Makeup consists of removable substances-paint, powders, dyes-applied to enhance or transform appearance. Commonly part of regular grooming, makeup varies according to changing definitions of beauty. For vanity and social acceptance, or for medicinal or ritual purposes, people regularly transform every visible part of their body. Throughout history, they have tanned or whitened skin; changed the color of lips, eyes, and teeth; and added or removed "beauty" spots.
Some makeup is meant to be seen; some is meant to be invisible. Makeup can accentuate the contrast between men and women, camouflage perceived imperfections or signify a special occasion or ritual state. Makeup allows people to reinvent themselves in everyday life. Theatrical makeup helps actors take on new identities. Male Japanese actors in kabuki theater become women by using strictly codified paints and patterns, and the designs and motifs of Chinese theatrical makeup indicate the identity of a character.

Cosmetic surgery is a type of plastic surgery which changes the normal physical features people are born with. Plastic surgery also includes medical reconstructive surgery which repairs physical damage to the body or genetic abnormalities.

Cosmetic surgery has been practised for thousands of years. Some early records dating from around 2600 years ago refer to the work of Sushruta, an Indian surgeon who specialised in rebuilding the noses of criminals' who had had them amputated as punishment. The Romans also engaged in plastic surgery. They removed unwanted tattoos on criminals or newly freed slaves. celsus, writing in the first century, described two procedures to replace foreskins removed by circumcision.

Through Cosmetic surgery, it is currently possible to replace or reshape every exterior part of the body from the ears to the buttocks.

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