Why is it called Plastic Surgery? Everything You Need to Know!


To want to live a simple life is kind of a little hard at this time. We have created so many toxic beauty standards, that many people are finding it hard to keep up with them. Likewise, plastic surgery type of things has been introduced to fit in those beauty standards.

Do you know what is plastic surgery or why do they call it plastic surgery? Many of us think, maybe they put plastic or it involves plastic materials, right? However, that’s not the true case.

The term “plastic” in plastic surgery doesn’t refer to the synthetic substance we commonly associate with bottles and bags. Do not worry, we are here to clear all your doubts. Moreover, there is fun too. You will find some interesting facts too which will be intriguing to many of us at first.

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Likewise, in the blog, we will clarify about plastic surgery and everything you should know about it!

Why is it called plastic surgery?

This question arises whenever we hear about plastic surgery at first. We may think, Does plastic surgery use plastic? Moreover, it gets more confusing after finding this process doesn’t involve any plastic.

But in fact, the meaning behind the name is rooted back to an ancient Greek word, “plastikos.” It is called plastikos which means shaping or molding.

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Why do they call it plastic surgery?

It was first started in the World War I. There was a surgeon named Sir Harold Gillies, who did surgery on soldiers, reshaping their faces. He then gave the term “plastic surgery” to describe it as a work of molding and remolding human flesh.

Why is it called plastic surgery?
Why is it called plastic surgery, find out.

And today, “plastic surgery” and “cosmetic surgery” have become pretty much identical. Similarly, it is living on its name as its real meaning means shaping and molding.

From now onwards, if you hear the word “plastic surgery,” next time do not forget it’s not about the material, but about the art of shaping and molding. So, you now know why do they call it plastic surgery.

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What is Plastic Surgery?

Plastic surgery falls under the niche of medical specialty. Plastic surgery works on reconstruction, restoration, or alteration of the human body. It involves a wide range of surgical procedures.

Moreover, it is not only about making a person’s appearance or correcting physical abnormalities. Plastic surgery can be both reconstructive and cosmetic:

  • Reconstructive Surgery: The process of correcting deformities caused by congenital conditions, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors, or disease is called reconstructive surgery. Examples: breast reconstruction after mastectomy, cleft lip and palate repair, hand surgery, and scar revision.
  • Cosmetic Surgery: The process of doing surgery to enhance aesthetic appearance. It is elective surgery. It is quite interesting why is it called plastic surgery despite not using plastic. Examples: Breast enlargement, rhinoplasty (nose job), liposuction, facelift, and eyelid surgery.

How is plastic surgery done?

As plastic surgery is elective, it looks after various sections of our bodies. It is usually done in accordance with the patient’s desires and which area of their body is being treated. After finding why is it called plastic surgery, know how it is done too.

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Moreover, it is also a kind of surgery and involves some risks if not done properly. Therefore, taking things in mind here we have listed down how is plastic surgery done systematically:

  1. Consultation: First of all, it begins with a consultation between the patient and the plastic surgeon. During this process, the surgeon checks the patient’s medical history. Here they will also talk about things like their preferences, goals, and expectations. Aligning with all these they will recommend a suitable surgical approach.
  2. Preparation: Though some surgery could be minor, the doctor will still do some pre-operative tests and assessments to ensure patients are healthy enough for the procedure. They will then instruct on pre-operative preparations, such as avoiding certain medications and fasting before surgery.
  3. Anesthesia: Plastic surgery procedures are done under local anesthesia (numbing the specific area being treated) or general anesthesia (rendering the patient unconscious). The types of anesthesia depend on the surgery and the medical reason.
  4. Incision: The surgeon makes incisions in the skin to minimize visible scarring and allow access to the underlying tissues.
  5. Reshaping or Reconstruction: The surgeon may reshape, reposition, remove, or add tissue to achieve the desired outcome. This could be tissue removal (excision), tissue transfer (grafting), tissue repositioning (flap surgery), or the use of implants. This is why it is called plastic surgery.
  6. Closure: After making the changes according to the patient’s desires, plastic surgery closes the incisions.
  7. Post-operative Care: After completion of the surgery, patients have to be monitored in a recovery area until they are stable and awake. In the early stage of post-surgery patients may find some discomfort, swelling, and bruising. It can be cured with pain medication.
  8. Recovery: This stage is variable as it depends on the type, complexity of the surgery, health, and healing ability. They also have to follow the instructions on post-operative care, including wound care, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments.

Is plastic surgery is Painful?

It is slightly painful but only after the post-surgery. Moreover, as we know why is it called plastic surgery, it involves doing surgery, so of course it will be painful.

It’s not a thing to be worrisome because the pain and discomfort are manageable. Similarly, during the surgery itself, you will not feel any pain because the area being worked on is numbed with anesthesia.

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However, after the surgery, as it is also a kind of wound and due to its soreness and swelling could be quite painful. The level of pain depends on the type of surgery and your pain tolerance.

Is plastic surgery is Painful?
Why is it called plastic surgery?

Fear not, because the surgeon will give you pain relief medication. And the pain is also temporary. Similarly, while taking care of yourself, also learn skin care routine steps.

Plastic surgery side effects:

Every surgical procedure involves side effects and potential risks. We are aware of why is it called plastic surgery because it is also a surgery like any surgical procedure. So obviously there will be some side effects of Plastic surgery before and after.

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Given below are some of the list of side effects of plastic surgery:

  • Pain and Discomfort: Some pain, discomfort, swelling, and bruising around the surgical site are common. They will come back to normal as you heal.
  • Scarring: All surgical incisions will leave some degree of scar tissue. Don’t worry, plastic surgeons aim to minimize scarring as much as possible. Moreover, the appearance of scars also depends on how well you follow post-operative care instructions.
  • Infection: There will be a huge risk of developing an infection at the surgical site if you don’t follow proper hygiene and wound care practices.
  • Bruising and Swelling: Bruising and swelling after plastic surgery are common side effects.
  • Nerve Damage: Sometimes, the risk of temporary or permanent nerve damage is possible if surgery is not done properly.
  • Adverse Reactions to Anesthesia: Though, it is rare sometimes getting allergic reactions or adverse drug interactions of anesthesia-related complications is possible.
  • Unsatisfactory Results: Many individuals feel that the plastic surgery they did, does not meet their desired expectations.
  • Emotional Impact: This also involves psychological effects, including feelings of anxiety, depression, or dissatisfaction with the results.

Plastic surgery for face

Most plastic surgery is done because not everyone likes their appearance and wants to look like someone they admire. To not get skin damage and keep your appearance good learn, how long does sunscreen last.

Plastic surgery for face
why do they call it plastic surgery despite not using plastic is kind of interesting.

Plastic surgery for face is also called facial plastic surgery. They don’t use plastic but Why is it called plastic surgery also doesn’t make sense at first. This surgery is done to enhance or restore the facial features. Take a look at the common types of facial plastic surgery:

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  1. Rhinoplasty (Nose Job): Rhinoplasty is done to reshape or resize the nose according to the patient’s desire or medical condition’s need. It is done to solve some aesthetic concerns like a dorsal hump, bulbous tip, or asymmetry, as well as functional issues like breathing difficulties.
  2. Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery): Blepharoplasty is mostly famous among other facial plastic surgery. The procedure involves working on the eyelids by removing excess skin, fat, or muscle. It is to correct drooping upper eyelids, puffiness, or under-eye bags.
  3. Facelift (Rhytidectomy): This is mostly done to older people who have aging concerns and anti-aging cream doesn’t work. Facelift surgery is done on the lower face and neck, such as sagging skin, deep creases, and jowls.
  4. Brow Lift (Forehead Lift): It is done to get rid of forehead wrinkles and furrows. It is Brow lift is also done to enhance brow appearance.
  5. Otoplasty (Ear Surgery): Otoplasty is performed to reshape or reposition the ears. It helps solve prominent ears, ear asymmetry, or congenital ear deformities.
  6. Chin Augmentation (Genioplasty): Chin augmentation surgery is done to make the size and shape of the chin beautiful. It can involve the placement of implants or reshaping the bone.
  7. Cheek Augmentation (Malarplasty): This procedure helps in enhancing the volume and projection of the cheekbones. It is done using implants, fat grafting, or dermal fillers.
  8. Lip Augmentation: Lip augmentation is also one of the most done plastic surgery for face. This helps to make lips look plumpy, reduce or increase size, and give them a beautiful shape. It is done through injectable fillers, fat grafting, or surgical lip enhancement techniques.

Why did Michael Jackson get plastic surgery?

Michael Jackson’s appearance has been the topic of discussion for a long time. Besides being famous as a singer, Jackson has also got much attention due to his changing appearance. His appearance has become kind of controversial topic.

Throughout his life, Micahel has done plastic surgery many times like extensive nose surgeries and facial structures. There were various reasons for him doing a plastic like a mix of personal reasons and outside pressures.

When Michael was alive, he had to face intense scrutiny as a global superstar. Likewise, this might have played a huge role in his desire to achieve what he perceived as an ideal appearance.

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There is some speculation, that Michael struggled with body dysmorphia. It is a condition where people obsess over the flaws in their appearance. This could also be the reason for him to undergo plastic surgery.

Moreover, the difficult childhood and experiences with criticism could also be the reason for Jackson to get surgery. Additionally, he was also diagnosed with vitiligo. It is a skin condition that causes loss of pigmentation.

Michale usually said his surgeries were done to treat this condition. But people still question his appearance. He was already faded up with and asked why is it called plastic surgery despite the clarification.

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Ultimately, the reason behind Jackson getting plastic surgery is complex. We can only assume it was because of personal struggles, societal pressures, and medical concerns.

The Weeknd plastic surgery

In 2021, the Weeknd’s mysterious bandages and bloodshed face caused a huge stir among the public. Many people speculated of him going under the knife. His weird looks on the Super Bowl halftime show in 2021, the ‘Blinding Lights’ star made many of us question what happened to him.

In the ‘After Hours’ album, The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, only wore a red jacket and facial bandages, as a storyline for his music. However, it got kind of out of hand, when he appeared entire face covered with bandages, a bloody nose, and swollen features at an American Music Awards performance.

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Likewise, in an interview with Variety, The Weeknd cleared the reason behind his post-plastic surgery appearance,

He said,

“The significance of the entire head bandages is reflecting on the absurd culture of Hollywood celebrity and people manipulating themselves for superficial reasons to please and be validated.”

The Weeknd put down the rumor saying he had not undergone plastic surgery or received Botox injections. Instead, he used prosthetics as part of a creative narrative for his album, ‘After Hours’. There is a difference between prosthetics and plastic surgery, so know why do they call it plastic surgery.

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Taylor Swift plastic surgery

It is common for celebrities to get plastic surgery. It is also common to speculate on getting plastic surgery without doing it. Celebrities are always in the spotlight and little changes in appearance make other headlines.

Similarly, all celebrities work under a professional hairstylist and makeup artist. So, changes in appearance are not questionable, as they work with so many people behind them.

Just like any other celebrity, Taylor Swift has also been surrounded by rumors about whether she has had plastic surgery or not. However, the truth is that it’s all just speculation.

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The singer herself has never confirmed any cosmetic procedures. The changes in her looks could mostly be because of makeup, styling, and maturing over time.

What is plastic surgery?

Plastic surgery falls under the medical specialty. It is a surgical procedure to reconstruct, restore, or alter the body’s appearance.

How much does plastic surgery cost?

The procedure, surgeon’s expertise, and location vary the cost of plastic surgery.

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How old do you have to be to get plastic surgery?

The individuals should be at least 18 years old for elective cosmetic procedures. However, sometimes, age requirements for plastic surgery could be variable.

When was plastic surgery invented?

With origins of invention tracing back to ancient civilizations, Modern plastic surgery become popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This will also answer your question, why is it called plastic surgery?

What plastic surgery has the highest death rate?

Liposuction and abdominoplasty are considered with higher rates of complications, including rare fatalities.

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