What is Plastic Surgery?

Plastic surgery (plastic and reconstructive surgery) refers to any type of surgery performed to reconstruct or change the appearance of a body part or characteristic.

In plastic surgery, there is a common misunderstanding that the word plastic means artificial. Rather, the word comes from the ancient Greek word plastikos, meaning molding or forming. Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty involved in both the improvement of the person's appearance and the reconstruction of facial and body tissue defects caused by disease, trauma or birth defects. Plastic surgery can be broadly classified as reconstructive or cosmetic (aesthetic) surgery, depending on whether it is performed primarily to restore function or change physical appearance.
Reconstructive plastic surgery is a treatment used to heal dysfunctional body parts (related to a disorder in the functioning of a structure or organ). It is used primarily to restore function, although it can also change the individual's appearance. For example, it can be used to reattach limbs severed by trauma.
Cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, techniques and principles are entirely focused on improving the patient's appearance. Improving aesthetic appeal, symmetry and proportion are key goals. An aesthetic surgery can be performed on every part of the head, neck and body.