Although the majority of plastic surgery procedures in Australia are performed solely to enhance a person’s looks, many procedures are also done to improve the function of a certain body part. Read on to learn how plastic surgery can give you more than just a pretty face:
Rhinoplasty, or a “nose job,” is an incredibly versatile procedure that can alter the size, shape, projection, and contours of the nose. But many people, explains Dr. Chase Lay, rhinoplasty surgeon in San Jose, pursue the surgery to improve their respiratory function.
The nose is a complex part of the face, made up of an intricate network of bones and cartilage. Many common respiratory concerns, such as a deviated septum, are caused by misshapen or misplaced structures. A deviated septum is a relatively common condition that occurs when the nasal septum is tilted or displaced, blocking airflow through one nostril. A deviated septum can contribute to snoring, frequent sinus infections, nosebleeds, facial pain, and other symptoms. And although minor symptoms can often be managed with medication, more severe cases are better served by surgical intervention in the form of rhinoplasty or septoplasty. Rhinoplasty can also be performed to improve the nose’s appearance and function after trauma, such as a break.
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a relatively straightforward procedure that can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. In many cases, blepharoplasty is performed as a supplement to facelift or brow lift surgery.
When performed for cosmetic reasons, a blepharoplasty may address under-eye bags and puffiness, fine lines, and sagging skin. But, in addition to helping a patient look more enlivened and alert, blepharoplasty can also help people whose vision is impaired by hanging skin, which is often the result of aging or heredity. For these patients, the procedure is often covered by insurance — and it can significantly improve their quality of life.
Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, is an exceedingly popular option for a diverse array of patients. While the procedure is best known for its capacity to create an attractive, flat abdominal contour, abdominoplasty can also repair and strengthen abdominal muscles that have been damaged or displaced as the result of pregnancy.
A condition called diastasis recti is one reason many women undergo abdominoplasty. The condition causes the right and left halves of the rectis abdominis muscle to separate and often appears as a ridge that runs down the abdomen and becomes more pronounced when straining or contracting the muscles. Although the condition is not physically harmful, it can make many people feel self-conscious and embarrassed. For these patients, abdominoplasty repairs the rectis abdominis muscle for a smoother, more streamlined abdomen.
Abdominoplasty can also be performed in conjunction with hernia repair surgery. Abdominal hernias occur when an underlying organ breaks through the abdominal wall, causing a painful protrusion that can only be corrected through surgery. Although hernia repair surgery is not the same as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck can bolster the results of hernia repair by reinforcing the weakened muscles and preventing a future occurrence.
Edited by Trish Hammond