What is Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery, by definition, is concerned with the "repair, restoration, or improvement of lost, injured, defective, or misshapen body parts".  Plastic surgery, in many cases, is not only sought out because of the outward beauty a person is searching for, but it also helps boost a person's self-esteem and confidence.    

Contrary to popular belief, the word plastic doesn't implicate that the individuals receiving the surgery are going to get stuffed with synthetic substances. Rather, the word plastic, coming from the Greek word plastikos, actually means "able to be molded".

Two Main Types of Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic
This type of plastic surgery focuses primarily (if not fully) on the aesthetic appeal of an individual. People who are not happy with a certain body part or their looks in general are common participants of plastic surgery. Typically due to self-esteem, most people who receive cosmetic surgery don't have any pressing medical or health concerns and simply do it because they want to feel better about themselves. Some common cosmetic surgeries include:

• Breast augmentations
• Face lifts
• Botox
• Rhinoplasty

Reconstructive
This type of plastic surgery focuses primarily on improving functionality on top of aesthetics.  Regardless of why someone receives reconstructive plastic surgery, it's almost always a necessary measure to improve their health and quality of life. Some common reasons to get reconstructive surgery include:

• Deformities from birth
• Injuries from accidents
• Aftermath of diseases
• Health concerns

Public Acceptance or Rejection
Historically, people saw plastic surgery as something only the wealthy would do as an excessive way to improve their looks.  Because of the harsh stigma placed on this "luxury", as some people called it, individuals went to great lengths to hide their plastic surgery procedures. However, in more recent times, the idea of plastic surgery has become less of a taboo with many advocates arguing that plastic surgery is just like makeup - a means to improve oneself. In addition, plastic surgery can be invaluable to those that need it for reconstructive purposes due to health concerns or other deformities.