From the pioneering stem cell surgery that allowed Katie Piper to partially regain her sight after being blinded by an acid attack, to cranial reconstructive surgery for Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai who was shot in the head by the Taliban, plastic surgery really can work miracles.
Designed to restore the function and form of skin and tissue, plastic surgery can change lives following a debilitating illness, injury or birth defect.
Plastic surgery is not the same cosmetic surgery, which is carried out to alter an individual's appearance. Although on some occasions cosmetic surgery can be performed for functional reasons, such as with breast reduction.
According to the NHS, restoring functionality is the main priority in plastic surgery procedures, with aesthetic concerns coming second.
HuffPost UK Lifestyle have pulled together some of the most impressive plastic surgery miracles to hit the headlines in recent months.
Have we missed any? Let us know in the comments below.