Plastic surgery encompasses both cosmetic plastic surgery and reconstructive plastic surgery. Cosmetic plastic surgery includes surgical procedures such as face-lift, tummy tuck, nose reshaping, liposuction and breast enhancement.

For more complete information on abdominoplasty, rhinoplasty, liposuction, face-lift and breast enhancement, visit...

Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery

...a website providing complete information on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, and non-surgical procedures.

Cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures increased 33% from 2002 to 2003; more than 8.7 million procedures were performed. Plastic surgery breaks down into two major categories: cosmetic and reconstructive.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

Popular procedures include rhinoplasty (nose surgery), liposuction, tummy tuck and face-lift. Breast enhancement can involve breast augmentation with breast implants, breast reduction, and breast lift. Breast surgery provides many options for changing the breast size and shape. It has become more popular in the past ten years, as methods have improved dramatically. Implant technology is always changing and improving. The many varieties today enable customized fit for desired proportion and achieve shape.

Other types of cosmetic plastic surgery procedures are less invasive than the procedures mentioned above. These include
anti-aging treatments such as antioxidants, hair transplants and stretch mark treatments.

Facial rejuvenation techniques can deal with adult acne. Microdermabrasion, exfoliants and chemical peels can effect desired changes to your skin. Laser skin procedures can address scars and hair removal.

Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

These procedures are used primarily to correct facial, skin, or body deformities due to disease, injury, or birth defect. Reconstructive surgery procedures that are most often performed include augmentation following breast cancer surgery, hand surgery, and treatment of burn victims. The board-certified plastic surgeons who focus on cosmetic surgery also often provide their time to help in treating patients in need of reconstructive surgery.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Use the Surgeon Directory on the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery to find a board certified plastic surgeon. The Directory has separate sections for breast, face, nose, tummy tuck and liposuction.