The term Plastic Surgery, or “plastische chirurgie” as it is called in German, can be a thriving field of medicine, known to man since Antiquity. The first reconstructive surgeries were performed by Indians around 800 BC as well as the Greeks and Romans knew something relating to this revolutionary form of surgery. After that, scientists made great breakthrough discoveries which now permit plastic surgeons to perform operations that a few decades ago belonged to the field of science-fiction.

1. Plastische Chirurgie - a wish or an importance?
The term Plastic Surgery, or “plastische chirurgie” as it is called in German, can be a thriving field of
medicine, known to man since Antiquity. The first reconstructive surgeries were performed by Indians
around 800 BC as well as the Greeks and Romans knew something relating to this revolutionary form of
surgery. After that, scientists made great breakthrough discoveries which now permit plastic surgeons to
perform operations that a few decades ago belonged to the field of science-fiction.
How do we best define this Plastische Chirurgie?
In short, a surgical procedure deals with the restoration of form and function of the body. The two main
branches of plastic surgery are cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. While the first can be
involved with making improvements to the patient’s appearance for aesthetic reasons, the other one
deals with the correction of any physical deformity or abnormality. Of the two, surgery treatment is
better seen to the normal person. They have gained such popularity that nowadays including the
general term “plastic surgery” is usually used when talking about cosmetic surgeries only.
Aesthetic surgery obsession:
Cosmetic surgery has been a debate subject for many. A result of the great influence of media, more and
more people resort to aesthetic improvements in order to enhance the look of them. While many the
name itself is appalling and suggests something artificial and illusory, others have become addicts. Some
of the most common plastic surgeries are breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty and buttock
augmentation.
We can even take a look at a plastic surgery obsession, when we undertake numerous surgeries mainly
due to the burning desire to stay young and fit for as long as possible. This abnormal behavior has a
name: BDD, or Body Dysmorphic Disorder. This means that no matter how many improvements one
increases themselves, they are going to never be pleased with their looks. Studies show that half of the
patients struggling with this disorder who get their cosmetic surgery aren’t happy with the exact result.
Disregarding the extremists, what is the significance of Plastische Chirurgie?
Plastic surgeons debate that the benefits it brings are endless. Take into consideration children who're
being born with a birth defect, soldiers wounded in war, work accidents, and also the list can go on. All
these people have now the chance to live a standard life thanks to all the breakthroughs in the field.
No matter how we call it, be it plastic surgery, plastische chirurgie or numerous various ways, this
surgical procedure will always have adepts and enemies. One must not forget, however, the fact that
truth lies somewhere between. While it is a great step towards a more confident self, there will always
be right and wrong reasons to get plastic surgery; all one has to do is decide whether this operation is
really necessary or it is only a passing impulse.