Plastic surgery is a procedure performed to change an external part of the body or its appearance. It may be performed to address problems that result from disease, trauma or congenital defects, or may be completed solely to improve the appearance of the body or skin.

Plastic surgery may be divided into two types. Reconstructive surgery addresses problems that are the result of birth defects, injury, disease or infection. Cosmetic surgery focuses on reshaping normal structures to improve the external appearance of the body. Most plastic surgeries are reconstructive, with many of them related to tumor removals. However, cosmetic surgeries are more often associated with the term “plastic surgery” and include body contouring procedures such as liposuction and facial surgeries. Most facial surgeries, such as facelifts and browlifts, are designed to remove wrinkles and fight the effects of aging on the skin.

In addition to these invasive surgeries, many plastic surgeons perform less invasive cosmetic procedures such as chemical peels and dermabrasion, which produce similar results to facelifts. Newer methods of laser surgery, which are less invasive than plastic surgery, are also performed for many conditions, including some formerly treated with plastic surgery. A number of these cosmetic and noninvasive procedures can also be performed by well trained dermatologists.

For all plastic surgeries, especially those for cosmetic reasons, patients should research the procedures and potential results. Some patients may have unrealistic expectations about the results of surgery and may be disappointed in the time and money devoted to a procedure. Patient self-knowledge and study of the potential outcomes increase the likelihood of a positive response to the surgery. Research should also include careful surgeon selection and understanding of the procedure and its recovery period.

Some plastic surgery procedures are relatively simple and may be performed in a clinic or physician’s office with just a local anesthetic. Others are major surgeries that involve hospitalization, general anesthesia and lengthy recovery times. All procedures can involve normal surgical outcomes such as pain, swelling, bruising and limitations on activity during recovery.