What type of plastic surgeon should I choose?

So you have come to the conclusion that you need or want plastic surgery? That's an important decision to make. The word plastic comes from the Greek word plastikos or Latin for plasticus meaning to mould. A plastic surgeon will perform procedures to remodel, repair, or restore body parts sometimes even by transferring tissues. Reconstructive or aesthetic surgery is a specialty where reconstruction or improvement in the body structures occurs.

Cosmetic surgery is only one part of the many procedures that plastic surgeons perform. Over the years, plastic surgeons have learned to perfect techniques from a variety of surgical specialities including maxillofacial surgery, ear, nose and throat surgery, orthopaedic, ophthalmology and dermatology. Since many people are not satisfied with their outer appearance, there are different types of procedures that a cosmetic surgeon can provide. For a lot of women who have had children, the changes that your body takes on during the pregnancy can take its toll. For nine months, your belly grows as the baby grows. The end result after giving birth is an overstretched belly, often with stretch marks. Most women find it difficult to lose the "baby weight" even after diet and exercise. In this situation, some women will consult with a cosmetic surgeon who may suggest a procedure called an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) to make the abdomen firm and tight. During pregnancy, the breasts grow in preparation for breast feeding.  This can initially be welcome, but once breast feeding has finished, the breasts will shrink.  The stretching of the breasts will often leave them feeling droopy and empty.  In this situation, a breast uplift, or mastopexy can restore the shape of the breast and bring the volume back up on to the chest, where it is desired.  This can be combined with a breast enlargement to increase the size of the bust.

There are hundreds of procedures to choose from. Rhinoplasties to reshape the nose, liposuction to remove from fat from different areas of the body, breast surgery to reduce, enlarge or reshape the breast, blepharoplasty to reshape the upper or lower eyelid. Whether you are considering reconstructive or cosmetic surgery, it is important to find an experienced and licensed plastic surgeon who will identify the right procedure for you.   Some plastic surgeons will specialise in certain areas such as the breast or the face and it is useful to know if your surgeon has a special interest in a particular area.  Other plastic surgeons may specialise in burns or hand surgery and only occasional perform cosmetic surgery.