Plastic surgery is a frequently discussed topic throughout the world with procedures such as facelifts, liposuction, and rhinoplasty receiving most of the attention. However, often lost in the discussion are some of the less recognized procedures performed by plastic surgeons. From treating migraines to correcting birth defects, plastic surgeons’ work is not limited to cosmetic surgery and expands into some truly fascinating and heroic areas of work.
1) Plastic surgery can be used for treating migraines
Anyone that has ever suffered from migraine headaches knows that they can be excruciatingly painful and represent a true burden to daily life. Approximately 28 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches each year. In severe cases, migraines can last up to four days. A revolutionary approach to these debilitating conditions is to surgically treat the trigger sites that contribute to migraine headaches. Sometimes used in conjunction with Botox, surgical treatment can dramatically relieve the stress and pain of migraine headaches.
2) Plastic surgery is often required following traumatic accidents or disease
Another often overlooked area of work among plastic surgeons is reconstructive surgery following traumatic accidents or disease. If someone is severely injured or disfigured in an accident, plastic surgery is often used to help restore the function and appearance of their body. Similarly, if disease has attacked someone’s body and appearance, plastic surgery can be used to help reverse the damage. For many that have been struck by tragedy, plastic surgery can represent a way to return to their normal lives.
3) Many plastic surgery patients are young children
Some of the most heroic procedures performed by plastic surgeons are their work with children. Indeed it is not just adults that are treated by plastic surgeons but also young children. Tragically, whether as a result of genetics or misfortune, sometimes children require plastic surgery. When children are born with problems such as congential nevi, ear deformities, facial trauma, or facial lacerations, plastic surgery can be used to treat these conditions and support the child’s development of self-confidence and self-esteem.
As one can see, plastic surgeons perform a broad range of procedures and some of their most fascinating work is that which receives lesser amounts of publicity. Plastic surgery may be performed for a wide variety of reasons and between cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, plastic surgery covers a broad spectrum of work that many are unaware of.
Warren Howe is a writer for Dr. David Bray, Jr. M.D., a triple board certified South Bay plastic surgeon near Los Angeles, California. Dr. Bray Jr. specializes in rhinoplasty, facelift, and breast augmentation procedures and is highly experienced in treating children with facial lacerations and other problems.
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