Plastic surgery is a medical specialty that involves the reconstruction, repair, or alteration of the human body to improve function or appearance. It is broadly divided into two types: reconstructive surgery, which addresses physical defects caused by trauma, congenital conditions, or medical issues such as cancer, and cosmetic (or aesthetic) surgery, which is performed to enhance a person’s appearance. Common procedures include rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), breast augmentation, burn repair, and cleft lip correction. Despite the name, “plastic” refers to the Greek word *plastikos*, meaning to mold or shape, not the synthetic material. Plastic surgery combines art and science, requiring both technical precision and a deep understanding of human anatomy.