DIFFERENCES BETWEEN COSMETIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

Plastic surgery consist of  both cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery and seeks to maximize both appearance and function, regardless of the initial presentation. Often a significant amount of overlap exists between the two and in 1999 the name of the specialty was changed from Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery simply to Plastic Surgery to reflect this.

Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body, caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. It is generally performed to improve function, but may also be done to approximate or improve a normal appearance. Reconstructive surgery is generally covered by most health insurance policies although coverage for specific procedures and levels of coverage may vary greatly depending on the quality of the insurance.

Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body, usually to improve form and appearance. Cosmetic surgery typically is not covered by health insurance.

There are a number of “gray areas” in coverage for plastic surgery that sometimes require special consideration by an insurance carrier. These areas usually involved surgical operations which may be reconstructive or cosmetic, depending on each patient’s situation. For example, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) – a procedure normally performed to achieve cosmetic improvement may be covered if the eyelids are drooping severely and obscuring a patient’s vision.

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interesting facts about plastic surgery

• “Plastic” in plastic surgery is derived from the Greek word plastikos, which means “to form or mold.”
• The first plastic surgery procedures recorded in history date back to ancient India.
• During the Renaissance period, plastic surgery procedures were often performed in barbershops. Thankfully today, they are performed in state-of-the-art facilities using the latest technology.
• During the Renaissance period, plastic surgery procedures were often performed in barbershops. Thankfully today, they are performed in state-of-the-art facilities using the latest technology.
• World War I and World War II resulted in new advancements in plastic surgery. Many of these procedures included skin grafts and reconstruction of limbs.
• The condition where men form breasts is called Gynecomastia. There is a procedure that can remove this fatty excessive fatty tissue known as a male breast reduction procedure.
• While plastic surgery is popular among women, it’s also rapidly growing in popularity among men. Common procedures for men include male breast reductions and liposuction.
• Facial injectables are the most common non-invasive procedure performed.
• The most popular facial injectable used is Botox.
• Botox injectables can actually help ease migraines and it even received FDA approval in 2013 as a treatment option.
• Facial fillers fill fine lines and wrinkles, while Botox only relaxes the muscles in the given area.
• There is even a plastic surgery procedure to eliminate excessive sweating. It’s a non-invasive procedure called, miraDry
• Certain procedures are covered by insurance, but there are financing options for procedures that aren’t covered.
• Breast augmentations are the most popular type of breast surgery performed in the United States.
• The first silicone breast implants were created in the 1960s.
• The chin is one of the first areas of the body to show signs of aging. Patients often will opt for a facelift to help improve that area of their face.
• Body contouring refers to surgical procedures that enhance the shape of different areas of the body. These types of procedures include liposuction, body lifts, tummy tucks, and butt augmentations.
• Liposuction is the most popular body contouring procedure performed in the United States today. (link to procedure)
• The “Mommy Makeover” is a trend that women commonly opt for post-pregnancy. This procedure involves the reconstruction of the breasts and abdomen. However, we customize this procedure to fit each patients’ aesthetic needs.
• The Brazilian butt lift is a type of butt augmentation that utilizes fat cells taken from a donor site using liposuction.
• Board-certified plastic surgeons are doctors that have completed additional training, passed additional testing, and have been able to provide proven results.

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