Definition

1. Noun:
   • A branch of plastic surgery: Cosmetic surgery refers to surgical procedures aimed at improving a person's appearance. Its primary goal is aesthetic enhancement rather than medical necessity.
   • Elective procedures for aesthetic improvement: It involves operations to reshape normal structures of the body to improve the patient's appearance and self-esteem.

Usage

• Cosmetic surgery is typically elective and performed on normal body parts.
• It is contrasted with reconstructive surgery, which aims to correct dysfunctional body parts resulting from burns, trauma, or congenital defects.
• The term is often used in discussions about beauty standards, aging, and personal choice.

Examples

• Noun:
  • She underwent cosmetic surgery to refine the shape of her nose.
  • The popularity of cosmetic surgery has increased significantly in recent decades.
  • He decided against cosmetic surgery, preferring to age naturally.

Advanced Usage

• "To have cosmetic surgery": to undergo an aesthetic surgical procedure.
  • After the accident, she chose to have cosmetic surgery on the scar.
• "Cosmetic surgery procedure": a specific type of aesthetic operation.
  • Blepharoplasty is a common cosmetic surgery procedure for the eyelids.

Variants and Related Words

• Plastic surgery (n): The broader surgical specialty concerned with the restoration, reconstruction, or alteration of the human body. It includes both cosmetic (aesthetic) and reconstructive (functional) procedures.
• Aesthetic surgery (n): A synonym for cosmetic surgery, emphasizing the focus on beauty and appearance.
• Cosmetic procedure (n): Can refer to both surgical and non-surgical treatments (like injectables) intended to improve appearance.

Synonyms

• Aesthetic surgery: Surgery performed to improve appearance.
• Elective cosmetic procedure: A non-essential operation chosen for aesthetic reasons.

Related Phrases

• Go under the knife (for cosmetic reasons): (idiomatic) To have surgery, specifically for aesthetic enhancement.
  • She went under the knife to achieve a more youthful look.
• Nip and tuck: (informal idiom) Refers to cosmetic surgery, especially a facelift or minor procedures.
  • He looks remarkably young for his age; I wonder if he's had a little nip and tuck.

Noun

1. plastic surgery to remove wrinkles and other signs of aging from your face; an incision is made near the hair line and skin is pulled back and excess tissue is excised
   • some actresses have more than one face lift