Dr. Steven Schmidt is a plastic and cosmetic surgeon with BayCare Clinic. He joined us on Wisconsin Tonight to talk about the basics of plastic surgery including skin cancer treatment, breast reconstruction, liposuction, tummy tucks, facelifts, and more.
What is plastic surgery?
Plastic surgery is much more than undergoing high-priced procedures in Beverly Hills to make movie stars look more glamorous. Plastic, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgery are the variety of operations performed in order to repair, restore or improve a body part. These types of surgeries are characterized by careful preparation of a person's skin and tissues, by precise cutting and suturing techniques, and by care taken to minimize scarring.
Why do people need plastic, cosmetic or reconstructive surgery?
Plastic surgery is usually performed to treat birth defects and to remove skin blemishes such as warts, acne scars, or birthmarks. Cosmetic surgery procedures are performed to make patients look younger or enhance their appearance in other ways. Reconstructive surgery is used to reattach body parts severed in combat or accidents, to perform skin grafts after severe burns, or to reconstruct parts of person's body that were missing at birth or removed by surgery. Reconstructive surgery is the oldest form of plastic surgery, having developed out of the need to treat wounded soldiers in wartime.
What are some of the most popular procedures?
Commonly performed elective cosmetic surgeries we're seeing include:
* Breast augmentation
* Chemical peel
* Collagen injections
* Eyelid surgery
* Face lift
* Laser skin resurfacing
* Liposuction
* Rhinoplasty
* Skin cancer treatment
* Tummy tuck
Who is the ideal candidate for a plastic surgery procedure?
Most healthy and well-informed patients are excellent candidates for most surgeries. Any underlying medical problems they may have, their general health and lifestyle, the problem being addressed, the magnitude of the surgical solution and the anticipated outcome all play a role in determining if plastic surgery is right for an individual.
Generally speaking, you are a good candidate for cosmetic surgery if:
* You are not overweight
* You exercise regularly
* You are a non-smoker
* You are emotionally stable
* You have a support system
* You can limit your alcohol and caffeine intake
* You accept the disadvantages of cosmetic surgery such as the cost, inconvenience, discomfort and medical risk
Is plastic surgery still a growing medical field?
In 2014, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that 15.1 million cosmetic surgery procedures were performed in the United States in 2013, up 3 percent since 2012. In addition, the organization said 5.7 million reconstructive surgery procedures were performed the year prior, a 2 percent increase. New products and advances in technology were said to have fueled this growth. So, yes, plastic surgery is a growing medical field.
More information
Visit BayCare Clinic on the web at baycare.net or call BayCare Clinic Plastic Surgery at (866) 726-8200.
