Plastic surgery has many different facets. From reconstructive surgeries that help a person regain their appearance after an injury or accident, to elective surgeries that help people look younger, plastic surgery has become an important part of many peoples lives. Plastic surgery is defined as any surgical procedure that deals with the reconstruction or improvement of a body part to enhance one's shape and appearance, as well as restore function in some cases. While popular belief links the term "plastic surgery" to the idea of being manufactured or the modern form of plastics, in reality plastic surgery dates back to ancient times. The term is derived from the Greek word "plastikos" meaning "to mold, form, or to take shape". According to historians, the first documented account of plastic surgery was found in ancient Indian Sanskrit texts. Around 500 B.C., the Hindu author Sushruta wrote about the reconstruction of noses and earlobes using skin from other areas of the face, including the forehead and cheeks. Plastic surgery continued to be a part of many other cultures throughout time. Beginning in the 18th century, plastic surgery gained in popularity due to the introduction of effective surgical anesthetics. Europeans used reconstructive procedures to improve the nose's appearance after being ravaged by disease or combat. Today plastic surgery is an important part of our lives. While many people see it as a way of restoring a youthful appearance, it also continues to offer welcome relief in the lives of people with defects created by disease, cancer, infection, congenital abnormality, trauma, or burns. A young child that sustains injuries in a car accident is a perfect candidate for reconstructive surgery. He may have facial injuries, and trauma to arms or legs. Reconstructive surgery can allow him to regain his appearance over time, and help him retain an active lifestyle without feeling different. Likewise, a young mother battling cancer can also benefit from reconstructive surgery. As she contemplates having a mastectomy, she can also consider breast reconstruction. Because more and more breast cancer patients are survivors, and living long, happy lives, the need to return to a normal lifestyle is vital. Breast reconstruction allows a woman to retain her figure, and return to a similar look she had before the surgery. Or a child with a congenital abnormality such as a cleft lip can benefit from reconstructive surgery at a young age, as early as 10 weeks of age. A plastic surgeon will work to repair the cleft lip, and give the nostril and lip area a normal appearance. Because this type of surgery is often done at an early age, it allows the child to grow and develop without the added stress of being "different". Reconstructive surgery provides patients with the opportunity to put their injury or sickness behind them. It's a way to minimize the impact their injury or sickness has on their lives, and return quickly to a normal lifestyle.
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