Plastic surgeries are often associated with aesthetic value. Many people opt for them so that they can enhance their appearance or look younger. However, did you know that people also undergo plastic surgeries for specific health conditions as well? These procedures help patients with congenital defects or anomalies so that they can live healthier lives. 

Let’s take a look at a few such procedures.

1. Breast reconstruction surgery
The main aim of this procedure is to correct one or both breasts. The goal is to match their symmetry and appearance, usually following congenital deformities, lumpectomy, or a mastectomy. The procedure can be done in stages, or it can even start at the time of mastectomy. There are two ways that doctors prefer to carry out this surgery: either by flap reconstruction or by implant-based reconstruction. Many factors are considered when doing this, such as the patient’s body type, cancer treatments undergone, and type of mastectomy. In addition to this, if only one breast needs correction, a breast augmentation, breast reduction, or breast lift may also be recommended for the opposite breast.

3. Cleft lip and palate repair surgery
Cleft palate and cleft lip are common birth anomalies seen in children worldwide. While the former is the incomplete formation of the roof of the mouth, the latter is the incomplete formation of the upper lip. This can leave a child looking disfigured and even cause eating problems. In such cases, a cleft palate repair or a cleft lip repair is undertaken. These can restore the normal function of the lips and mouth while also giving a normal appearance. Specialized plastic surgery techniques are used to improve the child’s ability to breathe, hear, speak, and eat. Speech rehabilitation and dental restoration may also be recommended for overall well-being. While cleft lip repairs are usually performed between ages two and six months, cleft palate repairs are undertaken when the child is between nine and 18 months of age.

3. Jaw straightening surgery
The last on our list of plastic surgeries for specific health conditions is orthognathic surgery. It involves correcting the jawline and a range of surgical processes to improve the form and function of the lower jaw, upper jaw, or chin. This helps optimize or normalize facial proportions and cure obstructive sleep apnea. So, this can be a life-changing procedure for many people. Orthognathic surgery can treat chin deficiencies, upper/lower jaw under-development, facial asymmetry, and open bite, crossbite, underbite, overbite, and other bite discrepancies. A surgeon will evaluate the facial structure before discussing which procedure is the best to remedy the concern.

In addition to the above, other corrective surgeries include explant surgery, craniosynostosis surgery, giant nevi removal, hand surgery, lymphedema surgery, microsurgery, panniculectomy, tissue expansion, and septoplasty.