What is the difference between plastic surgery and aesthetic surgery?

It is very common to believe that there is no difference between plastic surgery and aesthetic surgery or that they are very similar concepts, however, each discipline comprises different surgical techniques. In order to understand the difference, we will explain each concept. 

What is plastic surgery?

Plastic surgery is the specialty responsible for correcting all kinds of anomalies or deformities in the body. This technique is based on the transplantation and mobilization of tissues through grafts or implants of inert material. 

Plastic surgery is performed on people who have suffered some kind of trauma, accident or who have a congenital disease that has caused the deformation of some part of the body. 

Some plastic surgery procedures

• Breast reconstitution
• Surgery to disguise scars
• Repair surgery
• Limb reconstruction

What is aesthetic surgery?

Aesthetic surgery is that one used to improve patient’s physical appearance. Many people access it to delay the signs of aging, for example, or to reduce body fat, which is the most demanded. That’s the reason why liposuction is one of the most common surgeries. 

Aesthetic surgery is more related to personal wishes and the need to improve self-confidence and thus have a better self-esteem. 

Some aesthetic surgeries are: 

• Liposuction
• Abdominoplasty
• Rhinoplasty
• Buttock augmentation
• Breast augmentation or reduction
• Facelift Treatment

Once we know both concepts, we can understand the difference between plastic surgery and aesthetic surgery.

After reading the concepts of each, we can realize that the difference between plastic surgery and aesthetic surgery is that the first is performed to repair an area of the body due to some pathological cause or by accident, while the second is performed just for the wish of looking better, in other words, it is an elective surgery. 

Now you know the difference between plastic and aesthetic surgery, you can have a better understanding of the subject. At the Martinez Plastic Surgery Clinic, we provide you with the extensive experience of Dr. Martinez to perform the surgery you need.  Leave us a message for more information.