The word ‘plastic’ in plastic surgery originates from the Greek term plastikos, which means "to mould or shape’. Many primitive plastic surgeries were developed and performed to close a difficult wound or for replacing tissue lost because of injury or cancer. These procedures then often involved the formation of a skin flap to mould or reshape / rectify the defect, so as to mould to the original shape.
Plastic surgery broadly encompasses both cosmetic as well as reconstructive surgery. Cosmetic surgery is performed for reshaping normal structures of the body and improving the person's overall appearance and self-esteem. On the other hand, reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the human body to rectify congenital defects, developmental abnormalities as well as to cure trauma or infection. It is performed for improving the function of some body part but may also be performed with an aim to approximate a more ‘normal’ or socially acceptable appearance.
It is important that you set realistic goals and have realistic expectations for yourself before undergoing plastic surgery. To start with, ask your plastic surgeon about the various benefits and limitations as well as risks involved in the plastic surgery, fully taking into account side effects, if any, and recovery time.
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