Plastic surgery represents a set of procedures that modify various areas of your body. It is performed on the face, neck, limbs, and other areas, except the central nervous system. These procedures improve physical appearance and restore functions affected by illness, trauma, or birth defects.

In this blog post, we discuss what plastic surgery is, different types and their costs, and how to find the best plastic surgery clinic in Kenya.

What is Plastic Surgery?

The word plastic is derived from the Greek word “plastikos,” meaning to mold or form. Trained plastic surgeons modify a specific body part to restore its function and enhance its appearance.

Plastic surgery is divided into two major types:

1. Reconstructive surgery
2. Cosmetic surgery

Reconstructive Surgery

The reconstructive surgical procedures aim to repair tissues or organs damaged by accidents, illness, or birth defects. They’re often medically necessary and covered by insurance. Some of the common reconstructive procedures are:

Breast Reconstruction

This surgery restores the shape of a breast that was altered or removed during a prior procedure, such as a mastectomy for breast cancer. The surgeons rebuild the breast using implants or your own tissue. This results in improved shape, volume, and appearance of the breast. Further, the reconstruction restores a balanced weight distribution to align the spine.

Cleft Lip and Palate Repair

In children born with cleft lip and palate, surgery improves speech, eating, and appearance for a brighter start in life. For a cleft lip, treatment typically begins within the first 3 to 6 months of age, followed by cleft palate surgery between 6 and 12 months. Frequent, long-term monitoring is essential to ensure consistent progress and optimal development.

Scar Revision

Scars from burns often shake one’s confidence, especially if they are on the face or hands. Scar revision surgery helps address them safely and effectively. The primary goal is to make a scar less noticeable by blending it into the surrounding skin tone and texture. While the surgery cannot remove scars entirely, it can restore everyday functioning if they restrict your movement or impact your confidence.

Cosmetic Surgery

These are elective procedures aimed at refining your physical appearance. They are safe and help you achieve your ideal body image. Some of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures are:

Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)

Reshapes the nose for better proportion or to fix breathing issues. This includes changing the nose size, adjusting the symmetry, and reshaping the size and position of the nostrils.

Liposuction

Removes stubborn fat deposits from areas like the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. However, it is not a solution for weight loss or obesity. The procedure does not alter your underlying metabolism or hunger hormones. So, weight regained after liposuction causes remaining fat cells to expand, and leads to new fat accumulation in untreated areas of the body.

Breast Augmentation/Reduction

Increases size and restores breast shape post-pregnancy. There are mainly two types of breast augmentation procedures: implants and fat transfer augmentation. Implants involve inserting silicone or saline shells to increase breast size. On the other hand, fat transfer augmentation uses liposuction to harvest fat from the abdomen or thighs, which is then purified and injected into the breasts for a more natural feel. Many women report renewed body confidence after a breast augmentation procedure.

Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

Tightens facial skin and muscles to reduce wrinkles. The procedure primarily focuses on the lower two-thirds of the face, specifically improving the jawline, neck, and the folds around the mouth.

Tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Flattens the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat from the abdominal area. It is particularly effective for tightening weakened or separated muscles, often caused by pregnancy or significant weight loss. The long-term results include improved core strength and relief from lower back pain.

Mommy Makeover

Combines tummy tuck, breast lift, and liposuction for complete post-pregnancy restoration. The primary goal is to restore the shape and firmness of the breasts and abdomen by removing excess skin, tightening stretched muscles, and eliminating stubborn fat deposits. Recovery from a mommy makeover is more intensive because the body must heal from multiple surgical sites simultaneously. Your surgeon may discuss a longer and more structured approach for your well-being.

Cost of Plastic Surgery in Kenya

The cost of plastic surgery varies significantly depending on the procedure’s complexity, the surgeon’s expertise, and the facility used.

Insurance providers may partially cover reconstructive surgeries. Some reconstructive surgeries (such as burn or trauma repair) are covered by the Social Health Authority (formerly NHIF). However, elective cosmetic procedures are almost exclusively self-funded. Total costs usually include surgeon fees, anesthesia, hospital stay, and post-operative garments. Get an estimate of the costs for various plastic surgeries at our clinic.

Risks of Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery procedures have relatively low overall complication rates. The common risks include surgical site infections, bleeding/hematoma, delayed wound healing, scarring, and fluid buildup. Serious risks are rare and include blood clots, nerve damage, or anesthesia reactions.

Recovery from plastic surgery varies from one person to another. Proper aftercare and regular monitoring by board-certified surgeons help you manage most issues easily. We encourage patients to discuss their concerns with our doctors and weigh the benefits against risks.

Choosing the Right Clinic: A Practical Checklist

Your safety always comes first. Always seek qualified medical professionals to ensure the best outcomes. Here’s a simple due diligence checklist every Kenyan should follow before going for plastic surgery:

✅ Confirm the surgeon’s name on the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) Register
✅ Confirm the facility license
✅ Ask for annual practicing licenses and the surgeon’s sub-specialty
✅ Request to see before/after cases of that specific procedure
✅ Confirm if an anesthetist is part of the team
✅ Review the post-op follow-up plan
✅ Ask about an emergency response protocol

Plastic Surgery at Nords Weight Loss Center, Nairobi

Nords Weight Loss Center offers personalized consultations with top plastic surgeons. We review your health history, assess the practicality of your goals, and suggest procedures to ensure optimal outcomes with compassionate care. This seamless approach ensures that every procedure is as safe as it is transformative for your specific needs:

Highlights of Our Center:

• Fully licensed hospital featuring sterile theaters, advanced anesthesia support, and full emergency readiness.
• Dedicated consultant anesthetist included in every surgical team for maximum patient safety.
• Flexible inpatient and day-case options providing specialized nursing care, monitoring, and meals
• Comprehensive aftercare packages including follow-ups, dressings, compression garments, and necessary scans.

Key Takeaways

Plastic surgery offers meaningful options for restoration and enhancement tailored to your specific needs. It is essential to discuss your personal goals and the potential risks of your chosen procedure. Use our checklist to ensure you are in the right hands, as your well-being always comes first. If you are ready for a transformation, book a consultation with us today.