The past two decades have seen an increase in the number of Americans who want to have plastic surgery. This trend has emerged for several reasons. The world is caught up in the youth movement and the desire to look young. Movie stars have plastic surgery to tighten their bodies and show a youthful appearance. Another reason a typical American engaged in middle management has plastic surgery is a fear that if the employee doesn't look young and vigorous the individual might be displaced in the job by a younger worker. Plastic surgery is also used to correct nature's mistakes at birth, and to provide a quality of life and end disfigurement for people who have been burned or injured. Despite the popular misconception, the word "plastic" in plastic surgery does not mean "artificial," but is derived from the ancient Greek word plastikos, which means to mold or give form. And plastic surgery does just that - it gives new form to the human body. Plastic surgery includes reconstructive and aesthetic subspecialties. Plastic surgery is a medical specialty, practiced by licensed medical doctors. There are two separate components to this specialty; doctors may practice in both areas, but usually specialize in one.
Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve the patient's appearance and self esteem. Commonly performed cosmetic procedures include face lifts, eyelid lifts, breast enlargements, some nasal surgery, body contouring and liposuction.
Reconstructive Surgery
Reconstructive surgery, on the other hand, is performed on abnormal structures of the body caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors, injury, or disease. Reconstructive surgery is done to improve function, but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance. Plastic surgery is a specialty that is not limited to a region of the body or age group. It has been described as a specialty devoted to the solution of difficult life problems. Its goal is to restore or create the best function of a part of the body with superior aesthetic appearance.