Five Differences In Cosmetic And Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

Many people believe that "plastic surgery" automatically means "cosmetic" or "elective" surgery. In reality the term covers a number of different surgical procedures done for several different reasons. It's significant to understand the distinction so that you can verify with your insurance company about insurance policy coverage for the procedure and so as to select the best surgeon for your requirements.

Difference Number 1: Cosmetic surgery is done to enrich one's looks. Instances include breast augmentation, tummy tucks and wrinkle removal. Reconstructive surgery, alternatively is done for medical reasons. It might rectify birth defects or physical trauma caused by sickness or injury. Instances could comprise of Rhinoplasty (nose job) to correct a deviated septum or breast reconstruction after a mastectomy.

Difference Number 2: Cosmetic surgery is optional while reconstruction surgery is usually required to an individual's health (medical or psychological) or maybe even to their life. For example, in a mommy makeover the patient might ask for a breast adjustment to return the breasts to a more youthful appearance. That is elective. A cancer survivor, on the other hand, may have reconstructive breast surgery to prevent the effects of losing one breast.

Difference Number 3: Insurance plans do not cover cosmetic surgery but may insure reconstructive surgery. Cosmetic surgery is considered "vanity" or "elective" in nature. Insurance plans will not insure the cost. Nevertheless, reconstructive surgery is usually considered a medicinal need and several insurance plans will compensate for all or a part of them. It is usually a good idea to ask your surgeon which sort of surgery your procedure is regarded as, and later confirm with your insurance company.

Difference Number 4: Some plastic surgeons practice mainly cosmetic surgery while others concentrate on reconstructive. Several board certified plastic surgeons do many different kinds of surgeries. Dr. Theodore Diktaban, a New York licensed plastic surgeon, for instance, provides a full range of surgical services in his New York office. Others may specialize in, say, hand reconstruction or tumor removal.

Difference Number 5: Some surgical procedures may be either cosmetic or reconstructive. It depends on the situation. For example, a Rhinoplasty is more commonly referred to as a "nose job." If it is carried out so as to level a bump or narrow a bridge, then it is cosmetic. If however it is performed to rectify a deviated septum so the patient can breathe better, it is reconstructive. Surgery to improve breast size is cosmetic; surgical procedure to reconstruct a breast after a mastectomy is reconstructive. An eye lift to return a youthful appearance is cosmetic; an eye lift to rectify a vision problem is reconstructive.

There are lots of reasons to get plastic surgery. In few cases, it is vanity. In few cases, there is a genuine psychological requirement for the patient to enhance his or her appearance. In still other cases, surgery is essential for the patient to maintain or recover his or her health. How you see plastic surgery depends first and foremost on how you see your need. Whether you want liposuction to improve your looks or you require liposuction to enhance your health, make certain you know the difference before you go ahead.