Beauty Doc Blog

When people think of plastic surgery the first thing that pops into their minds is usually Botox, breast enhancement, liposuction and similar procedures. But those cover only half the story. Reconstructive surgery accounts for about one million procedures each year, and offer similar advantages to cosmetic procedures: improved appearance, self-confidence and enhanced natural beauty. There are many differences between the two though, and it is important that you understand which category your procedure falls into to ensure that you have all the knowledge necessary for a successful procedure.

Who needs reconstructive surgery?

Anyone from a newborn to an elderly citizen can benefit from reconstructive surgery.

Its goals are to improve the overall health and appearance of the patient through surgical means. So anyone with a physical abnormality, such as a tumor, disease, or other defect can benefit from this type of surgery.

Reconstructive surgery is intended to help the patient regain normal function in a particular area of their body, or to bring them towards a more normal appearance. The patient could suffer from a birth defect, a physical injury or age-related abnormalities, and reconstructive surgery would be performed in order to help the patient recover.

Insurance basics for reconstructive surgery

It is important that you talk to your health insurance provider before you commit to a reconstructive surgery. Most reconstructive surgeries will be covered, in full or in part, by your provider, because they are necessary as opposed to elective surgeries. Some providers will require documentation, such as photos of the area to be treated and a letter from your doctor, before they will agree to your coverage.

Results of reconstructive surgery

No surgery, whether cosmetic or reconstructive, can achieve perfection. But reconstructive procedures are often able to restore functionality and improve appearance in patients, and the techniques are improving by leaps and bounds every day.

There are many kinds of reconstructive surgeries to cope with the many ways our bodies can experience trauma. Breast reduction and reconstruction, wound care, facial surgeries, skin grafts, hand and feet surgery, and even laser treatment are all types of reconstructive procedures aimed at alleviating the patient’s physical abnormality.

There is a vast difference between cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, in terms of reasons for the procedure, insurance coverage, results, and more. But the goal of any plastic surgery is the same: to improve the patient’s physical existance through aesthetic means in order to help them live a more satisfying life.