Dr. Shim Ching’s Take On What Plastic Surgery Is

Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty involving the restoration, reconstruction, or alteration of the human body. It can be divided into two main categories: reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery. Reconstructive surgery includes craniofacial surgery, hand surgery, microsurgery, and the treatment of burns. While reconstructive surgery aims to reconstruct a part of the body or improve its functioning, cosmetic (or aesthetic) surgery aims at improving the appearance of it. Both of these techniques are used throughout the world.

Dr. Shing Ching talked to us about the different approaches to different kinds of plastic surgery. Dr. Ching’s medical education and training placed a strong emphasis on developing the surgical skills needed to adopt the latest innovations. That philosophy guides Dr. Ching’s approach to plastic surgery today, creating results that look natural and beautiful by combining his experience and talent with the latest devices and innovative techniques at his disposal. Dr. Ching’s passion for plastic surgery compels him to remain at the forefront of the field and continue to explore how technology can help his practice, Asia Pacific Plastic Surgery Inc., offer an even better experience to patients.

Dr. Ching’s reputation as a plastic surgeon who blends artistry and skill has been honored many times, both here in Hawaii and nationwide. He has been named as one of the Best Doctors in America since 2011, a recognition reserved for the nation’s top 5% of doctors. He also earned first place in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s People’s Choice Awards since 2013 and was among Honolulu Magazine’s Top Doctors in Hawaii since 2011.  Castle Connolly Top Doctors have also awarded Dr. Ching Best Doctor status since 2016. Honolulu Magazine has also awarded our practice, Asia Pacific Plastic Surgery as the best cosmetic surgery practice in Honolulu since 2015.

Plastic surgery is a broad field and may be subdivided further. In the United States, plastic surgeons are board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Subdisciplines of plastic surgery may include:

Aesthetic surgery

Aesthetic surgery is a central component of plastic surgery and includes facial and body aesthetic surgery. Plastic surgeons use cosmetic surgical principles in all reconstructive surgical procedures as well as isolated operations to improve the overall appearance.

Burn surgery

Burn surgery generally takes place in two phases. Acute burn surgery is the treatment immediately after a burn. Reconstructive burn surgery takes place after the burn wounds have healed.

Hand surgery

Hand surgery is concerned with acute injuries and chronic diseases of the hand and wrist, correction of congenital malformations of the upper extremities, and peripheral nerve problems (such as brachial plexus injuries or carpal tunnel syndrome). Hand surgery is an important part of training in plastic surgery, as well as microsurgery, which is necessary to replant an amputated extremity. The hand surgery field is also practiced by orthopedic surgeons and general surgeons. Scar tissue formation after surgery can be problematic on the delicate hand, causing loss of dexterity and digit function if severe enough. 

Microsurgery

Microsurgery is generally concerned with the reconstruction of missing tissues by transferring a portion of tissue to the reconstruction site and reconnecting blood vessels. Subspecialty areas are breast reconstruction, head and neck reconstruction, hand surgery/replantation, and brachial plexus surgery.