Introduction
Plastic surgery is a multifaceted field in the sense that the surgeon makes use of existing medical knowledge and clinical experience to ensure that the patient’s expectations and aesthetic goals are met. In addition, scientific breakthroughs and innovations in the art of plastic surgery have made cosmetic procedures more effective in terms of results and patient safety.
In the past, debates have tackled the issue of whether plastic surgery is an art or a science. Today, the majority of people agree that plastic surgery rests somewhere between science and art; thus, plastic surgeons are deemed part artist and part scientist.
The scientific and artistic components of plastic surgery
Science is defined as a methodical and hypothetical arrangement of knowledge that is attained via observation, based on the configuration, constitution, and operation of things. It involves experiments, research, and testing of ideas. Plastic surgeons are regarded as scientists because of their keenness to explore the medical discipline of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, to experiment with various procedures and tools, and to test and validate hypotheses pertaining to their field of study.
On the other hand, plastic surgeons are also considered artists because they enhance the aesthetic appearance of the human body by sculpting, contouring, removing, adding and rearranging different physical features. In order to deliver better aesthetic results, a plastic surgeon is required to have a sense of beauty, artistry, creativity, and an eye for detail.
The plastic surgeon fuses scientific knowledge gained through years of education, experience, and research with his natural or acquired sense of aesthetics and artistic skills; making him both an artist and a scientist, and reinforcing the notion that plastic surgery is a combination of art and science.
Delivering scientific and artistic values
Plastic surgeons use their creative and scholarly expertise to transform the human body and enhance the physical appearance of patients. The improvements in the technologies and techniques of plastic surgery demonstrate the artistic and scientific value of this discipline.
Several people wonder whether plastic surgeons rely on inspiration and their sense of beauty when conducting surgical procedures or if they simply depend on their years of medical training and practice. Some patients question if surgeons take the patient’s goals and desires into account before performing the operation, while others doubt that plastic surgeons are motivated to go the extra mile to deliver optimum results.
The answers to these speculations are quite complex. There are many plastic surgeons who use the traditional approach, which means that they rely on their training, education, and experience to perform surgeries. Most of them don’t evaluate the target area’s dimensions and composition before performing the surgery. They use the standardized methods and techniques for all patients.
On the contrary, the modern approach to plastic surgery is to custom-tailor the procedure according to the needs and aspirations of the patient. However, the plastic surgeons would have to take measurements and assess the layout of the target area as well as its features before proceeding with the surgery. This approach involves careful attention to detail and calls for a greater sense of aesthetics and artistic skill. It is a holistic approach in that the plastic surgeons view the target area in light of the patient’s overall figure and aim to achieve completely proportionate changes in the body.
Results of the scientific and artistic approach
Plastic surgery is an amazing combination of science and art. However, the results will be impressive only when the procedure is performed by a Board-Certified plastic surgeon who is not only adept at the technical aspects of the particular procedure but also has a great appreciation for aesthetics and artistry.
The results of the scientific and artistic approach can have a very deep impact on the physical appearance and emotional or psychological wellbeing of the patient. Plastic surgery has turned into one of the hottest trends because of its effectiveness and its tendency to improve the patient’s quality of life.
Patients undergo plastic surgery for a variety of reasons, but the underlying motivation remains the same, i.e. to boost their self-confidence. Physical imperfections and shortcomings often leave the image-conscious people at low ebb emotionally and psychologically. They experience a drop in their self-esteem as a result, which keeps them from fully engaging others and failing to unleash their full potential in their personal, social and professional lives.
Plastic surgery resolves the aesthetic flaws and deficiencies of the patients, which in turn help them overcome their fears and regain their self-assurance. The scientific and artistic aspects of plastic surgery work in harmony to bring about this change. Science, or art alone, cannot deliver effective results; therefore, it is important to choose a plastic surgeon who is well-versed in both the scientific and artistic aspects of plastic surgery.
Scientific and artistic advances
A good plastic surgeon always keeps up with the scientific and artistic advances in plastic surgery. The most important goal of a plastic surgeon is to ensure patient satisfaction, which cannot be possible without staying up-to-date with the innovations and progress being made in the medical field.
The good news is that the number of research studies on plastic surgery has increased tenfold. The technologies, standards, procedures, techniques and protocols pertaining to cosmetic surgery are witnessing waves of improvements in recent years. This simply means that plastic surgery is becoming safer and more effective for prospective patients.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that plastic surgery is an amalgam of science and art. Technology, research, standards, and techniques are only some of the factors that contribute to the improvement of the scientific aspect of plastic surgery. Conversely, artistic factors like the surgeon’s sense of aesthetics and artistic skill are required to contour and sculpt the body to satisfy the modern standards of beauty. A plastic surgeon is therefore required to be proficient in the scientific aspects of plastic surgery and at the same time, have exceptional artistic qualities.