Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty concerned with the correction of any congenital, acquired, or tumoral, problem or damage that requires repair or repositioning, or that affects the body’s form and/or function. Its techniques are based on the transplant and the mobilization of tissues by means of inserts and flaps or even implants of inert material.  

Reconstructive plastic surgery tries to restore or to improve the function and the physical aspect in the body from injuries caused by accidents, burns, illnesses, tumors of the skin and supporting tissues, and in congenital anomalies, mainly of the face, hands, and genitals.  

Aesthetic plastic surgery on the other hand, deals with generally healthy patients and its objective is to correct alterations of the aesthetic norm to obtain greater facial and corporal harmony or to correct the results produced by aging. It reverberates in the emotional stability, improving the quality of life through professional and affective relationships.  

Although the motivation to undergo an operation of aesthetic surgery is very personal, there are external factors that undoubtedly influence one’s decision. One such example is the current orientation of our society toward the youth in which a young and dynamic physical appearance is primordial to compete equally in a professional setting. Similarly, it is important to have a good physical aspect in social and affective relationships. Physical appearance also influences fashion, which today is guided toward greater bodily exhibition and with a certain pattern of beauty. These considerations influence negatively on the corporal self-image that, definitely, impels a person to undergo an operation of aesthetic surgery. Lastly, it is important to highlight the fact that the patient should have a clear and realistic idea of the objectives that can be achieved by aesthetic surgery, and of its limitations and risks, in order to be able to make a free and informed decision.  

In Ecuador, the possession of Doctor's Title in Medicine and Surgery legally authorizes one to carry out any medical or surgical procedure. However, it is evident that diverse branches of the Medicine and Surgery specify some studies of post-graduate degree to reach the level of knowledge and necessary experience in each one of these disciplines. At the end of this additional period of formation, the Doctor in Medicine and Surgery obtains a Specialist's title. In the case of Plastic Surgery, a five-year period as a physician intern residing in an accredited hospital is required. This period includes one year in general surgery, another in related surgical specialties and three specific years of Plastic, Reparative and Aesthetics surgery. This level of professional formation guarantees a high quality care for the patient.

What ‘s the difference between aesthetic and reparative surgery?

Both aesthetic surgery and reparative or reconstructive surgery are parts of plastic surgery, the specialty that is known in our country as Plastic, Reparative, and Aesthetic Surgery. Aesthetic surgery is carried out to improve the normal structures of the body with intention of increasing the patient's attractiveness and self-esteem. The specialty of Aesthetic Surgery as such doesn't exist just as aesthetic surgeons don't exist. Plastic surgeons are simply endorsed officially for the realization of aesthetic surgery.  

Reconstructive or reparative surgery is carried out on abnormal structures of the body caused by congenital problems, problems of the development or of the growth, traumatisms, infections, tumors or illnesses. It is carried out mainly, to improve the function, although it can also be carried out to improve the physical appearance.  

In short, these are the differences that make this specialty a true science and art.