Plastic surgery is a medical specialty focused on the reconstruction, restoration, or correction of bodily defects due to birth disorders, trauma, burns, disease, or medical conditions. It aims to restore function and improve appearance for individuals with abnormalities or injuries.
Interested in Apronectomy? Connect with professionals near you who specialise in this area.
Curious about Body Lift? Explore our comprehensive guide to understand how it could benefit you.
Take the next step with Breast Enlargement and explore local professionals who can meet your needs.
Ready to explore Breast Implant Removal and replacement? Find local professionals who can provide expert care.
Find trusted professionals who offer Breast Lift (Mastopexy) and explore how they can assist you on your health journey.
Breast Reconstruction
Interested in Breast Reduction? Connect with professionals near you who specialise in this area.
Get started with Brow / Forehead Lift and discover professionals in your area who offer this service.
Calf Augmentation
Chin Augmentation
Eyelid Surgery
Interested in Face Lift? Connect with professionals near you who specialise in this area.
Interested in Facial Feminisation? Connect with professionals near you who specialise in this area,
Interested in Fat Transfer with professionals near you who specialise in this area.
Interested in Female to Male (FTM) Surgery? Connect with professionals near you who specialise in this area.
Interested in Forehead Reduction? Connect with professionals near you who specialise in this area.
If you're considering Hair Transplant, look no further to find qualified professionals ready to assist.
Interested in a Hoodectomy (clitoral hood reduction)? Connect with professionals near you who specialise in this area.
Ready to explore Labialplasty (Vaginal Reshaping)? Find local professionals who can provide expert care.
Explore our range of Liposuction options and connect with professionals in your area.
Interested in Male Breast Reduction (Gynaecomastia)? Connect with professionals near you who specialise in this area.
Mons Lift
Curious about Neck Lift? Explore our comprehensive guide to understand how it could benefit you.
Nipple Reduction
Interested in Non-Binary Surgery? Connect with professionals near you who specialise in this area.
Interested in Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty)? Connect with professionals near you who specialise in this area.
Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)
Interested in Pectoral Implants? Connect with professionals near you who specialise in this area.
Interested in a Plastic Surgery Consultation? Connect with professionals near you who specialise in this area.
Take the next step with Scar Revision Surgery and explore local professionals who can meet your needs.
Interested in Septoplasty? Connect with professionals near you who specialise in this area.
If you're considering Thigh & Buttock Lift, look no further to find qualified professionals ready to assist.
Get started with Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) and discover professionals in your area who offer this service.
Umbilicoplasty (belly button Surgery)
Cosmetic surgery is a subspecialty of plastic surgery that focuses on enhancing an individual's aesthetic appearance. These procedures are elective and performed to improve symmetry, proportion, or overall appearance.
| Feature | Plastic Surgery | Cosmetic Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Restorative and reconstructive | Aesthetic enhancement |
| Medical Necessity | Often medically necessary | Typically elective |
| Training Required | Specialized training in reconstructive techniques | Focus on aesthetic techniques |
| Insurance Coverage | May be covered if deemed necessary | Rarely covered as it is elective |
| Examples of Procedures | Breast reconstruction, burn repair, cleft lip correction, scar revision | Breast augmentation, facelifts, liposuction, rhinoplasty |
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.
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)
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).
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.
While plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery share similarities, their goals and applications differ significantly. Plastic surgery focuses on reconstructive and functional improvements, whereas cosmetic surgery is elective and designed to enhance appearance. Understanding these differences can help individuals make informed decisions about their surgical options and find the right specialist for their needs.
