Plastic surgery
Introduction
Plastic surgery is surgery to repair and reconstruct damaged skin and tissue, usually following illness or injury.
The main aim of plastic surgery is to restore the function of skin and tissue to as close to normal as possible. Improving the skin’s appearance is an important secondary objective of plastic surgery.
When is plastic surgery used?
Plastic surgery can be used to repair damage caused by:
- illnesses or defects from birth, such as a cleft lip and palate
- an illness that has affected a particular part of the body, e.g. mastectomy (breast removal) as a result of breast cancer
- damage from fire (burns) or other serious injuries, such as those sustained during motor vehicle accidents
Read more about the different types of procedures.
Plastic surgery can help to maintain the structure of tissue in the body and replace skin that's been lost or damaged. It can also help a person to recover their self-esteem and confidence following an injury or illness.
Read more about why plastic surgery is necessary.
Risks
As with any type of surgery, there are risks and complications associated with plastic surgery. The degree of risk will depend on a number of factors, including whether the surgery is to a small or large area of tissue, the surgeon's level of experience and the overall health of the person having the procedure.
Some procedures carry specific risks, such as the risk of infection after a breast reconstruction or skin graft (where healthy skin is removed from the body to cover a damaged area).
Read more about complications of plastic surgery.
Plastic surgery versus cosmetic surgery
Cosmetic surgery is not the same as plastic surgery. Cosmetic surgery is carried out by choice in order to improve a person’s physical appearance. It includes procedures such as:
- facelifts
- nose reshaping
- tummy tucks
- liposuction (excess fat removal)
- female breast enlargement
- male breast reduction and female breast reduction
Plastic surgery is carried out for reconstructive purposes rather than for cosmetic reasons. It's usually done free of charge on the NHS.
Plastic surgery is performed by plastic surgeons who have received extensive training and belong to professional associations such as the:
