The 4 pillars of plastic surgery

Plastic surgery is one of the most complex medical disciplines and is an integral part of many surgical disciplines. As such, it is really important to gain a full understanding of our discipline. The best way to do this is visually! Our umbrella organisation – the German Society for Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery – has created five informational videos together with the Cologne Academy of Media Arts to help you learn more about plastic surgery. It is essential that you only allow plastic surgeons who have completed proper training on the subject to perform plastic surgery. This is the only way to ensure the highest quality standards and patient safety!

Introducing plastic surgery

A brief overview of our discipline. Simply explained with the help of the Neumann family.

Aesthetic surgery

Aesthetic surgery – often referred to as cosmetic surgery – requires highly specialised and complex training, which is only guaranteed by specialist physicians who have completed plastic surgery training. In Germany, the term for cosmetic surgery (“Schönheitschirurgie”) is not protected. This means that doctors can call themselves cosmetic surgeons and perform plastic surgery interventions without possessing the necessary skill and training. Make sure your doctor is a member of the German Society of Plastic Surgery.

Reconstructive surgery

Thanks to reconstructive surgery, entire limbs and even whole faces can be reconstructed after accidents. Reconstructive surgery is an integral part of any surgical discipline and is vital for restoring a patient’s quality of life after serious illness or accident.

Burn surgery

Thanks to advances in burn surgery, plastic surgeons now help almost 50% of all children survive with burns of more than 50% of the body’s surface area. Not so long ago, the majority died in the case of such pronounced burns. With the help of flap plasty, scar improvement procedures and the possibility of skin transplants, many patients can go on to enjoy a good quality of life.

Hand surgery

Aside from our head, the hands are our most important tools for communication and interaction. Thanks to hand surgery, fingers that have been separated in accidents can be reattached, grip function can be restored, and more.