Plastic Surgery : Beyond beauty – A lifesaving, life-changing specialty

Dr Michael Laitonjam
When people hear the words plastic surgery, they often think only of aesthetic surgery, face-lifts or celebrities. But this perception captures just a fraction of what we Plastic Surgeons do. Let’s take a moment to explore the true breadth and depth of this fascinating, life-transforming field.
Plastic surgery is a surgical super-specialty dedica- ted not just to aesthetics, but also to reconstruction, functional restoration, and healing after trauma, cancer, burns, and congenital deformities. From the tiniest newborn with a cleft lip to a farmer with a hand injury, or a breast cancer survivor needing reconstruction—our work touches lives across all ages and walks of life.
What Does a Plastic Surgeon Really Do ?
Plastic surgery is broadly divided into two branches:
Reconstructive Surgery
1) Burns and scars : From acute burn management to long-term post-burn contracture release and scar revision
2) Trauma reconstruction : Salvaging mangled limbs, replantation or revascularisation of amputated limb or fingers, reconstruction of soft tissue defects, repairing maxillofacial fractures, and restoring hand function after accidents
3) Cancer reconstruction (Oncoplastic) : Breast reconstruction postmaste- ctomy, oral cavity and facial reconstruction after head and neck cancer
4) Congenital anomalies : Repairing cleft lips and palates, microtia, syndactyly (fused fingers) and other congenital hand anomalies, craniofacial deformities in children, congenital mela-nocytic nevus, vascular anomalies, epispadias and hypospadias, etc.
5) Diabetic foot and pressure sores : Providing wound cover and preventing limb loss in chronic ulcer patients
6) Microsurgery : Using a microscope to reattach severed fingers, perform free tissue transfer (flaps), or repair nerves and vessels, restoration of function in Brachial plexus injury
Aesthetic (Cosmetic) Surgery
· Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping)
· Blepharoplasty (upper and lower)
· Liposuction and tummy tucks
· Gynecomastia surgery (male breast reduction)
· Breast augmentation/reduction
· Hair transplant
· Facial rejuvenation (botox, fillers, facelifts)
All of this is done with a deep understanding of anatomy, symmetry, and natural-looking outcomes.
Subspecialties Within Plastic Surgery
· Burn Surgery
· Hand Surgery
· Maxillofacial and Cra-niofacial Surgery
· Microsurgery and Super-microsurgery
· Aesthetic Surgery
· Peripheral Nerve Surgery
· Gender Affirmation Surgery
· Lymphedema Surgery
· Oncoplastic Reconstruction
Plastic Surgery at Shija Hospitals & Research Institute, Imphal
At Shija Hospitals & Research Institute (SHRI), Imphal, we are proud to offer state-of-the-art plastic, reconstructive, aesthetic, hand, and microsurgical care in North East India. Our department manages complex trauma cases, burn patients, cleft surgeries under Smile Train, as well as advanced cosmetic procedures—all under one roof.
With modern facilities, a dedicated burns ICU, and a strong reconstructive team, Shija is a trusted regional center for both emergency and elective plastic surgery. We believe that expert surgical care should be accessible, compassionate, and tailored to every individual’s need—whether it is to save a limb or enhance self-confidence.
Why Awareness Matters
Many patients in Manipur and the North East still suffer due to late referrals or misconceptions. The truth is, plastic surgery is not only about aesthetics—it is about healing and hope. And many reconstructive procedures are covered under Government schemes like PMJAY (Ayushman Bharat). We urge the public and referring doctors to recognize plastic surgery as a vital specialty in trauma, cancer, congenital and chronic wound care—not just cosmetic enhancement.
Did You Know ?
The word “plastic” comes from the Greek word plastikos, meaning “to mould or shape.” It has nothing to do with synthetic plastic. India is a pioneer in plastic surgery – Sushruta, the ancient surgeon, described techniques of nose reconstruction centuries ago.
He is widely regarded as “Father of Surgery” as well as “Father of Plastic Surgery” because of his vast contributions in the field of surgery and medicine.
Let’s Celebrate World Plastic Surgery Day
This World Plastic Surgery Day – July 15, let’s honor the unsung work of Plastic Surgeons. Let us not limit plastic surgery to “beauty” alone. Spread the word:
Plastic Surgery is about Healing. It’s about Function. And it’s for Everyone.

The writer is Consultant-Plastic & Aesthetic Surgeon, Shija Hospitals