Confusion to Confession–Tales of Plastic Surgeons

Dr Indranil Dutta, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Shija Hospitals
“Doctor, Doctor!– screamed a young man holding his amputated right thumb in a packet running to our department in hope to rejoin it. And yes after 6 hours of tenuous surgery the thumb was successfully reimplanted.”
“Young boy due to motorbike accident, lost half of the sole, came to us if we can do something so that he can walk again. Yes, we did Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer and within 3 months he started walking.”
Yes, you might think it as a fairytale story, you might think of a magician who performs all this surgery. No, we are not magicians; we are Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons.
 Unlike other super-specialties such as Cardiothoracic Surgery, Neurosurgery and Urology, Plastic Surgery has no adhesion to a specific organ system. Plastic surgeons operate in all areas of the body from head to toes- to restore your functional loss; to beautify you.
We are all proud as it’s all started in India in 600 BC with Sushruta – Father of Plastic Surgery. Every year, 15th July is celebrated as World Plastic Surgery Day.
Plastic surgeons improve quality of life in people who experience severe injuries, life-changing illnesses and congenital defects. They use a variety of surgical techniques to enhance appearance and improve function in affected areas. Plastic surgeons also specialize in cosmetic surgery to improve appearance for aesthetic purposes.
What is a plastic surgeon?
Plastic surgeons repair injuries and congenital (present at birth) defects affecting appearance or function. They use reconstructive and cosmetic techniques to restore areas impacted by major illnesses such as cancer. They also perform procedures to enhance physical features for aesthetic reasons.
Their areas of expertise include Breasts and chest; Extremities, such as your arms, legs, hands and feet; External genitalia; Facial structures, like your mouth, face, ears, head and neck; Skin.
What conditions do plastic surgeons repair or restore?
Birth/Congenital Defects: Cleft lip and palate; Congenital hand differences; Craniosynostosis; Hypospadias; Microtia (Deformed Ear); Syndactyly (webbed fingers or toes).
Trauma: Burns; Complex wounds; Cuts involving delicate tissue, such as your hands, feet, lips, eyelids, nose, genitals or nerves; Maxillo-Facial fractures; Scars & Contractures that limit natural movement.
Cancer reconstruction: Head and neck cancer; Breast cancer; Colorectal cancer; Gynecologic cancer; Skin cancer.
Gender dysphoria: Plastic surgery to treat gender dysphoria is for transgender individuals whose physical appearance doesn’t reflect their gender identity.
Is a plastic surgeon the same as a cosmetic surgeon?
Cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery are both sub-specialties of plastic surgery. Cosmetic surgery is a part of all plastic surgeons’ training. Cosmetic Surgical procedures should be done by Plastic surgeons as per NMC, India.
What do plastic surgeons do?
Plastic surgeons use various techniques to treat severe injuries, improve function and restore a natural-looking appearance.
· Microsurgery involves the use of a microscope to help surgeons carry out complex procedures. You may need microsurgery to reconnect tiny blood vessels or nerves.
· Skin Grafts are sections of healthy skin that surgeons shave off and attach to a different area of your body. After surgery, the graft survives by connecting to existing blood vessels. Skin grafts help repair large wounds, including burns.
· Flaps & Free flap surgery. A flap uses a person’s own tissue to repair defects caused by cancer resection or trauma. Skin, fat and sometimes muscle are often moved from another area.
(To be contd)