Is plastic surgery haram?

It depends on the reason. Surgery to fix a defect, injury, burn or something causing real harm or distress is allowed. Cosmetic surgery purely to change how Allah created you, like a new nose or bigger lips just for beauty, isn't allowed according to most scholars. Gray areas exist, so the intention and the level of need matter.

Changing Allah's creation

A companion reported that Allah has cursed women who tattoo, remove facial hair and "create a space between their teeth artificially to look beautiful, and such women as change the features created by Allah" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5931).

Scholars apply this to permanent changes made only for beauty. The principle applies to both men and women.

لَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ فِىٓ أَحْسَنِ تَقْوِيمٍ "We have certainly created man in the best of stature." Quran 95:4

What's allowed

Reconstructive surgery after accidents, burns or cancer, like breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
Fixing birth defects, like a cleft lip.
Correcting something harmful, like a deviated septum affecting breathing, or breast reduction for back pain.
Removing abnormal features that cause serious distress, like a sixth finger or large scarring.

Islam encourages treatment, and these aim to restore normal form or function. Even then, choose a qualified surgeon and keep the procedure to what's actually needed.

What most scholars forbid

Nose jobs, lip fillers or face reshaping purely for beauty.
Breast or buttock enlargement for attractiveness.
Procedures done to look like a celebrity or a filter.

Gray areas

Some cases aren't clear-cut, like signs of aging, a feature that causes severe bullying, or minor non-surgical treatments. Scholars differ on Botox and fillers: some allow them for temporary, modest improvement, others don't. If you're considering something, ask a scholar with the specific details, and be honest with yourself about your intention.

A word about self-image

Many people seek surgery because of deep insecurity. Sometimes, a counselor helps more than a surgeon. Learning to see yourself as Allah's creation, made with care, can be part of healing. For related questions, see Do I have to remove my tattoos after becoming Muslim? and Can I dye my hair?

Key points

Reconstructive and corrective surgery is allowed.
Purely cosmetic changes are forbidden by most scholars.
Gray areas depend on need and intention.
Ask a scholar with your specific case.

Tip: Before booking a cosmetic consultation, wait a month and reflect on why you want it. If the reason is still strong and medical, then speak with a scholar and a doctor.