On World Plastic Surgery Day, award-winning surgeon highlights the growing role of reconstructive procedures in trauma, burn injuries, congenital deformities and post-cancer rehabilitation

Yamunanagar | Rama Kaushik

Marking World Plastic Surgery Day on July 15, nationally acclaimed plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Anil Aggarwal emphasised that plastic surgery extends far beyond cosmetic enhancement, playing a vital role in restoring function, rebuilding damaged body parts and improving the quality of life for patients recovering from trauma, burns, cancer and congenital conditions.Observed annually to commemorate the establishment of the International Confederation of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (IPRAS), the day aims to increase public awareness about the medical significance of plastic and reconstructive surgery.Dr Aggarwal said plastic surgery broadly comprises two major disciplines-reconstructive surgery and aesthetic (cosmetic) surgery. While reconstructive surgery focuses on restoring the body’s appearance and function following accidents, burn injuries, cancer treatment, birth defects and other forms of trauma, aesthetic surgery is designed to improve appearance and enhance self-confidence. He noted that both specialties play an equally important role in modern healthcare. Highlighting the increasing demand for reconstructive procedures, Dr Aggarwal said patients commonly seek treatment for post-burn contractures, cleft lip and cleft palate, hand injuries, facial fractures resulting from road accidents, chronic wounds, diabetic foot ulcers and skin grafting. He also underscored the importance of breast reconstruction surgery following breast cancer treatment. According to Dr Aggarwal, women who undergo mastectomy often experience significant physical and emotional challenges. Reconstructive surgery helps restore body image, improve self-esteem and enhance overall quality of life. He explained that the procedure may be performed either immediately after cancer treatment or at a later stage using implants or the patient’s own tissue. Speaking about aesthetic procedures, Dr Aggarwal said treatments such as scar revision, mole and keloid removal, liposuction, rhinoplasty and hair transplantation are increasingly common. However, he stressed that the objective is not to create a “perfect” appearance but to help individuals feel more comfortable and confident in their own bodies. He said advances in microsurgery, laser-assisted procedures and minimally invasive techniques have significantly improved surgical outcomes, reduced recovery time and made treatments safer than ever before. Dr Aggarwal cautioned the public against undergoing cosmetic procedures at unqualified beauty clinics or by practitioners lacking specialised training. He advised that plastic surgery should always be performed by a qualified plastic surgeon in a properly equipped hospital. He further advised patients to discuss the benefits, risks and realistic expectations of any procedure with their surgeon before treatment. Maintaining good nutrition, avoiding smoking and following post-operative medical advice, he said, are essential for faster recovery and better outcomes. Calling for greater public awareness on World Plastic Surgery Day, Dr Aggarwal said plastic surgery should be recognised as an important medical speciality that restores function after injuries, corrects congenital deformities, supports cancer rehabilitation and helps patients regain confidence and dignity through timely treatment.

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