Question:
I feel dumb for asking this, but what exactly is the

I've never quite understood the term 'plastic surgery'. I have never had any and now there is a real possibility that I might. This is probably a very stupid question to some, but I'm serious in asking it. Thanks to all who take the time to answer. :)    — [Anonymous] (posted on September 30, 2001)

September 29, 2001
I'm the original poster. Some wording was left out of my question that makes it look incomplete. My orginial question was "what exactly is the 'plastic' in plastic surgery? lol, I don't need a silly question looking sillier than necessary. :)
   — [Anonymous]

September 30, 2001
One of the greatest things about the Internet.....you can look up ANYTHING you need to know and find an answer! This one is from plasticsurgery.org: "The word "plastic" comes from the Greek word PLASTIKOS, meaning "to mold or shape." Many of the first plastic surgeries were developed to close a difficult wound or replace tissue lost due to injury or cancer. These procedures often involved the formation of a skin flap to reshape or mold the defect so as to approximate the original shape."
   — Cathy J.

September 30, 2001
A "plastic surgeon" is a surgeon who has taken extra training in esthetic and reconstructive surgery. Make sure that your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.There are subspecialites within this area-some surgeons specialise in breast, hand or facial reconstruction. These guys can literally work miracles. I had a panniculectomy a few years ago to remove 17 lbs. of redundant abdominal skin after a 100 lb. WT loss. The scar goes from hip to hip. It's a flat, thin pinkish-purple line, less than 1/4 inch wide. I'm very fair skinned but the scar is virtually invisible. I'm having a DS on Oct. 3, and will be using the same surgeon for any reconstructive surgery after I lose more WT. When you chose a surgeon, ask to see pictures of his work. This is acceptable in plastic surgery; he will show you pictures of a panniculectomy, for example, so you can judge for yourself what you will look like afterwards. Some surgeons also use computer imaging to show this. If you're near NYC, stop in and I'll show you my nearly invisible panni scar! Good luck!
   — dantevolta

September 30, 2001
You might try looking at http://www.plasticsurgery.org/ it is the Plastic Surgery Information Service website. It is very good and explains the different types of surgery and how to find a board certified plastic surgeon. My wls surgeon offered to do a tummy tuck and repair a hernia at the same time but I think I'm going to consult a plastic surgeon as that is their specialty.
   — georgiacarol

September 30, 2001
my dear angel georgia...i just saw my breast surgeon friday for my 4 week check up on my surgery. i asked him some questions on exactly this subject. i wondered what will happen to my breasts after my weight loss (i didnt like his answer lololol) so we spoke of breast reduction. when i inquired as to whether he would do it for me or not his answer was 'no i dont do plastic surgery. u will also need a tummy tuck at the same time so make sure u find a very good plastic surgeon to do it.' so my advice to u is to call dr newhoff's cindy & ask her for a recommendation to one. i think with our wonderful surgeons credentials he would know who the best plastic surgeon in phoenix is.
   — sheryl titone