A New Perspective on Plastic Surgery

​Be honest: When you hear the term "plastic surgery," what is the first thing that comes to mind? For many people, it's a luxury reserved for the rich and famous. For others, something they want for themselves. But what many people don't think of is the medical side of plastic surgery - the part that helps cancer survivors and accident victims feel whole again.

Dr. Ryan Mitchell of Henderson, Nevada, says that while plastic surgery - also called cosmetic surgery- is often elective, it can be just as often medically necessary.

"Some people just don't think of plastic surgery as being necessary or even practical, but it really can be," says Mitchell.

Everything from breast implants for mastectomy patients to repairing scarring from skin cancer removal to helping victims of automobile accidents, plastic surgery covers the whole gamut.

"Beauty is a large part of it, and that's just as valid of a reason to undergo plastic surgery as it is to fix a broken nose or a scarring from a severe burn," says Mitchell.