Plastic and reconstructive surgery
BMJ 2002; 324 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/sbmj.0206188 (Published 01 June 2002) Cite this as: BMJ 2002;324:0206188- Abhilash Jain, ARC clinical research fellow1,
- Jagdeep Nanchahal, senior lecturer,1
- 1Charing Cross Hospital, London
It is widely believed that plastic surgery is synonymous with cosmetic surgery.12 The underlying principles may be the same, although the work undertaken in the NHS by plastic and reconstructive surgeons differs from that undertaken in the private sector, where many procedures are done for cosmetic reasons. Although attention to aesthetics is important, plastic surgeons are involved in a huge and varied caseload that requires cooperation with all other surgical disciplines.
Plastic surgeons are expected to reconstruct virtually every region of the body and often work very closely with orthopaedic, breast, vascular, otonasopharyngeal, and maxillofacial surgeons. Owing to the great variety of operations plastic surgeons undertake it is likely that every medical discipline will come into contact with a team of plastic surgeons at some point. In this article we discuss the role of plastic and reconstructive surgeons and provide information for students considering a career in plastic surgery
Plastic surgery and the NHS
About half the referrals to plastic surgery come from general practitioners, a third from emergency departments, and the remaining fifth (major reconstructive surgery) from other surgical specialties (www.baps.co.uk). The emergency caseload of plastic surgeons consists mainly of burns, hand injuries, maxillofacial trauma, and leg trauma, and operations are performed in cooperation with orthopaedic surgeons.
Burn injuries are traditionally looked after by plastic surgeons in the …
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