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What's the Difference Between Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery?

If you use the terms plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery interchangeably, you’re not alone! However, there are fine distinctions between the two that are important for any potential patient to understand.


Whether it is reconstructive surgery or a cosmetic treatment such as a face surgery or liposuction, both plastic and cosmetic surgery are effective and safe ways of improving your physical appearance.

In addition, they have numerous other benefits, including:

  • Improved physical health
  • Enhanced mental well-being
  • Increased self-esteem
  • Higher quality of life

Customized Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery in Kelowna

At Okanagan Health Surgical Centre, our board-certified plastic surgeons offer a wide range of customized cosmetic and plastic surgery including hand, breast, and facial surgery to meet the individual needs of all our patients.

Want to know how we can help you?

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Plastic vs Cosmetic Surgery - What’s the Difference?

For many patients, the terms plastic and cosmetic surgery are synonymous. However, there are significant differences between these two types of treatments and if you’re considering a procedure, it’s crucial that you fully understand what these are.

What is Plastic Surgery?

Plastic surgery is a branch of surgery dedicated to the reconstruction of body and facial defects caused by:

  • Illness
  • Trauma
  • Disease
  • Birth defects

The main aim of plastic surgery is to restore the function of the tissues and skin. At our Kelowna private hospital, our board-certified plastic surgeons offer advanced surgical solutions such as:

However, in some cases, plastic surgery can also be involved with the enhancement of the appearance of a patient through operations such as facial surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, and liposuction.

Plastic Surgery

What is Cosmetic Surgery?

Cosmetic surgery is a unique discipline of medicine focused on enhancing the appearance through surgical and non-surgical techniques. In can be performed on all areas of the head, neck, and body.

Unlike with plastic surgery, cosmetically treated areas function properly but lack aesthetic appeal, which is why cosmetic surgery is considered to be elective.

Most Popular Cosmetic Surgeries

1. Face Surgery

Cosmetic face surgery is primarily designed to improve signs of facial and neck aging. Such procedures include:

Face Surgery

2. Breast Surgery

Breast surgery encompasses a range of cosmetic procedures to reshape the size of the breasts for increased comfort and aesthetic appeal. This can include:

  • Breast augmentation
  • Breast Lift/Mastopexy
  • Breast reduction

Breast Surgery

3. Body Contouring

Body contouring procedures focus on removing stubborn fatty deposits and loose skin from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and arms. Such treatments include:

  • Liposuction
  • Abdominoplasty
  • Brachioplasty (arm lift)
  • Thigh Lift

Body Contouring

4. Skin Treatments

If you’re looking to improve your appearance, but aren’t yet ready for invasive surgery, there are a number of cosmetic skin treatments that can instantly restore youth and vitality to your skin. These include:

Cosmetic Skin Treatments

Choosing Your Plastic Surgeon

Whether you’re considering extensive cosmetic surgery, such as liposuction or a face surgery, or are opting for a non-invasive skin treatment, selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential.

At Okanagan Health Surgical Centre, we have a skilled team of plastic and cosmetic surgeons who are fully trained to provide a wide scope of procedures and give you the safest, most effective results.

What To Consider

Learn More

To find out more about a particular cosmetic/plastic procedure, contact our Kelowna private hospital today at 250-868-9799 or fill in the online contact form.


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