The Medical Technology - Case Study Example

Modernity is characterized with technological advances. The developments made in technology include the medical field. Of central focus in the medical field has been the human body. In most cases, most medical or diagnostic procedures that are carried out are primarily on the human body. There are many issues that concern such procedures. For instance, the procedures have to be safe and with minimal side effects. Besides, the medical technology has to accord the desired transformation or treatment on the patient. In the following discussion, an analytical introspection into a highlighted medical technology will be given. In analysing the technology, the relevant theoretical and social implications would also be evaluated. In this case, the technology under focus is reconstructive surgery. In particular, the area of interest is facial reconstructive surgery. The technology involves coming up with the ideal facial features as per a patient’s demand. It has been in use for a while. In most cases, the technology has been conservatively used on persons who have been victims of physical harm or damage to the skin and facial muscles. However, the technology has also found use in beauty and aesthetics industry as more people seek facial reconstruction for personal reasons (THOMAS,2009). Another point of consideration is the iatrogenic effect that occasionally arises from such medical procedures. This has always elicited debates on the appropriateness of such a technology. This is discussed in detail in the following part. Theoretical background on Facial Reconstructive Surgery By definition, this medical procedure can be defined as the process that seeks to restore or manipulate the facial appearance of an individual. In so doing, the medical procedure even restores the functionality of the affected body tissues or muscles in the face. It is considered to be having a wide variety of procedures. Some of the procedures include for burns, surgery and even reconstructive processes. This medical procedure was instigated by the early procedures of an Indian surgical doctor who was known as Sushruta. Grafting is a common medical procedure in this form of surgery. In this case, a skin is usually taken from a part of the body which is deemed fit and nearly perfect and the transferred to the face. The graft can be from the body of the patient or even a donor. In which case, there are different types of grafting which are usually carried out in the process of facial reconstructive surgery. An example of grafting is autograft which involves transfer of a tissue from the body of the patient to the desired area of the same person. In that case, the graft is not subjected to the usual antibody as well as antigen reactions since it is auto transplant. Then there is the case of taking the desired graft from a different person which is called an allograft. This is also a medical procedure which exists though it is quite rare when compared to autografting (BECKER,1985). Either processes are part of the operations that can be carried out on the body for medical purposes or to improve the physical appearance. The Cost and Benefits of the Procedure Traditionally, the process of facial reconstructive surgery has been costly. In fact, it is a medical procedure which has been the preserve of the rich and the famous in the society. For regular citizens who live average lifestyles, the costs are prohibitive. Therefore, that makes the medical procedure only to be relevant in terms of coming in as a corrective measure for damages on the skin in the face from accidents, deformities, or diseases. The high cost come from the engaging surgical procedure as well as the expertise and equipment needed for a successful process. Coupled by the fact that there are strict regulations on such medical procedures, the cost of operation has to be naturally high. The Benefits Basically, the benefits of such medical procedures like the facial reconstruction one are purely physical as well as psychological. In physical terms, the restoration of damaged or harmed tissues brings back their old form. This naturally restores their looks as well as appearance. This has a huge impact on the people that have had the operations. Psychologically, the levels of confidence of such people usually improve greatly due to the achievement of the desired looks. In fact, their self esteems get a great boost from the medical procedures. Naturally, every human being wants to have an appealing physical outlook. The outlook restores a new look on the people leading to an uplift in their spirits spirits as well as pysches. Applications The medical procedure has applications under various circumstances. Some of these have already been discussed above. For instance, it has always been applied to accident victims who have had their faces or physical outlooks damaged by such unfortunate incidences. In addition, victims who have burnt their skins, for instance through accidents, fire outbreaks or even terrorist attacks have an opportunity getting their skin being restored back courtesy of the medical procedure. In other instances, the medical technology can be applied on celebrities who seek to enhance their statuses based on the nature of their careers. In a rather unethical circumstances, the procedure can also be used by criminals whose intentions are to conceal their looks thus escape the dragnets of the law. All these are possible scenarios under which the procedure can get its application. Possible Iatrogenic Effects from the Medical Procedures The medical procedure of reconstructive facial, just like any process which is overseen by human beings, is subject to procedural breaches. The process can have adverse effects on the patient. For instance, for a start, there is a possibility of the graft being rejected by the immune system of the recipient’s body. In such a case, the rejection can be in the form of autoimmune reactions which can be fatal if not corrected early (Baker, 2007). Besides, it would have cost the patient time as well as money. Other than that, there is a possibility that a complication might arise later after the medical procedure is carried out. The complication might come later in the form of infections or complications coming from the medical procedure. Such predicaments might put the patient or recipient of the medical procedure in a dire situation (GIBSON, 2008). These are some of the possible medical complications that might arise from the medical procedure. Examples of past medical procedures involving reconstructive facial surgery The most renown medical procedure of the nature of reconstructive facial surgery involved Michael Jackson. The singer was quite popular and famous. However, he faced personal issues on his appearance. Having been born of African American origin, he must have resented his black looks. Consequently, he sought to reconstruct his face to appear more white. In fact, he even made adjustments on his nose to make it look more pointed like that of his admired race. Earlier on, Michael had an unfortunate incident in which he was accidentally involved in a freak fire accident while performing on stage. The surgery worked out for Michael for quite some time but he was later to suffer from the iatrogenic effects of the medical procedure. For instance, occasionally his nose would often fall of from his face. In fact, in most times, his nose brought him complications which always sent him back to the doctor. There was a time that the media ridiculed him because of his physical appearance. Looking back, even the satisfaction that Michael was to get from his physical transformation was not realized. It brought more misery on him than happiness (HYAKUSOKU, 2010). The case of Michael is an example of a flawed medical medical procedure and the possible effects that it can have on the patient. Likewise, there are examples of successful medical procedures which have really changed the lives of the persons who underwent hem. Therefore, in reference to the view on the medical procedure, the choice I debatable and it depends on individual opinions that one desires. However,the fundamental reason should be for medical purposes (MANHEIN, 1999). Theories Relating to the Reconstructive Facial Surgery The human body has always been considered sacred. This is in the view that it is a representation of life which is given by a supreme deity. That is the view that most religious believers assert. Likewise, there are other theories which have been fronted by socialists as well as philosophers regarding the human body. In particular, the issue of concern has always been how ethical it is to involve the human body in research, whether anatomical or medical. In particular, religious adherents argue that the body should be treated with the divinity that God is characterized by (GARCES-FOLEY, 2006). Consequently, it would be wrong for an individual to seek surgery or facial modifications purely for aesthetic purposes. In view of that, the argument fronted by these groups of people is that man should fulfil the purpose of God in their lives. This bears relevance since from religious doctrines, it is insinuated that man was created as God’s own representation in image. Therefore, interfering with the image of man in terms of cosmetic surgeries that have been made possible through reconstructive facial surgeries is wrong and unacceptable (VERSTRAETE, 2011). Social theorists and pundits also invoke ethical issues when it comes to facial reconstruction. The concerns they raise are that such moves highlight deeply rooted social issues that bedevil the society. For instance, if an individual decides to seek facial reconstruction through surgery to improve a person’s look, then it shows the extent to which that person might have been suffering from personal resentments of sorts. In other instances, people have always sought to change their looks after undergoing sex changes. This is another issue which is full of controversies and elicits different reactions from various people (HUNTINGTON, 2007). Morality is an important issue when it comes to facial reconstruction. The intent of the patient defines the relativity in morality when it comes to the issue. For instance, if an individual seeks to have such an operation for purposes contravene what would be described as the normative trend set by the society’s social principles then it would be immoral. However, if the purpose of such medical procedure is purely for corrective purposes or as a recommended medical process, then it would be okay. The view proposed by moralists is that there is no relativity when it comes to the issue of morality. The principle accepted in morality is that of absolutism ad it also applies to medical procedures done on the body (WILKINSON,2003). That is why the process should only be recommended on a person whose intention is for medical purposes. However, this is a view which is presented by moralists. Their views should not necessarily be taken as a representation of the views of everyone. It is imperative that a careful deliberation needs to be done in regards to the choice of the medical procedure that should be conducted on one’s body (PAPEL, 2009). Facial reconstruction is a medical procedure which is akin to a double edged sword. This comes from the fact that it can be quite beneficial to the people who go through it. Likewise, it can be quite harmful to the patient. In terms of societal norms as well as trends, there are some considerations that should be looked into before conducting the medical procedure. There are different views on the matter based on its possible side effects as well as ethical or morality issues. In particular, there are those who are against the concept citing religious doctrine ad morality issues. However, given the unique situations that drive people into seeking such corrective processes, its use is debatable. It can be conducted strictly as a procedure seeking to restore the looks of people following hams or injuries to the face (WECHSLER, 2007). However, for individuals who seek to enhance their physical outlooks for beauty purposes, they should think otherwise before going for the medical procedure. The case of Michael Jackson should be the example of the possible outcome of the process. This should act as a reference to any person who is interested in the medical procedure for aesthetic purposes. Bibliography BAKER, S. 2007. Local flaps in facial reconstruction. Edinburgh, Elsevier Mosby. BECKER, F. F. 1985. Facial reconstruction with local and regional flaps. New York, Thieme-Stratton. GARCES-FOLEY, K. 2006. Death and religion in a changing world. Armonk [u.a.], Sharpe. GIBSON, L. 2008. Forensic art essentials a manual for law enforcement artists. Amsterdam, Academic Press. http://site.ebrary.com/id/10216775. HUNTINGTON, D. 2007. Happy About my Christian faith 10 stories that will touch your soul. HYAKUSOKU, H. 2010. Color atlas of burn reconstructive surgery. Heidelberg, Springer. MANHEIN, M. H. 1999. The bone lady: life as a forensic anthropologist. New York, Penguin Books. Cupertino, CA, HappyAbout. PAPEL, I. D. 2009. Facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. New York, Thieme. THOMAS, J. R. 2009. Advanced therapy in facial/plastic reconstructive surgery. New York, McGraw-Hill Medical. VERSTRAETE, L. 2011. Case files: 40 murders and mysteries solved by science. Toronto, Scholastic Canada. WECHSLER, H. 2007. Reliable Face Recognition Methods System Design, Implementation and Evaluation. Dordrecht, Springer. http://public.eblib.com/EBLPublic/PublicView.do?ptiID=437889. WILKINSON, C. 2003. Forensic facial reconstruction. New York, Cambridge University Press. Read More