Ludhiana, July 31
Plastic surgery can help correct disfigurement arising not only from congenital deformities, but also from injuries etc. These observations were made by Dr Deepak Bhatti, professor with the plastic surgery department at Christian Medical College and Hospital.
Delivering a special lecture on the topic at the Lions Bhavan here last evening, Dr Bhatti spoke at length on 'Plastic Surgery - Its Realms and Social Relevance'. He spoke of details of the treatment of various congenital deformities such as cleft lip and cleft palate, which, he claimed, could be corrected surgically giving the child a normal life.
"Microsurgery techniques such as reconstruction of injured tissue and re-implantation of amputated body parts help the patient in not only regain his bodily functions but also get psychological benefits. In the case of burn injuries, a plastic surgeon plays a crucial role in meeting the challenges which both the physicians and the patient are confronted with."
Dr Bhatti also dwelt upon the aesthetic side of plastic surgery where it could contribute to the social and psychological well-being of a person. He said actors and models were not the only ones to take help from plastic surgery for career advancement. He said plastic surgery was becoming more relevant in helping boost self-confidence of individuals by improving their looks.
Tracing history of plastic surgery, he said, "Plastic surgery is not a new or foreign concept in India. Actually, it has been incorporated in the social fabric of our country since time immemorial. Sushruta, who is regarded as the father of plastic surgery by the whole world, started it in 600 BC."
