Plastic surgery is broad surgical subspecialty that, unlike other surgical specialties, isn’t confined to a single organ system. As a result, it is a technically demanding and naturally creative field that is constantly changing and re-inventing itself. Plastic surgeons treat pathologies that range from congenital anomalies to cancer, trauma and degenerative or autoimmune conditions. Additionally, plastic surgeons are inherent team players since they must constantly work alongside other specialties like general surgery, gynecology, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, oral surgery, orthopedic surgery otolaryngology and urology to reconstruct any anomalies or defects in the body.

Cosmetic

As defined by the American Medical Association (AMA) in 1989, “Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve the patient’s appearance and self-esteem.” Cosmetic or aesthetic surgery includes various rejuvenating procedures to treat structures of the face (e.g., facelift for age-related changes, rhinoplasty for a large nose, blepharoplasty for excess eyelid skin), as well as other parts of the body including but not limited to the breast (e.g., breast augmentation) and abdomen (e.g., abdominoplasty following pregnancy). The field also includes the use of various injectables, such as fillers and neurotoxins, to address asymmetries and age-related changes. Trainees are able to pursue further fellowship training in the field if they so desire.

Hair Transplantation

Hair transplantation is a surgical technique employed by plastic surgeons to transfer hair follicles from one part of the body, the donor site, to a deficient recipient site. This minimally invasive procedure may be used in areas of balding, or to restore eyelashes, eyebrows, pubic or chest hair. It can also be used to fill areas of scarring from prior injuries or surgeries.

Gender-Affirming Surgery

Gender-affirming surgery is a surgical procedure by which a transgender person’s physical appearance and function of their existing sexual characteristics are altered to resemble those socially associated with their identified gender. This includes facial feminization or masculinization, breast augmentation or mastectomy.

Hand/Peripheral Nerve

Plastic surgeons may care for both pediatric and adult patients with hand/upper extremity deformities related to traumatic, oncologic and congenital/syndromic etiologies. Traumatic cases may necessitate not only bony fixation, but possibly replantation of all or part of the hand and upper extremity. In addition, nerve and tendon repairs and transfers are important techniques for the restoration of sensation and function to the upper extremity. Trainees may pursue additional fellowship training in this field.

Migraine Surgery

Migraine pain can be debilitating and is instigated by the irritation of vessels, nerves and other soft tissues. Plastic surgeons can play a critical role in the treatment of migraines. Various novel treatment approaches have been developed, including endoscopic and direct surgical release of nerve triggers.

Nerve Surgery

Plastic surgeons perform nerve surgeries to treat a variety of conditions. Various applications of nerve surgery include brachial plexus surgery, facial reanimation, repair following traumatic injury, targeted muscle reinnervation and regenerative peripheral nerve interface. These various modalities aim to improve quality of life in patients with either congenital, acquired or traumatic nerve pathologies.