Plastic surgery and the specialists

Abstract

Because of its extensive development plastic surgery has become an indispensable surgical unit in the general hospital. The relationship of this surgery to other specialities must be based on its definite indications. The manifold problems involved in the prevention and treatment of deformities caused by automobile and industrial accidents as well as by burns can be properly handled only by those thoroughly familiar with plastic surgery procedures. The successful reconstruction of highly hypertrophic and atrophic prolapsed breasts is at present assured by the method of subcutaneous transposition of the gland with mastopexy. Plastic repair in otorhinolaryngology as a rule should not be attempted by nose and throat specialists, and the association of plastic surgery with the laryngological service in a general hospital should be avoided. The end-results in rhinoplasties are uniformly successful if this surgery is performed aseptically and with proper skill. Intricacies of plastic repair in the paraorbital region are due to the different types of skin grafts required in a relatively limited area, and the great functional importance of the eyelids. Cicatricial contractions around the eyelids are the most common indications for this surgery. Cleft lip and cleft palate, repaired at an early age, should in the majority of cases be followed by a satisfactory end-result. A variety of skin conditions such as nevi, hemangiomas, lymphangiomas, large hairy moles, extensive pigmentation and scars can be successfully eradicated by plastic procedures, followed, if necessary, by the application of physical agents such as x-ray and radium. A great economic waste will thus be avoided.