The word “plastic” has long been assumed to infer something artificial or fake-looking, causing many to be apprehensive about undergoing plastic surgery. Jacksonville-area residents considering plastic surgery invariably are concerned about the results of their procedures looking anything but natural, so this is a common question for staff at Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery (aka the Garcia Institute).

Actually, the “plastic” in plastic surgery doesn’t refer to artificiality at all. Instead, the term is derived from the Greek word “plastikos,” which means to mold or give form – which is exactly that plastic surgeons do for patients’ faces and bodies. The term comes from the practice of the earliest known plastic surgeons developing skin flaps to close wounds or replace tissue lost to injuries or skin-deforming diseases such as skin cancer in an effort to restore the patient’s original appearance. Archaeological and written evidence suggests medical treatments for facial injuries were performed more than 4,000 years ago, and in ancient India, physicians are known to have performed skin graft procedures as early as 800 B.C.

An important distinction to keep in mind is the difference between cosmetic plastic surgery and reconstructive plastic surgery. Jacksonville-area plastic surgeons use the same definitions of the two adopted by the American Medical Association and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons:

• Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body, caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors, or disease. It is generally performed to improve function, but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance.

• Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve the patient’s appearance and self-esteem.

At Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, Jacksonville patients can be assured that our goal is to give you a natural-looking change or enhancement to your look that will boost your confidence and self esteem. We carefully counsel each patient to make sure expectations are realistic and the results are beautiful. Often, this means a change in a patient’s approach to plastic surgery.

Jacksonville patients undergoing reconstructive plastic surgery get the same treatment in terms of efforts to achieve a natural look. However, depending on the severity of the injury or deformation, a fully natural appearance may not be possible. Reconstructive plastic surgery in Jacksonville and beyond is performed for two primary reasons – to restore lost functionality (your ability to smile, open or close your eyes and speak clearly) and to restore your face’s aesthetic form.

When considering reconstructive plastic surgery or cosmetic plastic surgery, Jacksonville patients should be fully aware of the reasons behind each type and the possible outcomes for each. Also keep in mind that while many reconstructive surgeries are covered by insurance, most cosmetic surgeries are not. Some gray areas do exist. For instance, eyelid surgery that improves your look also may improve your sight by removing overhanging tissue that blocks your vision. To find out more about cosmetic or reconstructive plastic surgery, contact Garcia Institute at (904) 247-8522 to set an appointment for your consultation.