Merriam-Webster defines ‘Plastic Surgery’ as “surgery done to repair, restore, or improve lost, injured, defective, or misshapen body parts” (“Plastic Surgery”, 2013).​

Plastic surgery can be classified into two categories: Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery.​

Cosmetic plastic surgery is concerned with procedures that reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve the patient’s appearance and self-esteem; whereas reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body to improve functions, but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance.  Since cosmetic surgery is generally an elective process, it is not usually covered by health insurance. However, health insurance coverage for reconstructive procedures differ based on the type of procedure (American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2012a, 2012b).

Cosmetic surgery is opted for by people who seek to improve their physical image. Such people are of the view that by doing so, they will be able to boost their self-esteem and self-confidence. In contrast, reconstructive procedures are undertaken to correct any deformities that are caused due to accidents or illnesses. In a way, we can look at reconstructive procedures as being “necessary”, rather than “elective” in the case of cosmetic surgery.

This web report is focussed on Cosmetic Surgery.​

Cosmetic surgery can be performed via surgical as well as non-surgical/minimally invasive procedures.