Cosmetic surgery is a unique discipline of medicine focused on enhancing appearance through surgical and medical techniques. Cosmetic surgery can be performed on all areas of the head, neck and body. Because treated areas function properly but lack aesthetic appeal, cosmetic surgery is elective.

Plastic surgery is defined as a surgical specialty dedicated to reconstruction of facial and body defects due to birth disorders, trauma, burns, and disease. Plastic surgery is intended to correct dysfunctional areas of the body and is reconstructive in nature.

The most important thing to remember is that the terms plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are not interchangeable. Confusion about the terms has led to public misconceptions about the two specialties. Cosmetic surgery is the 'surgery of appearance.' It is elective and focuses on the aesthetics of beauty.