[Plastic surgery] Introduction

Also known as plastics.
Plastic surgeons specialise in diseases of the integumentary system.
There is significant overlap with dermatology, maxillofacial surgery and otorhinolaryngology.

 

Etymology

Ancient Greek πλαστικός (plastikós) = shapable, mouldable

 

Subspecialties

• Paediatric Plastic Surgery
• Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 
• Breast Reconstruction Surgery 
• Hand and Wrist Surgery 
• Head and Neck Cancer, and General Reconstructive Surgery 

 

Common problems:

• Area damaged by the removal of cancerous tissue, (e.g. from the face or breast) 
• Severe burn
• Traumatic skin injury
• Congenital defect 
• Severe ulceration 

 

Skin and connective tissue diseases

 

 

Diseases:

• Breast cancer
• Melanoma skin cancer
• Squamous cell carcinoma 
• Basal cell carcinoma
• Cleft lip and palate 
• De Quervain syndrome
• Syndactyly (webbed fingers)
• Congenital naevi (melanocytic and vascular naevi)
• Haemangioma
• Deviated Septum
• Craniosynostosis 
• Necrotising fasciitis