Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty, which changes the way a person’s body looks and feels. The term plastic derives from the Greek word plastikos, which means to mold or give form. There are two main types of plastic surgery. Reconstructive surgery is the surgical reconstruction of body defects due to trauma, burns, disease and birth defects. Cosmetic surgery is used to enhance a person’s appearance for purely aesthetic reasons.
Cosmetic plastic surgery is performed on normal body parts to improve a patient’s self esteem and perception of attractiveness. Many patients seek a more youthful, renewed appearance. In cosmetic surgery, skin, fat and muscle are reshaped, tightened and repositioned to enhance and improve the patient’s physical appearance. Typical surgeries include breast augmentations, rhinoplasty (nose job) and face lifts. Cosmetic surgery can be subtle or extreme.
