Integrative Medicine and Plastic Surgery: A Synergy-Not an Antonym

Medicina (Kaunas). 2021 Apr 1;57(4):326. doi: 10.3390/medicina57040326.

Abstract

Background: Integrative medicine focuses on the human being as a whole-on the body, mind, and spirit-to achieve optimal health and healing. As a synthesis of conventional and complementary treatment options, integrative medicine combines the pathological with the salutogenetic approach of therapy. The aim is to create a holistic system of medicine for the individual. So far, little is known about its role in plastic surgery.

Hypothesis: We hypothesize that integrative medicine based on a conventional therapy with additional anthroposophic therapies is very potent and beneficial for plastic surgery patients. Evaluation and consequence of the hypothesis: Additional anthroposophic pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments are promising for all areas of plastic surgery. We are convinced that our specific approach will induce further clinical trials to underline its therapeutic potential.

Keywords: anthroposophic medicine; complementary medicine; integrative medicine; plastic surgery.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Integrative Medicine*
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures*
  • Surgery, Plastic*