Plastic Surgery — Procedure Guide, Recovery & Risks | MyMedicPlus

Plastic surgery encompasses reconstructive procedures that restore form and function after cancer, trauma, burns, or congenital deformity, and cosmetic (aesthetic) procedures to improve appearance. Board-certified plastic surgeons hold FRCS (Plast) or equivalent qualifications such as American Board of Plastic Surgery certification.

Reconstructive indications include post-mastectomy breast reconstruction, skin cancer excision and closure, cleft lip and palate repair, burn scar contracture release, hand surgery, and microsurgical free flap tissue transfer. Cosmetic indications include rhinoplasty, face lift, blepharoplasty, breast augmentation or reduction, and abdominoplasty.

Pre-operative planning uses photography, 3D imaging, and oncological coordination for reconstructive cases. Techniques include direct closure, skin grafting, local or regional flaps, and free microvascular tissue transfer requiring anastomosis of vessels under an operating microscope. Cosmetic surgery follows meticulous incision placement to minimise visible scarring.

Recovery varies widely by procedure. Minor cosmetic surgery allows return to work in 1–2 weeks. Major reconstructive microsurgery may require 4–6 weeks of recovery. Compression garments, scar management, and sun protection are important in the post-operative period. Final aesthetic results may take 6–12 months.

Common risks include haematoma, seroma, wound dehiscence, infection, hypertrophic or keloid scarring, anaesthesia reactions, nerve injury, and unsatisfactory aesthetic result. For free flap reconstruction, flap failure from vessel thrombosis occurs in 2–5% and requires urgent re-exploration.

Outcomes depend on procedure type and surgeon experience. Breast reconstruction after mastectomy achieves high patient satisfaction in over 80% of cases. Cosmetic rhinoplasty revision rates are 10–15%. Free flap success rates exceed 95% at high-volume microsurgery centres. Seeking board-certified surgeons significantly reduces complication risk.