Plastic surgery consists of a variety of surgical and non-surgical procedures used to enhance, reconstruct, repair, or restore body parts and tissues. While most think of cosmetic procedures when speaking of plastic surgery, the field of  plastic surgery encompasses a large array of  non-cosmetic treatments that plays an integral role in treating body parts defective from medical illness.

Plastic surgeries can be divided into two categories. Cosmetic plastic surgeries are procedures used to enhance the appearance of normal structures of the body. Reconstructive plastic surgeries are performed on abnormal structures of the body, caused by birth defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, injury, infection, tumors, and disease. Reconstructive surgeries are usually done to improve function, but may also be done to generate a normal or socially acceptable appearance.

Our site provides some general information about the most common procedures performed in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeries. For a more comprehensive overview, please visit www.plasticsurgery.org.