Translation guide
In Japanese, 'plastic surgery' is most commonly expressed with the borrowed term 美容整形 (biyō seikei) for cosmetic procedures, while 形成外科 (keisei geka) refers to reconstructive surgery as a medical specialty. The general term 整形手術 (seikei shujutsu) can cover both, but context matters.
To refer to elective surgery to improve appearance, such as double eyelid surgery, nose jobs, or facelifts.
The standard term for cosmetic plastic surgery. Widely understood and used in everyday conversation and media.
She had plastic surgery.
Are you interested in cosmetic surgery?
Refers to minor cosmetic procedures like Botox or fillers, often non-surgical. Very common in casual contexts.
I got double eyelids through a minor cosmetic procedure.
Literally 'aesthetic surgery', often used in clinic names or formal contexts. Slightly more medical-sounding than 美容整形.
I had a consultation at a cosmetic surgery clinic.
To refer to surgery that restores function or appearance after injury, illness, or birth defects, such as skin grafts or breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
The medical specialty of reconstructive plastic surgery. Used in hospital departments and professional contexts.
I had burn surgery in the plastic surgery department.
Specifically refers to reconstructive surgery, often used for breast reconstruction or similar procedures. More technical.
To use a broad term that can cover any kind of plastic surgery, without specifying cosmetic or reconstructive.
美容整形 (biyō seikei) is cosmetic surgery for aesthetic improvement, while 形成外科 (keisei geka) is reconstructive surgery to repair defects or injuries. Using the wrong term can cause confusion, especially in medical settings.
The direct translation 'プラスチック手術' (purasuchikku shujutsu) is not used in Japanese. Always use one of the standard terms above.
He is a plastic surgeon (reconstructive).
After breast cancer, I had reconstructive surgery.
Similar to 整形手術 but more strongly associated with reconstructive surgery. Often used in medical contexts.
Reconstructive surgery aims to restore function.