What Is Plastic Surgery (Oplas)? Definition, types, and purpose

Medically reviewed by Dr. Enrina Diah, Sp.BP-RE(K) & dr. Grace Boaz, Sp. BP-RE
Ultimo Clinic — Plaza ASIA SCBD, 18th Floor, Jakarta · Last updated: 2026

SUMMARY
Plastic surgery (oplas) is a surgical procedure to repair, reconstruct, or improve the shape and function of body parts. Divided into reconstructive surgery and Aesthetic Surgery, and should be done Sp doctor.BP-RE.
This article explains the meaning of plastic surgery, its types, purpose, and who is authorized to perform it.
The term "plastic surgery” or "oplas" is often associated only with beauty, whereas its scope is much wider, including medical reconstruction.
This explanation is the basis for understanding the role what is a plastic surgeon.

What is plastic surgery?Plastic surgery is the branch of surgery that repairs, reconstructs, or perfects the shape and function of body tissues. The word "plastic “comes from the Greek” plastikos" which means to form.
So, plastic surgery is not always associated with synthetic materials, but with reshaping body tissues.

What are the types of plastic surgery?Plastic surgery is divided into two: reconstructive surgery (improving function and shape due to injury, congenital, or disease) and Aesthetic Surgery (improving the appearance according to the wishes of the patient).

• Reconstructive surgery - mis. treatment of burns, cleft lip, scars, post-cancer reconstruction.
• Aesthetic Surgery - mis. rhinoplasty, facelift, sedot lemak, augmentasi.

What is the purpose of plastic surgery?The goal can be to restore function (eg. breathing, movement, closing wounds) and / or improve shape and proportion. In many cases, functional and aesthetic goals go hand in hand.
The decision to undergo plastic surgery should be taken with complete information and realistic expectations.

Who can do plastic surgery?
Plastic surgery must be performed by a plastic surgeon (Sp.BP-RE) in licensed facilities with anesthesia support, not by non-specialist personnel.
To understand his doctor's degree, read the meaning of the title Sp.BP-RE.

ATTENTION Actions by non-specialist personnel or in nonstandard facilities increase the risk of serious complications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)What is plastic surgery (oplas)?
Plastic surgery is a surgical procedure to repair, reconstruct, or improve the shape and function of body tissues, including reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.

Is plastic surgery just for beauty?
No. Most plastic surgeries are reconstructive, such as the treatment of burns, cleft lip and scars, in addition to aesthetic purposes.

What does the word plastic mean in plastic surgery?
The word plastic comes from the Greek plastikos which means to form, not to refer to synthetic materials.

Who can do plastic surgery?
Only doctors specializing in plastic surgery (Sp.BP-RE) in licensed facilities with the support of Anesthesiologists, not non-specialist personnel.

What is the difference between reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery?
Reconstructive surgery improves function and shape due to injury or congenital, while Aesthetic Surgery enhances the appearance according to the patient's wishes.

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