Cosmetic Surgery

Understanding Cosmetic Surgery vs. Plastic Surgery: A Guide for the General Public

What is Cosmetic Surgery?

Cosmetic surgery is a specialized field focused on enhancing an individual's aesthetic appearance. These procedures are elective and performed to improve symmetry, proportion, or overall appearance. The goal of cosmetic surgery is to refine or enhance features rather than restore function.

Cosmetic Surgery

Abdominal Etching

If you're looking for a cosmetic abdominal etching service near me, My Health Assistant helps you connect with experienced professionals for safe, sculpted results in your local area.

Arm Reduction / Arm Lift

Searching for an arm reduction or arm lift service near me? My Health Assistant connects you with experienced surgical professionals offering expert body contouring to remove excess upper arm skin and fat for a smoother, more toned appearance.

Bariatric / Gastric Surgery

Searching for a bariatric or gastric surgery service near me? My Health Assistant connects you with experienced specialists and clinics offering safe, life-changing weight loss procedures.

Beard Transplant

Searching for a beard transplant service near me? My Health Assistant helps you find skilled professionals offering safe and effective beard restoration solutions tailored to your goals.

Body Lift

Searching for a trusted Body Lift service near me? My Health Assistant helps you find experienced surgeons and clinics offering this specialised body contouring service.

Breast Augmentation (Mammoplasty)

Searching for a Breast Augmentation (Mammoplasty) service near me? My Health Assistant connects you with trusted cosmetic surgeons offering this transformative and confidence-boosting procedure.

Breast Enlargement / Augmentation

Looking for a Breast Enlargement / Augmentation service near me? My Health Assistant helps you find expert surgeons offering customised breast enhancement procedures to boost confidence and body image.

Breast Implant Removal and Replacement

Looking for a Breast Implant Removal and Replacement service near me? My Health Assistant connects you with experienced cosmetic surgeons providing expert care for implant removal, replacement, and revision.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Looking for a Breast Lift (Mastopexy) service near me? My Health Assistant connects you with trusted professionals who provide expert breast lift services for a firmer, more youthful appearance.

Breast Reconstruction

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Breast Reduction (mammoplasty)

Searching for a Breast Reduction (Mammoplasty) service near me? My Health Assistant helps you find trusted professionals offering personalised surgical care to reduce breast size and improve comfort.

Brow / Forehead Lift

Searching for a Brow / Forehead Lift service near me? My Health Assistant connects you with skilled professionals who provide advanced cosmetic procedures to lift and rejuvenate the upper face.

Calf Augmentation

Searching for a calf augmentation service near me? My Health Assistant helps individuals find experienced cosmetic professionals offering calf implants and leg enhancement procedures tailored to your goals.

Cheek Implants

Explore our comprehensive guide to Cheek Implants and find local professionals ready to assist you.

Chin Augmentation

Searching for a chin augmentation service near me? My Health Assistant helps you find qualified professionals providing expert surgical and non-surgical chin enhancement treatments.

Chin Implant

Searching for a chin implant service near me? My Health Assistant helps you find qualified surgeons offering professional chin implant procedures to improve facial balance and aesthetics.

Cosmetic Surgery Consultation

Looking for a cosmetic surgery consultation service near me? My Health Assistant helps you connect with experienced surgeons who offer trusted, personalised advice before cosmetic procedures.

Ear Pinning

If you’re looking for a trusted ear pinning service near me, My Health Assistant helps you find expert professionals who provide safe and effective ear pinning (otoplasty) to correct prominent or misshaped ears.

Ear Reshaping / Correction

If you’re searching for a trusted ear reshaping/correction service near me, My Health Assistant can help you find experienced professionals who provide safe and effective ear reshaping surgeries to enhance ear shape and symmetry.

Earlobe Repair

If you’re looking for a trusted earlobe repair service near me, My Health Assistant can connect you with experienced professionals who provide expert earlobe reconstruction to fix stretched, torn, or damaged earlobes.

Eyebag Removal (Blepharoplasty)

Searching for an Eyebag Removal (Blepharoplasty) service near me? My Health Assistant helps you find experienced, local professionals offering this popular cosmetic procedure.

Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty)

Searching for an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) service near me? My Health Assistant connects you with trusted surgeons offering professional eyelid enhancement and rejuvenation procedures.

Eyelid Surgery

Searching for eyelid surgery service near me? My Health Assistant connects you with trusted, qualified specialists providing safe and effective eyelid procedures to improve appearance and vision.

Face Lift

Searching for a face lift service near me? My Health Assistant connects you with expert cosmetic surgeons and aesthetic professionals offering safe and effective facelift procedures near you.

Facial Feminisation

Searching for facial feminisation service near me? My Health Assistant helps you connect with qualified professionals offering tailored gender-affirming facial procedures to align with your identity.

Fat Transfer

Looking for a fat transfer service near me? My Health Assistant connects you with qualified professionals offering this natural body contouring service using your body’s own fat.

Female to Male (FTM) Surgery

Looking for a Female to Male (FTM) surgery service near me? My Health Assistant connects individuals with experienced, affirming healthcare providers offering surgical transition services across the UK.

Forehead Reduction

Searching for a forehead reduction service near me? My Health Assistant helps you find experienced surgical professionals offering hairline lowering and forehead shortening treatments near you.

Hair Transplant

Looking for a trusted hair transplant service near me? My Health Assistant connects you with experienced surgeons and clinics that specialise in restoring natural hair growth through safe and proven techniques.

Hoodectomy (clitoral hood reduction)

If you are searching for a trusted hoodectomy service near me, My Health Assistant helps connect you with experienced surgeons and healthcare providers specializing in clitoral hood reduction to improve comfort and aesthetic outcomes.

Inner Thigh Lift (Medial Thigh Lift)

Looking for an inner thigh lift service near me? My Health Assistant makes it easy to connect with experienced cosmetic surgeons offering professional inner thigh lift services to improve body contour and boost confidence.

Labialplasty (Vaginal Reshaping)

Searching for labialplasty near me? My Health Assistant helps you connect with experienced, discreet providers offering vaginal reshaping procedures to improve comfort, function, and confidence.

Liposuction

Looking for professional liposuction near you? My Health Assistant helps you connect with trusted surgeons offering expert fat removal treatments tailored to your body goals.

Male Breast Reduction (Gynaecomastia)

Searching for male breast reduction near you? My Health Assistant connects you with experienced surgeons offering expert gynaecomastia treatment and personalised care.

Mini Face Lift

Looking for a professional mini face lift service near me? My Health Assistant connects you with experienced aesthetic practitioners delivering natural-looking results through non-invasive facial rejuvenation.

Mole Removal

Looking for a safe and reliable mole removal service near me? My Health Assistant helps you find qualified skin health professionals offering expert mole and lesion removal with care and precision.

Mons Lift

Looking for a trusted Mons Lift service near me? My Health Assistant helps you find experienced professionals who provide personalised and safe intimate rejuvenation treatments.

Neck Lift

Looking for a trusted neck lift service near me? My Health Assistant connects you with experienced cosmetic professionals offering safe and effective neck lift procedures to restore youthful contours.

Nipple Reduction

Looking for a discreet and professional nipple reduction service near me? My Health Assistant connects you with qualified cosmetic practitioners for safe and effective treatment.

Non-Binary Surgery

Looking for a compassionate, gender-affirming non-binary surgery service near me? My Health Assistant connects you with inclusive specialists who respect your identity and goals.

Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty)

Searching for a professional nose reshaping (rhinoplasty) service near me? My Health Assistant helps you find experienced surgeons and cosmetic experts for precise, confidence-boosting results.

Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)

Searching for expert otoplasty (ear surgery) service near me? My Health Assistant helps you find trusted specialists offering ear reshaping and correction services tailored to your needs.

Pectoral Implants

Looking for a defined, sculpted chest? My Health Assistant helps you find a trusted pectoral implants service near me—making it easy to connect with expert cosmetic surgeons for male chest enhancement.

Plastic Surgery Consultation

Searching for a trusted plastic surgery consultation service near me? My Health Assistant helps you connect with qualified professionals for honest, expert guidance on cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.

Scar Revision Surgery

Searching for a scar revision surgery service near me? My Health Assistant links you with experienced surgeons who offer expert treatments to reduce scar visibility and restore skin appearance effectively.

Septoplasty

Searching for a reliable septoplasty service near me? My Health Assistant links you with qualified ENT specialists who perform nasal surgery to correct a deviated septum and restore clear breathing.

Skin Lesion Removal

If you're searching for a trusted skin lesion removal service near me, My Health Assistant connects you quickly with skilled doctors and clinics offering safe, effective skin lesion removal services to protect your health and restore your skin’s appearance.

Skin Tag Removal

If you're searching for a trusted skin tag removal service near me, My Health Assistant connects you quickly with skilled clinics and healthcare professionals offering safe and effective skin tag removal services for a smoother, more confident you.

Testicular Implants

If you are searching for a trusted testicular implants service near me, My Health Assistant connects you with experienced urologists and surgical specialists who perform safe and confidential procedures to restore a natural appearance and symmetry.

Thigh & Buttock Lift

If you are searching for a trusted thigh & buttock lift service near me, My Health Assistant connects you with experienced cosmetic surgeons who provide safe and professional procedures to enhance the shape, tone, and contour of your thighs and buttocks.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

If you are searching for a trusted tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) service near me, My Health Assistant connects you with experienced plastic surgeons who provide professional surgical procedures to remove excess abdominal fat and skin, tighten muscles, and restore a smooth, toned appearance.

Umbilicoplasty (belly button Surgery)

Looking for an umbilicoplasty service near me? My Health Assistant connects you with qualified surgeons and healthcare professionals offering expert belly button surgery services in your area.

Varicose Vein Treatment

Looking for a varicose vein treatment service near me? My Health Assistant connects you with qualified specialists who provide professional and effective varicose vein care.

What is Plastic Surgery?

Plastic surgery is a medical specialty that includes reconstructive and restorative procedures to correct defects due to birth disorders, trauma, burns, disease, or medical conditions. Unlike cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery aims to restore function while also improving appearance.

 

Key Differences Between Cosmetic Surgery and Plastic Surgery

 

FeatureCosmetic SurgeryPlastic Surgery
PurposeAesthetic enhancementRestorative and reconstructive
Medical NecessityTypically electiveOften medically necessary
Training RequiredFocus on aesthetic techniquesSpecialized training in reconstructive techniques
Insurance CoverageRarely covered as it is electiveMay be covered if deemed necessary
Examples of ProceduresBreast augmentation, facelifts, liposuction, rhinoplastyBreast reconstruction, burn repair, cleft lip correction, scar revision

 

 

Types of Cosmetic Surgery Procedures

Facial Enhancements

Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping)

Facelift and brow lift

Botox and fillers

Body Contouring

Liposuction

Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)

Brazilian butt lift (BBL)

Breast Procedures

Breast augmentation

Breast lift (mastopexy)

Breast reduction (for aesthetic reasons)

 

Types of Plastic Surgery Procedures

Reconstructive Surgery

Corrects birth defects (e.g., cleft palate repair).

Restores function after accidents (e.g., skin grafts for burn victims).

Repairs damage from disease (e.g., mastectomy reconstruction).

Hand Surgery

Treats conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendon injuries.

Craniofacial Surgery

Focuses on correcting deformities of the skull, face, and jaw.

Burn Surgery

Repairs skin damage and improves function after severe burns.

 

Overlap Between Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery

Some procedures fall into both categories depending on their purpose. For example:

Rhinoplasty can be performed for cosmetic reasons or to correct breathing issues.

Breast reduction may be done to relieve back pain (plastic surgery) or for aesthetic enhancement (cosmetic surgery).

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can improve vision (plastic surgery) or create a more youthful appearance (cosmetic surgery).

 

Choosing the Right Surgeon

Look for board certification from organizations such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS).

Check the surgeon’s experience and specialization in the procedure you want.

Read reviews and testimonials from previous patients.

Ensure the surgery is performed in an accredited medical facility.

 

Conclusion

While cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery share similarities, their goals and applications differ significantly. Cosmetic surgery is elective and designed to enhance appearance, whereas plastic surgery focuses on reconstructive and functional improvements. Understanding these differences can help individuals make informed decisions about their surgical options and find the right specialist for their needs.