Plastic-surgery - Introduction

Introduction

Video: plastic surgery

A plastic surgeon explains the difference between plastic and cosmetic surgery and the circumstances under which each method is used in the NHS

Plastic surgery is surgery to repair and reconstruct damaged skin and tissue. The damage may be the result of:

a congenital disease (a disease that is present from birth),
a disease or illness that develops later in life, or
an injury.

The main aim of plastic surgery is to restore the functioning of skin and tissue to a level that is as close to normal as possible. Improving the appearance of the skin is an important, secondary objective of plastic surgery.

Plastic surgery differs from cosmetic surgery

Cosmetic surgery is not the same as plastic surgery. Cosmetic surgery is surgery that is carried out by choice (elective) and is undertaken for the sole purpose of improving a person’s physical appearance.

Cosmetic surgery includes procedures such as:

face-lifts,
nose reshaping,
tummy tucks,
liposuction (excess fat removal),
female breast enlargement, and
breast reduction (male and female).

See the ‘useful links’ section for more information about cosmetic surgery.

Examples of plastic surgery include:

correcting congenital defects, such as a cleft lip and palate (a birth defect that affects the top lip and the roof of the mouth),
reconstructing skin and tissue following an illness that has affected a particular part of the body - for example, reconstructive breast surgery following a mastectomy (breast removal) due to breast cancer, and
repairing skin and tissue that has been damaged by fire, or other serious injuries, such as those sustained during motor vehicle accidents.

show glossary terms

Tissue: Body tissue is made up of groups of cells that perform a specific job, such as protecting the body against infection, producing movement or storing fat.
Congenital: Congenital means a condition that is present at birth. The condition could be hereditary or develop during pregnancy.
Disease: A disease is an illness or condition that interferes with normal body functions.
Stomach: The stomach is the sac-like organ of the digestive system. It helps digest food by churning it and mixing it with acids to break it down into smaller pieces.