Plastic surgeon
In general, plastic surgery encompasses both aesthetic or cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery to deal with the repair, reconstruction or replacement of physical defects of form or function.
Aesthetic or cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve appearance and self-esteem.
Reconstructive surgery is performed to adjust, improve or correct abnormal structures of the body. These abnormalities may have been caused by congential defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, disease, infection, etc. This form of surgery is often done to improve function, but also to try to create a normal appearance.
There are numerous sub-specialties for reconstructive surgery including:
- Opthalmic surgery to address vision issues.
- Hand reconstructive surgery to remedy pain that may have been induced by illness, trauma or a birth defect or restore greater mobility to the fingers, wrist or forearm.
- Dermatological surgery to remove the effects of skin cancer.
- Craniofacial surgery to repair deformities to the nose and help alleviate conditions which may affect breathing.
