Plastic surgery as a discipline encompasses a wide variety of techniques used to treat a wide range of disorders.  Public perception tends to focus mainly on the higher-profile cosmetic procedures such as breast enhancement, body contouring and facial rejuvenation.  However, reconstructive surgery remains an important component of the practice of most plastic surgeons.

The word plastic is derived from the Greek word “plastikos,” meaning “to mold or give form.” 

Plastic surgery is generally divided into cosmetic (or aesthetic) surgery and reconstructive surgery.

By definition, cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve the patient’s appearance. 

On the other hand, reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body caused by birth defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection or disease.  It is generally performed to improve function but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance. 

Since form follows function — like two sides of the same coin — they are complementary concepts.

Typical cosmetic plastic surgery procedures include breast enhancement, body contour procedures, facial rejuvenation techniques, nose reshaping and ear reshaping. We also offer minimally invasive BodyTite, FaceTite and Morpheus8 rejuvenation procedures to reduce facial and/or body fat and tighten skin at the same time.

Common reconstructive plastic surgery procedures include breast reduction, breast reconstruction after breast cancer treatment, reconstructive nasal surgery and skin cancer reconstruction.

For more information on the cosmetic and reconstructive procedures provided by the West Georgia Center for Plastic Surgery, visit tanner.org/plastic-surgery. To make an appointment for a consultation, call 770-834-6302.