What is Aesthetic (esthetic) Surgery?

Aesthetic (esthetic) surgery (also known as plastic or cosmetic surgery) is a field of specialized operations used to alter a person's appearance for the purpose of restoring or correcting physical form. While cosmetic surgery is most frequently associated with procedures done for aesthetic purposes, there are also many other ways that this form of surgery can benefit patients.

Aesthetic (esthetic) surgery

The most-performed type of cosmetic operation is known as aesthetic surgery, which deals with modifications made to a person's body or face that are intended to maintain or restore the patient's normal appearance, or to enhance it in order to reach some higher aesthetic ideal. The number of cosmetic procedures in the United States alone exceeds 12 million per year; the second largest market for these operations is Europe, where plastic surgery is a $2.2 billion industry. Cosmetic surgery is also an accepted practice in Asia, where children receiving cosmetic eye surgery can often be found in Japan and South Korea. Many types of operations fall under the "aesthetic surgery" classification, including:

• Abdominoplasty, or reshaping of the abdomen;
• Blepharoplasty, an application of permanent eyeliner or a reshaping of the eyelids;
• Rhinoplasty, the reshaping of the nose;
• Otoplasty, or reshaping of the ear;
• Cheek augmentation, in which a patient receives implants to the cheek.

Reconstructive surgery

The second most common type of plastic surgery operations performed are known as reconstructive surgery; this type of surgery is performed less to reach aesthetic goals and more to restore functions or a semblance of normality to some part or parts of a patient's body or face. Reconstructive surgery attempts to reverse functional impairments caused by burns, infection or disease, facial fracturing, and birth or developmental abnormalities (such as a cleft lip or palate). The most common reconstructive operations performed are laceration and scar repairs, breast reduction, contracture surgery (performed on burn survivors to reduce tightening of scarred skin, which can cause further damage), and outer ear creation (again, for burn survivors, or if one is absent at birth).

Other types of aesthetic surgery

Aesthetic (esthetic) surgery is also frequently used when a patient's hand or fingers have been damaged and a "replant" operation is necessary; plastic hand surgery can even extend to handling ligament, tendon, and bone injuries as well. Microsurgery procedures (those requiring an operating microscope) also frequently fall under the aesthetic (esthetic) surgery category, especially when dealing with surgery around the eyes, nose, and ears.

This article is not intended as medical advice, but rather as general information on the topic. Anyone seeking medical guidance in this area should consult with a licensed physician.