cosmetic surgery

IPA/kɒzˌmet.ɪk ˈsɜː.dʒər.i/
IPA/kɑːzˌmet̬.ɪk ˈsɝː.dʒɚ.i/

cosmetic surgery — noun

1. a medical procedure in which a doctor changes the shape or look of a part of the

1.nounB2
Definition

a medical procedure in which a doctor changes the shape or look of a part of the body, usually because the person wants to feel more confident about their appearance, not because the body part is damaged or sick.

Example

Gabriela had cosmetic surgery on her nose after years of feeling uncomfortable about it.

cosmetic surgery + on + body part

After losing weight, Karim decided to have cosmetic surgery to remove extra skin.

have + cosmetic surgery + infinitive purpose

Common collocations
  • have cosmetic surgery
  • undergo cosmetic surgery
  • cosmetic surgery clinic
  • cosmetic surgery procedure
  • cosmetic surgery + on + [body part]
Synonyms
  • plastic surgery

    a broader category that covers both cosmetic (appearance) and reconstructive (function/health) procedures

  • aesthetic surgery

    a more formal, medical term for cosmetic surgery, often used by doctors and clinics

  • face lift

    refers to one specific cosmetic procedure on the face, not the whole field

Antonyms
  • reconstructive surgery

    surgery that restores function or repairs damage from injury or disease, rather than improving appearance

Grammar Patterns

cosmetic surgery + on + body part

have/undergo + cosmetic surgery

Common Mistakes

I went to the hospital for cosmetic surgery on my broken leg.
I went to the hospital for surgery on my broken leg.
cosmetic surgery is for changing appearance, not for treating an injury or illness.
Cosmetic surgery is the same as plastic surgery.
Cosmetic surgery is a type of plastic surgery that focuses on appearance.
plastic surgery also includes reconstructive procedures for medical needs.

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'cosmetic' comes from the Greek word kosmētikos, meaning 'skilled in adornment or arrangement,' from kosmein 'to arrange, adorn.' The word 'surgery' comes from the Greek kheirourgia, meaning 'handiwork' or 'work done by hand,' from kheir 'hand' and ergon 'work.' The combined phrase 'cosmetic surgery' began to appear in English medical writing in the early 1900s as doctors started separating appearance-improving procedures from those that treat illness or injury.