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.
彼女は美容整形を受けた。
She had plastic surgery.
美容整形に興味がありますか？
Are you interested in cosmetic surgery?
Refers to minor cosmetic procedures like Botox or fillers, often non-surgical. Very common in casual contexts.
プチ整形で二重まぶたにした。
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.
美容外科でカウンセリングを受けた。
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.
形成外科でやけどの手術をしました。
I had burn surgery in the plastic surgery department.
彼は形成外科医です。
He is a plastic surgeon (reconstructive).
Specifically refers to reconstructive surgery, often used for breast reconstruction or similar procedures. More technical.
乳がんの後、再建外科を受けた。
After breast cancer, I had reconstructive surgery.
To use a broad term that can cover any kind of plastic surgery, without specifying cosmetic or reconstructive.
The most general term for plastic surgery. Can be used for both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, but may lean toward cosmetic in everyday speech.
整形手術にはリスクが伴います。
Plastic surgery comes with risks.
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.
Similar to 整形手術 but more strongly associated with reconstructive surgery. Often used in medical contexts.
形成手術は機能回復を目的とする。
Reconstructive surgery aims to restore function.