Difference Between Cosmetic Surgery and Plastic Surgery

Though used interchangeably, there is a slight distinction between cosmetic and plastic surgeries that people do not know about. Plastic surgery abroad is a medical specialty concerned with the reconstruction and restoration of form and function of the body. The best-known kind of plastic surgery is the cosmetic or aesthetic surgery. However, plastic surgery abroad, which includes re-constructive surgery, hand surgery, microsurgery and treatment of burns, cannot be termed a synonym for cosmetic surgery abroad.

Plastic surgery procedures involve repairing of body parts by transferring tissues for treatment of injury or for cosmetic reasons. Therefore, plastic surgery includes re-constructive and cosmetic surgery. Enhancing the appearance of aberrant parts of the body and face is part of re-constructive surgery or plastic surgery abroad. With these surgical procedures, disfigured parts appear to be normal after re-construction. Individuals opt for re-constructive surgical operations for restoration of the malformations, developmental abnormalities, tumors, infection and birth defects.

Cosmetic surgery abroad differs from re-constructive surgery in terms of purpose of restoration. Reconstruction involves repairing of an abnormal body structure and improving it to look normal. On the other hand cosmetic surgery abroad is a selective surgery that is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to enhance an individual's physical appearance. As severe trauma and public ridicule due to visible deformities is quite common, such procedures help in boosting self-esteem among people.

Plastic surgery abroad is more concerned about reconstruction of body parts rather than just its beautification. Repairing of a cleft lip or straightening of a broken nose is usually considered plastic surgery, not cosmetic surgery. This is because the body part being improved is not reconstructed to attain normalcy; rather, it is being brought back to normal appearance. Getting a nose job for enhancing structure of nose and the facial balance is a part of cosmetic surgery abroad.

Cosmetic surgery is a subset of plastic surgery and involves surgical and nonsurgical procedures which aid in reshaping normal structures of the body. Increasing lifestyle problems and peer pressure to look good has made cosmetic surgery a popular aesthetic procedure amongst individuals across the globe. However, these surgical operations should not be opted for to fit an ideal image; rather these should be resorted to for correcting variegated visible deformities. Appropriate candidates for cosmetic as well as plastic surgery are healthy individuals who have positive outlooks and realistic expectations from these corrective procedures.