Difference between Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery

The term plastic surgery comes from the Greek word ‘plastikos,’ which means to mould or form. This is the same reason why plastic got its name. Plastic surgery is a type of surgery that changes one’s appearance and ability to function. It has a broad category of procedures involving reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.

Reconstructive procedures help restore the body’s appearance and function after an illness, injury, or congenital condition—E.g., ear deformity, cleft lip, injury (burns), etc. Cosmetic procedures, on the other hand, also called aesthetic procedures, modify the body part that a person dislikes or is unsatisfied with. The purpose of cosmetic surgery is to enhance one’s appearance. E.g., rhinoplasty (reshaping the nose), liposuction (removing fat from a particular area), face sculpting, etc.

Plastic and cosmetic surgery are closely related specialities, but they are not the same. Let’s understand in greater detail what the differences are. 

1. Plastic and cosmetic surgery have different goals. While both aim to improve a person’s body, their research, training, and plans for patient outcomes are additional for both plastic and cosmetic surgery.
2. Plastic surgery focuses on repairing defects to restore the appearance and normal function, whereas cosmetic surgery focuses on enhancing appearance. The table below gives examples of the same.

Difference between Plastic surgery and Cosmetic surgery

Reconstructive surgery helps to repair defects. But what about people who want cosmetic surgery to enhance their appearance? Is having cosmetic surgery a good idea? These decisions can make a massive impact on your life. Cosmetic surgery is unlikely to affect your life functionally.

However, the decision to have cosmetic surgery is personal. If you are considering cosmetic surgery, take your time to decide. Ensure that what you do is suitable for you and not under pressure. It is essential to talk about it with your family and doctor. Understand the pros and cons of cosmetic surgery and discuss your expectations clearly with your doctor to have a successful cosmetic surgery.

The steps involved in both types of surgeries, which are plastic and cosmetic, are usually similar. However, some cosmetic surgeries do not need incisions and stitches. Most plastic and cosmetic surgeries involve anaesthesia, stitches, etc. 

1. A cosmetic surgeon is required in a case like a girl who wishes to enlarge their breasts for cosmetic reasons. However, when in some cases, one breast has not developed, or there is a vast size difference between both breasts, a plastic surgeon may be approached. 
2. Doctors who perform plastic and cosmetic surgeries ensure that their patients can handle and understand the stress of surgery.
3. The surgeon will only perform specific procedures like rhinoplasty once they make sure that the person is old enough for the surgery (for girls: age 15 or 16; for boys: 16 or 17). This is because, after puberty, the body undergoes significant physical transformation.
4. It is recommended to wait for the body to complete its natural course and then make any surgical changes.

You may need plastic surgery or want cosmetic surgery. If you are considering surgery, talk to your family and doctor. Think about it, gather detailed information on both the procedures and most importantly, understand if you want to do it. Have an explicit knowledge of the expected surgery results and discuss your expectations with your surgeon before surgery. 

Now you know the difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery. If you have any questions about plastic and cosmetic surgery, the best plastic/cosmetic surgeon near you, or any other questions, feel free to contact our care team at HexaHealth. Our expert team will guide you briefly and solve all your doubts. You can also visit HexaHealth for detailed information on plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures.