How Is Cosmetic Surgery Different From Reconstructive Surgery?

Several people believe that "plastic surgery" automatically means "cosmetic" or "elective" surgical procedure. In reality the term covers a number of different procedures done for many different reasons. It is vital to understand the distinction so that you can verify with your insurance company regarding coverage for the procedure and to be able to decide on the most ideal surgeon for your requirements.

Difference Number 1: Cosmetic surgery is carried out to enhance one's appearance. Examples comprise of breast augmentation, tummy tucks and wrinkle removal. Reconstructive surgery, alternatively is carried out for medical reasons. It may correct birth defects or physical strain resulted by health issues or injury. Instances could include Rhinoplasty (nose job) to rectify a deviated septum or breast reconstruction following a mastectomy.

Difference Number 2: Cosmetic surgery is non-compulsory whereas reconstruction surgery is usually essential to a person'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 restore the breasts to a more youthful appearance. That is optional. A cancer survivor, on the other hand, might have reconstructive breast surgery to prevent the consequences of losing one breast.

Difference Number 3: Insurance plans don’t cover cosmetic surgery but may insure reconstructive surgery. Cosmetic surgery is considered "vanity" or "optional" in nature. Insurance plans will not insure the cost. However, reconstructive surgery is usually considered a medical necessity and many insurance plans will pay for all or a portion of them. It is usually a great idea to ask your surgeon which type of surgery your procedure is considered as, and then check with your insurance company.

Difference Number 4: Some plastic surgeons do mainly cosmetic surgery while other surgeons focus on reconstructive. So many board certified plastic surgeons do several different kinds of surgeries. Dr. Theodore Diktaban, a New York certified plastic surgeon, for example, provides a complete 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 is dependent on the situation. For example, a Rhinoplasty is commonly referred to as a "nose job." If it is done in order to straighten a bump or narrow a bridge, then it is cosmetic. If nevertheless it is carried out to rectify a deviated septum so the patient can breathe better, it is reconstructive. Surgery to enhance breast size is cosmetic; surgery to reconstruct a breast after a mastectomy is reconstructive. An eye lift to restore a youthful appearance is cosmetic; an eye lift to rectify an eyesight problem is reconstructive.

There are lots of reasons to have plastic surgery. In few cases, it is vanity. In few cases, there is a real psychological necessity for the patient to enhance his or her appearance. In yet other cases, surgery is necessary for the patient to maintain or recuperate his or her health. How you view plastic surgery depends first and foremost on how you look at your requirement. Whether or not you want liposuction to improve your appearance or you require liposuction to improve your health, make sure you know the difference before you go ahead.

A good example is Dr. Theodore Diktaban. He is generally listed in several "top doctors" lists in the NY/NJ/CT tri-state area and is generally spoken about in the radio, TV and print press. You can reach him at http://www.drdiktaban.com. Once you've identified surgeons you think are correct for you, choose a thorough consultation for Cosmetic Surgery New York City.