Plastic or cosmetic surgery actually covers a variety of procedures which alter the body's outward appearance.

The term plastic surgery is derived from the Greek word "plastikos" which means "to mold". Plastic surgery procedures as we know them were carried out in 600 BC, and were primarily attempts to restore normal form to body parts that had been altered due to injury or war. Plastic surgical procedures can be divided into two major categories: cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.

Reconstructive surgery involves the restoration of function or form to body parts that have been damaged as a result of injury, disease, or congenital defects. All plastic surgery requires technical as well as artistic skills. Cosmetic surgery improves the appearance of otherwise normal structures.

These procedures are used to shape certain body parts such as the breast or nose, soften skin tone to reduce wrinkles, or to correct problems resulting from accident or disease.