Cosmetic surgery

Cosmetic Surgery (also called Aesthetic Surgery) is the field of surgery in which operations are aimed to improve appearance, that is, to create beauty.

"Aesthetic surgeons, in the normal practice of their specialty, routinely alter the otherwise acceptable physical form of the patient toward the arbitrary and stylized visages thought desirable either by the patient or by the community in general" (Isenberg JS. The legacy of Narcissus.[comment]. [Comment. Letter] Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 110(7):1815; author reply 1815-6, 2002 Dec. UI: 12447085). Although these procedures do not cure disease, they can have a tremendously beneficial effect for the patient who has them, providing expectations are reasonable and a statisfactory result can be obtained. When self-image is improved XXXX.

Cultural & ethnic considerations

Rhinoplasty

Preminger B. msJAMA: The "Jewish nose" and plastic surgery: origins and implications. [Journal Article] JAMA. 286(17):2161, 2001 Nov 7. UI: 11694162

Botulinum toxin

"What is so different about the injection of cosmetic botulinum toxin from other injections? Simply stated, neurotoxin injections are a surgical procedure—because the results depend entirely on the injector's knowledge of the underlying muscular anatomy and pharmacology as well as the principles of aesthetics." (reference for quote:Carruthers JD. Caveat emptor (buyer beware).[comment]. [Comment. Editorial] Archives of Dermatology. 138(9):1243-4, 2002 Sep. UI: 12224991)