Plastic Surgery

Understanding Plastic Surgery vs. Cosmetic Surgery

What is Plastic Surgery?

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.

Plastic Surgery

Apronectomy

Looking for an apronectomy service near me? My Health Assistant helps you connect with trusted healthcare professionals offering expert surgical removal of excess abdominal skin for improved comfort, mobility, and confidence.

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 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

Looking for a Breast Reconstruction service near me? My Health Assistant connects you with qualified professionals offering personalised breast reconstruction to support your recovery and confidence after surgery.

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.

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.

Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid Surgery

Face Lift

Interested in Face Lift? Connect with professionals near you who specialise in this area.

Facial Feminisation

Interested in Facial Feminisation? Connect with professionals near you who specialise in this area,

Fat Transfer

Interested in Fat Transfer with professionals near you who specialise in this area.

Female to Male (FTM) Surgery

Interested in Female to Male (FTM) Surgery? Connect with professionals near you who specialise in this area.

Forehead Reduction

Interested in Forehead Reduction? Connect with professionals near you who specialise in this area.

Hair Transplant

If you're considering Hair Transplant, look no further to find qualified professionals ready to assist.

Hoodectomy (clitoral hood reduction)

Interested in a Hoodectomy (clitoral hood reduction)? Connect with professionals near you who specialise in this area.

Labialplasty (Vaginal Reshaping)

Ready to explore Labialplasty (Vaginal Reshaping)? Find local professionals who can provide expert care.

Liposuction

Explore our range of Liposuction options and connect with professionals in your area.

Male Breast Reduction (Gynaecomastia)

Interested in Male Breast Reduction (Gynaecomastia)? Connect with professionals near you who specialise in this area.

Mons Lift

Mons Lift

Neck Lift

Curious about Neck Lift? Explore our comprehensive guide to understand how it could benefit you.

Nipple Reduction

Nipple Reduction

Non-Binary Surgery

Interested in Non-Binary Surgery? Connect with professionals near you who specialise in this area.

Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty)

Interested in Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty)? Connect with professionals near you who specialise in this area.

Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)

Looking for otoplasty service near you? My Health Assistant connects you with experienced surgeons offering ear reshaping and correction procedures. Book expert care today.

Pectoral Implants

Interested in Pectoral Implants? Connect with professionals near you who specialise in this area.

Plastic Surgery Consultation

Interested in a Plastic Surgery Consultation? Connect with professionals near you who specialise in this area.

Scar Revision Surgery

Take the next step with Scar Revision Surgery and explore local professionals who can meet your needs.

Septoplasty

Interested in Septoplasty? Connect with professionals near you who specialise in this area.

Thigh & Buttock Lift

If you're considering Thigh & Buttock Lift, look no further to find qualified professionals ready to assist.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Get started with Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) and discover professionals in your area who offer this service.

Umbilicoplasty (belly button Surgery)

Umbilicoplasty (belly button Surgery)

What is Cosmetic 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.

 

Key Differences Between Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Surgery

 

FeaturePlastic SurgeryCosmetic Surgery
PurposeRestorative and reconstructiveAesthetic enhancement
Medical NecessityOften medically necessaryTypically elective
Training RequiredSpecialized training in reconstructive techniquesFocus on aesthetic techniques
Insurance CoverageMay be covered if deemed necessaryRarely covered as it is elective
Examples of ProceduresBreast reconstruction, burn repair, cleft lip correction, scar revisionBreast augmentation, facelifts, liposuction, rhinoplasty

 

 

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.

 

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)

 

Overlap Between Plastic and Cosmetic 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 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.