Plastic surgeon

[PatriciaH]

WHY are they called that ? surely they should be called skin surgeons ...

[Ice.Maiden]

Probably because, when some people seek help for aesthetic reasons, they end up looking somewhat "plastic". Like Michael Jackson, Joan Rivers......

[Panic Button]

From Wikipedia:

'Plastic surgery is a medical specialty interested in the correction of form and function. While famous for aesthetic surgery, plastic surgery also includes a variety of fields: craniofacial surgery, hand surgery, burn surgery, microsurgery, and pediatric surgery. The word "plastic" derives from the Greek plastikos meaning to mold or to shape; its use here is not connected with the synthetic polymer material known as plastic.'

[Ice.Maiden]

Very sensible and true answer, panic.

[Panic Button]

I was baffled that when I was admitted to hospital with a hand infection, I was sent to the plastic ward. Now I know why.

[Ice.Maiden]

Good job they could help you out.

[Benedict21]

Plastic surgery is a term meant for performing medical operations manually or through the use of instruments. The word plastic is derived from the Greek word that means for molding or shaping. Therefore the person who performs such surgical procedures were commonly known in the name of plasic surgeons.

Reference - http://www.admireplasticsurgery.com/