Cosmetic vs. Reconstructive Surgery

Often times, when talking about plastic surgery, the term “cosmetic surgery” is the only one that comes to mind. However, there is another type of plastic surgeryto be considered, “reconstructive surgery.” These two terms are very different from one another and yet can encompass some of the same types of surgery. Sohow do you know which term applies to you when getting plastic surgery?

Reconstructive surgery is performed to re-shape bodily tissues or fix an abnormal body part or facial feature in order to restore normal form and function of a body part. In most cases, the surgery will be covered by insurance and is frequently done in a hospital setting. Reconstructive surgery may be necessary because of trauma, birth defects, infection, or a tumor or disease. In some cases, reconstructive surgery may not be able to fully repair the issue but it can at least help to alleviate any health complications associated with the abnormality. Some common reconstructive procedures include fixing a broken nose, correcting a birth defect, or repairing a cleft lip.

Cosmetic surgery is performed not out of necessity because of a deformity or healthissue but solely to improve the appearance of the patient. Cosmetic surgerymodifies a body part or facial feature with the goal of enhancing one’s selfconfidence. Since cosmetic surgery is elective, it is seldom covered byinsurance companies. Some common cosmetic procedures are tummy tucks, face lifts, and Botox.

There are quite a few gray areas, however, where a procedure falls under the cosmeticor reconstructive category, depending on the reason for surgery. One suchsurgery is breast augmentation. Under normal circumstances, this procedurewould fall under category of cosmetic surgery. However, a patient could be a breastcancer patient and then this procedure could be used to reconstruct the breastand then would be considered reconstructive surgery. Another such procedure isrhinoplasty. A patient may have a broken nose that could impair the patients breathingor the nose could be functioning properly but could be crooked from the breakmaking the patient self conscious about their appearance. If the nose is functioningproperly and the patient opts for surgery to change the size or shape, it wouldfall under the realm of cosmetic surgery. If the patient needs surgery in order to restoreproper breathing, then the surgery would be considered reconstructive. At times, even though the nose is being fixed in order to restore correct breathing, reshaping of the nose may occur enhancing the patient’s looks simultaneously.

To find out more about cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, call Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group today! (310) 275-6600