What Does a Plastic Surgeon Do? A Complete Guide

Say "plastic surgeon" and most people picture cosmetic procedures — but that's only part of the specialty. Plastic surgery is, at its core, about restoring or reshaping form and function, and it spans a far wider range of medicine than its popular image suggests.

Reconstructive vs. Cosmetic Surgery

Plastic surgery is generally split into two overlapping areas. Reconstructive surgery repairs defects caused by trauma, burns, cancer removal, congenital conditions, or previous surgery — restoring function and, where possible, appearance. Cosmetic (or aesthetic) surgery, by contrast, is elective work aimed at changing an already-healthy feature. Many plastic surgeons, including those training in reconstructive units, work across both areas.

Common Procedures Plastic Surgeons Perform

• Facial procedures — rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, facelifts
• Breast procedures — augmentation, reduction, lift, gynecomastia surgery
• Body procedures — liposuction, tummy tucks, body contouring
• Reconstructive surgery — burn reconstruction, scar revision, flap surgery, hand surgery

The Training Behind the Title

Becoming a plastic surgeon starts with a medical degree, followed by several years of general surgical training, and then further years of dedicated plastic surgery specialist training and examinations — in Pakistan, this typically culminates in an FCPS (Plastic Surgery). Many surgeons also pursue additional international qualifications and focused courses, such as microsurgery and flap reconstruction training, along the way.

When Should You See a Plastic Surgeon?

Beyond cosmetic concerns, a plastic surgeon is often the right specialist for scar problems, hand injuries, complex wound healing, or reconstruction following an accident or tumour removal. If you're unsure whether your concern falls under plastic surgery or another specialty, a consultation is usually the fastest way to find out.

Dr. Ibrahim Nasir Idrees is a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Registrar in Islamabad, Pakistan, training across both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Explore the full range of procedures offered.