Aesthetic surgery is a branch of medicine that focuses on improving facial and body imperfections. It is a specialty that pursues similar yet different goals than traditional plastic surgery.
We talked about it with Dr. Valeriano Vinci , plastic surgeon at Humanitas Medical Care and at the IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas Rozzano.
What is cosmetic surgery?
Plastic surgery is essentially divided into two major branches: reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery . Cosmetic surgery, in particular , deals with both modifying unwanted parts of the face and body (eyes, nose, mouth, breasts, abdomen, hips, legs, arms, etc.) and addressing the effects of aging caused by age and gravity, achieving a true rejuvenation.
Aesthetic and reconstructive surgery are always two sides of the same coin; reconstructive techniques are used to correct malformations and vice versa, while aesthetic techniques are always present in the reconstruction field.
Who is cosmetic surgery aimed at?
Cosmetic surgery is aimed at two groups of people: those who see certain anatomical variations as “flaws,” something they dislike, something that causes personal or public discomfort, and who find psychological and physical benefits in correcting the imperfection; and those who want to stay young and improve the physical changes caused by the passage of time.
Let’s not forget that all aesthetic techniques are also applicable to malformative conditions in which reconstructive and aesthetic surgery merge.
What does cosmetic surgery deal with?
Cosmetic surgery aims to improve , correct , and, in some cases, resolve bodily alterations due to the passage of time, or minor or major defects resulting from congenital malformations or variations in what is considered “normal” anatomy. In reality, the most important thing is not to ask ourselves what is normal and what is not, but what we like and what makes us feel good about ourselves and others, maximizing and enhancing our way of being and living. Even what seems like an imperceptible or insignificant “defect” to us can be a huge burden to those who experience it uneasily.
How is it different from reconstructive plastic surgery?
Reconstructive and cosmetic surgery are inseparable and intertwined in their techniques. Imagine performing breast reconstruction: it’s inevitable that this is a reconstruction and therefore can never be like a natural or “aesthetic” breast, but it’s also inevitable that all the principles governing the aesthetics of a beautiful breast must be applied, wherever possible, to ensure a result that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Conversely, if you’re treating a breast malformation, you’ll need to apply reconstructive techniques to restore the breast’s correct shape before addressing the aesthetic component.
How does the first visit take place?
During the initial consultation, it is crucial to understand the patient’s desired correction, whether it is actually feasible, whether the surgical options have been fully understood, and, finally, to determine whether the treatment will actually provide a physical and psychological benefit. This will include a detailed medical history, a thorough examination, and a discussion of the corrective options, the desired outcome, potential complications, and the necessary post-operative follow-up and recovery periods.
What treatments can be performed in the clinic?
Some surgical procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis, such as the correction of scars , the removal of skin growths , the correction of eyelid defects , and small corrections of anomalies of the ears or lips .
