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.

There is a common misunderstanding that the word plastic means artificial. However, the word comes from the ancient Greek word plastikos, meaning molding or forming. Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty that deals with both the improvement of the person's appearance and the reconstruction of facial and body tissue defects caused by disease, trauma, or birth defects.

Reconstructive plastic surgery is performed to treat dysfunctional parts of the body. It is carried out primarily to restore function, although it can also change the individual's appearance. For example, it can be performed to reattach amputated body parts.

Cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, techniques, and principles are entirely focused on improving the patient's appearance. Improving aesthetic features, symmetry and proportion are key goals. Cosmetic surgery can be performed on the head, neck, and every part of the body.