Cosmetic surgery is when nothing but the patient’s desire to improve their outward physical appearance necessitates their want for plastic surgery. Cosmetic plastic surgery is performed to change or enhance a healthy, normal, functioning part of the body.
Reconstructive surgery is when the surgery is performed to restore proper functionality to a body part or to achieve physical normality. Reconstructive surgery is intended to correct a physical abnormality caused by a birth defect, tumor or disease, infection, or physical trauma.