What Is Aesthetic Plastic Surgery?

The term plastic comes from the Greek word, Plastikos, which means to mold or reshape. Aesthetic means having a sense or love of beauty. In plastic surgery this love of beauty goes beyond restoring physical form.

"We restore, repair and make whole those parts which nature has given but fortune has taken away, not so much that they may delight the eye but they may buoy up the spirit and help the mind of the afflicted."
Tagliacozzi, 1597 Father of Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery is divided into two classifications - reconstructive and cosmetic.

Reconstructive plastic surgery is performed for medical reasons to repair deformities caused by accidents, disease or birth defects. Examples include repair of cleft lip and palate, breast reduction, breast reconstruction, and repair of facial injuries.

Cosmetic surgery is performed to enhance appearance. Examples are facelifts, breast enhancement or lift, body sculpturing, and breast enlargement. If you wish to learn more about specific procedures, we offer brochures, videotapes and booklets to help you make a well-informed decision.