Plastic surgery is sometimes known as reconstructive surgery. Sometimes, it is also known as cosmetic surgery, however cosmetic surgery is normally elective surgery for aesthetic purposes only; plastic surgery is normally to correct abnormalties or problems.

Plastic surgery is not new - there is evidence that skin grafts and reconstructive work was done as early as the 8th century BC. India has a long history of plastic surgery with written annuals commenting on plastic surgery from the late 18th century onwards.

The most common forms of plastic surgery are:
- breast reconstruction for women who have had mastectomy
- cleft plate surgery (and palate)
- burn survivor skin grafts
- the correction of the appearance of the body after tumour removal

Popularity: 13% [?]