More than 100 plastic surgeons from across Tamil Nadu gathered in Chennai to celebrate World Plastic Surgery Day and raise awareness about the wider role of plastic and reconstructive surgery. The event highlighted the speciality’s contribution beyond cosmetic procedures and encouraged the public to seek timely treatment for complex medical conditions.
The Association of Plastic Surgeons of India (APSI) and the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Association of Plastic Surgeons organised the programme. The event brought together leading surgeons, medical professionals and postgraduate students. Participants stressed that plastic surgery restores function and quality of life for patients with burns, trauma, birth defects and cancer-related deformities.
Experts highlight reconstructive procedures
Speakers said many people still associate plastic surgery only with cosmetic enhancement. They explained that reconstructive surgery forms a major part of the speciality. Plastic surgeons regularly treat burn injuries, facial trauma, hand injuries, cleft lip and palate, pressure sores and post-cancer defects. These procedures help patients regain normal function and improve their quality of life.
Doctors urged patients to seek specialist care early instead of delaying treatment. They noted that prompt intervention often improves recovery and reduces long-term complications. They also encouraged general practitioners to refer suitable cases to plastic surgeons without delay.
Doctors dispel common myths
The programme also focused on correcting common myths surrounding the speciality. Experts clarified that plastic surgery does not involve the use of plastic materials. The name comes from the Greek word plastikos, which means “to mould” or “to shape.” Surgeons reshape and reconstruct tissues to restore appearance and function after disease or injury.
World Plastic Surgery Day gains global recognition
Organisers said World Plastic Surgery Day serves as a platform to educate the public about the speciality. India first observed National Plastic Surgery Day in 2011. The initiative gained international recognition in 2021 after the global plastic surgery community adopted July 15 as World Plastic Surgery Day. Since then, surgeons worldwide have marked the occasion through awareness campaigns, public lectures, free consultations and charitable surgeries.
Call for greater public awareness
During the Chennai event, surgeons reiterated that reconstructive procedures often receive less public attention than cosmetic surgery despite addressing life-changing medical conditions. They said patients recovering from severe burns, accidents and cancer frequently require specialised reconstructive procedures to restore movement, speech and appearance. These surgeries also help improve emotional well-being and social confidence.
The gathering concluded with a call for greater public awareness and stronger collaboration among healthcare professionals. Organisers said better understanding of the speciality would help more patients access timely treatment and improve health outcomes. They reaffirmed their commitment to expanding awareness programmes and ensuring that people recognise plastic surgery as an essential medical speciality rather than one limited to cosmetic procedures.
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