The surgical reconstruction or alteration of the body’s appearance is the focus of plastic surgery, a medical specialty. These procedures can be done for medical reasons, like reconstructive surgery after an accident or injury, or for cosmetic reasons, like making a person look better or different.

The following are examples of common plastic surgery procedures:

Plastic surgery is a highly specialized field that requires extensive training and expertise. It can include breast augmentation or reduction, facelifts, neck lifts, rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping, liposuction, or body contouring, tummy tucks, or abdominoplasty, eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, and ear surgery, or otoplasty. In most cases, plastic surgeons must be board-certified in plastic surgery and have gone through years of rigorous training. They might work in private practices, hospitals, or centers that specialize in plastic surgery.

Even though plastic surgery can greatly improve a person’s appearance, there are risks associated with all surgical procedures. Before undergoing any procedure, patients should carefully consider their options and talk to a qualified plastic surgeon about their goals and concerns.