Cosmetic Plastic Surgery: What It is & Its Types

By Dr. Devayani Barve-Venkat in Centre for Plastic, Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery

Apr 24 , 2023 | 4 min read

In the last few decades, plastic surgery has grown exponentially in both availability and public awareness. While often associated with celebrities and aesthetic improvements, the discipline is vast and encompasses life-changing functional restorations as well as cosmetic enhancements. The term plastic surgery is rooted in the Greek word 'plastikos', meaning 'to mould' or 'to give form'.

Plastic surgery procedures are generally divided into two essential categories: reconstructive surgery (restoring function and form lost due to trauma or disease) and aesthetic surgery (improving or altering appearance). This guide explores the breadth of these types of plastic surgery, their purpose, and the critical factors in ensuring a safe and successful outcome.

The Two Pillars of Plastic Surgery Procedures

Understanding the core distinction between the two primary types of plastic surgery is fundamental, as it dictates the goal, technique, and often, insurance coverage:

1. Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive surgery is performed to correct body and facial defects that are caused by birth defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors, or disease . The primary goal is to restore function and achieve a result that is considered near-normal in appearance.

Core Anatomical Scope: A plastic surgeon is uniquely trained to operate on complex anatomical areas, including the Maxillofacial skeleton, skin (including skin cancer removal and burn contractures), and congenital anomalies (e.g., cleft lip and palate) .
Advanced Techniques Used: Reconstructive surgery heavily utilizes techniques like Microsurgery (for reattaching nerves and blood vessels) and Tissue Expansion (to grow extra skin for reconstruction).
Common Procedures: Breast Reconstruction after mastectomy, Cleft Lip/Palate Repair, Hand Surgery, and Burn Reconstruction.

2. Aesthetic or Cosmetic Surgery

Aesthetic surgery, often referred to simply as cosmetic surgery, is performed to enhance or change a person's appearance to improve self-esteem and body image. It is an elective procedure performed on otherwise normal structures of the body. Patients who are ideal candidates for aesthetic surgery typically have a positive outlook, stable mental health, and realistic expectations about the procedural outcomes.

Common Aesthetic Surgery Procedures

Aesthetic surgery can be performed on almost any area of the body. The following are the most commonly requested plastic surgery procedures globally and in India: Globally, the most common procedures performed annually are Liposuction and Breast Augmentation.

Procedure	Purpose & Key Detail
Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)	To alter the shape of the nose; may also correct functional breathing problems.
Facelift (Rhytidectomy)	Lifting and tightening facial tissues to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles and sagging facial features.
Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)	Removes excess fat and skin from the upper and lower eyelids; can improve peripheral vision in some cases .
Hair Transplantation	Surgical procedure to move hair follicles from a donor area to balding or thinning areas.
Liposuction	Removes localized, stubborn fat deposits. It is a contouring procedure, not a weight loss solution .
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)	Tightens abdominal muscles and removes excess, sagging skin and fat, often after pregnancy or weight loss.
Breast Augmentation/Reduction	Augmentation increases size using implants; Reduction relieves back and neck pain caused by overly large breasts (often covered by insurance).

Detailed Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery time varies depending on the invasiveness of the plastic surgery procedure.

Procedure Type	Typical Downtime	Critical Home-Care Instructions
Minimally Invasive (e.g., Eyelid Surgery)	1–2 weeks	Elevate the treated area to reduce swelling; use prescribed cold compresses.
Moderate (e.g., Breast Augmentation, Liposuction)	1–2 weeks off work; 4–6 weeks for full activity	Wear compression garments as directed; avoid heavy lifting (over 5-10 lbs).
Invasive (e.g., Tummy Tuck, Facelift)	2–3 weeks off work; 6–8 weeks for full activity	Take prescribed stool softeners to ease constipation caused by pain medication; follow specific soft-food diet if facial surgery was performed .

It is vital to contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice signs of complications, such as a high fever, excessive bleeding on dressings, or severe pain unresponsive to medication.

Conclusion

Plastic surgery procedures offer life-changing potential, whether through the functional restoration of reconstructive surgery or the self-confidence boost of aesthetic surgery. By exploring the full range of types of plastic surgery and prioritizing a thorough consultation with a certified, high-volume plastic surgeon, you take control of your outcome.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for consulting a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Many Types of Plastic Surgeries are There?

The different types of plastic surgeries include breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, and many others. Most plastic surgery procedures are elective and not medically necessary, so it's important to consult a surgeon.

2. What Type of Plastic Surgery is Most Common?

The most common plastic surgery procedures include liposuction, breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, and facelift. All these procedures are the most sought-after by patients because they can change their physique dramatically. Sometimes a combination of these procedures will be performed by a surgeon depending on the patient's requirements.

3. Who Needs Plastic Surgery?

Plastic surgery is best for individuals who desire to improve their appearance. Many different types of plastic surgery procedures can vastly affect one’s appearance, ranging from minimal changes to increased size.

4. What is Another Name for Plastic Surgery?

Plastic surgery is also referred to as cosmetic surgery because it helps improve a person's aesthetic features. These surgical procedures have been in practice for a long time. It is a very sophisticated procedure; therefore, it is important to approach an experienced surgeon only.

5. What is Full-Body Plastic Surgery Called?

Full-body plastic surgery is called a full-body lift. It is a cosmetic procedure involving removing and revising skin, muscles, fat, and hair. This procedure is performed to give the best shape to a person.

6. Which is The Most Complicated Plastic Surgery?

Rhinoplasty is considered the most complicated plastic surgery. It is a surgical procedure to change the prominent features of the nose. Considering the nose is a delicate and sensitive body part, this type of surgery is a complicated one.