 3rd Floor, Signature Mall
Gokul Road, Hubli
ssshirol@yahoo.co.uk
