Plastic surgeons perform reconstructive plastic surgery which restores form and function following illness or trauma. They also perform aesthetic or 'cosmetic' surgery which can be used to change physical appearance or form when needed

Reconstructive surgery includes:

- breast reconstruction (including after cancer) - skin and soft tissue cancer procedures- head and neck reconstruction- treatment for cleft lip and palate- burns and trauma surgery trauma includes road traffic accidents, sporting injury and violent incidents- hand operations

Aesthetic surgery includes

- breast augmentation and reduction- otoplasty – surgery to treat protruding ears- blepharoplasty – eyelid surgery- liposuction – surgery to remove unwanted fat- facelifts etc.