Restoring Form. Enhancing Function. Transforming Lives.
Plastic Surgery is a broad and dynamic surgical specialty dedicated to the restoration, reconstruction, and enhancement of the human body’s form and function. Unlike region-specific surgical fields, plastic surgery spans head to toe, treating a vast range of conditions from congenital deformities and trauma injuries to aesthetic refinements and cancer reconstructions.
Its roots trace back to ancient India, where Sushruta, the father of surgery, pioneered nasal reconstruction around 600 B.C.—a foundational technique still in use today. The term “plastic” comes from the Greek word plastikos, meaning “to mold or shape.” It was introduced into modern surgical literature by French surgeon Desault, and later popularized in the 18th century by his student Bichat.
Plastic surgery is more than technique—it’s an art. As Aristotle said, “Art consists in the conception of the result before its realization.” This philosophy underpins the meticulous training of plastic surgeons. As Sir Harold Delf Gillies, father of modern plastic surgery, stated:
“While Reconstructive Surgery aims to restore an individual to normal, Cosmetic Surgery attempts to surpass the normal.”
This distinction defines the two major branches of plastic surgery, both of which are deeply interconnected and practiced expertly by Dr. Richie Gupta.
Key Branches of Plastic Surgery
From healing complex wounds to transforming lives through reconstructive and aesthetic procedures, Plastic Surgery is a discipline where science meets artistry.
Trust Dr. Richie Gupta for expert guidance, ethical care, and results that redefine possibility.
- Cosmetic & Anti-Aging SurgeryCosmetic surgery is sought by individuals who are physically healthy but wish to enhance or refine their appearance. It includes procedures like facial rejuvenation, breast enhancement, liposuction, body contouring, and more. Anti-aging surgeries target the visible effects of aging—such as sagging skin, wrinkles, or volume loss—helping patients look as youthful as they feel.
- MicrosurgeryMicrosurgery uses high magnification (4x–25x) to join tiny blood vessels and nerves. It allows: Replantation of amputated parts (fingers, limbs, penis) Free flap transfers for complex reconstructions AV fistula creation in patients with kidney failure for dialysis access Restoration of blood supply in trauma cases
- Birth Defect SurgeryPlastic surgery plays a crucial role in correcting congenital anomalies like: Cleft lip and palate Craniofacial abnormalities Limb and chest wall defects Spinal defects like meningomyeloceles
- Burns & Scar ManagementPlastic surgeons manage acute burn injuries, chronic wounds, scar contractures, and hypertrophic scars. Treatments include: Skin grafts, flaps, and VAC therapy Tissue expansion for replacing scarred skin Scar revision surgeries for cosmetic and functional improvement
- Breast SurgeryIncludes: Breast augmentation, reduction, and lift Gynecomastia correction in men Post-cancer breast reconstruction
- Cosmetic Suturing of LacerationsEven in emergency settings, plastic surgeons ensure optimal wound closure using refined suturing techniques that minimize scarring and preserve facial or functional anatomy.
- Reconstructive SurgeryReconstructive surgery is performed on individuals who have lost or damaged body parts due to cancer, trauma, infections, or congenital conditions. The goal is to restore appearance and function using: Local flaps (tissue near the defect) Distant flaps (e.g., cross-leg flaps) Microvascular free tissue transfer (transplanting tissue with blood vessels and nerves using microsurgery) Examples include breast reconstruction after mastectomy, jaw reconstruction after cancer, or soft tissue reconstruction after injury.
- Hand SurgeryPlastic surgeons treat: Hand injuries and amputations Congenital hand anomalies Paralysis due to nerve injuries Tumors and infections of the hand
- Maxillofacial, Craniofacial & Orthognathic SurgeryIncludes treatment of: Facial fractures from trauma Congenital facial deformities Jaw alignment surgeries (orthognathic procedures)
- Gender Affirmation Surgery (Transsexual Surgery)Comprehensive male-to-female and female-to-male surgical procedures to help individuals align their physical anatomy with their gender identity.
- Genital SurgeryCovers aesthetic and functional surgeries for both men and women, such as: Labiaplasty, vaginoplasty, and hymenoplasty Penile lengthening, girth enhancement, and reconstruction
- Wound Care & Complex Wound ReconstructionPlastic surgeons are often called upon to manage complex wounds that do not heal with conventional treatment. Techniques include: Debridement Skin grafting Flap coverage Negative pressure wound therapy (VAC)
- Skin and Appendage ConditionsTreatment includes: Vitiligo grafting and melanocyte transfer Scar revision for acne pits or surgical scars Skin cancer removal and reconstruction