Plastic surgeons surgically restore or repair the form or function of a particular body part (sometimes non-surgical). The procedures and surgeries offered by a plastic surgeon can be either cosmetic or reconstructive in nature.
Cosmetic surgery, also referred to as aesthetic surgery, is an elective surgery and is not undertaken to treat a specific medical condition or injury. Rather, it focuses on surgically improving of the visual appearance of a body part, with many patients choosing to undergo an elective cosmetic procedure to improve self-image and confidence. One example of a elective procedure is rhinoplasty surgery— though it may also double as a reconstructive procedure in the event of a broken nose.
Plastic surgery also includes reconstructive procedures, performed to restore the function of a body part adversely affected by a medical condition, defect, or injury. For example, surgery to correct a cleft lip or palate are relatively common reconstructive procedures.
