Although they are both similar in nature, there is a difference between cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery. Determining which type of surgery you need to undergo is important, as it may have an impact on the amount that you have to pay.
As for reconstructive surgery, it is surgery that is performed to repair or correct the body. Many parents seek surgery for their children who are born with birth defects. A common example of this is the correction of oversized ears. Diseases and other illnesses that cause damage to the body can also be repaired with reconstructive surgery. For example, women with breast cancer may have to undergo a mastectomy. To correct the unevenness that is left, patients often have their breasts restored to as close as normal with surgery.
In addition to correcting birth defects and other abnormalities, reconstructive surgery is also used to treat and help accident victims recover. Burn victims undergo reconstructive surgery to repair their scar tissue. Car accident victims and victims of other similar accidents may need to undergo reconstructive surgery to repair a crushed bone or to have a limb reattached.
Unlike reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery does not correct abnormities. Instead, the main goal of cosmetic surgery is to improve one’s appearance. With cosmetic surgery, patients can and likely would lead a normal life even without treatment.
As with reconstructive surgery, there are a number of procedures that are considered cosmetic. These procedures include abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), mammoplasty (breast reduction, breast enlargement, breast lift), rhinoplasty (nose job), liposuction, and rhytidectomy (facelift). As previously stated, cosmetic surgery is optional. Many individuals choose to undergo cosmetic surgery to improve their physical appearance. These individuals are usually embarrassed about an imperfection that they have, such as unwanted body hair or excessive wrinkling of the face.
As for the cost of these surgeries, cosmetic surgery is rarely covered by a traditional health insurance plan. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make an inquiry however. As for reconstructive surgery, a good percentage of procedures are covered. This, as previously stated, is because those undergoing reconstructive surgery often aren’t given an option. Cosmetic surgery, on the other hand, is an optional procedure that patients should cover the cost of if they want and choose to have it.
Now that you know that there is a significant difference between cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery, which type of surgery do you need to seek? In addition to having an impact on costs, it may also have an impact on your treatment options.
If your insurance is covering the cost of reconstructive surgery, you may be required to visit your local hospital, as opposed to a cosmetic surgery center. In fact, you should first have answers to this important question. If you are responsible for the full cost of your surgery, whether it be cosmetic or reconstructive, be sure to wisely make your choice. Choose those with affordable fees, but with outstanding qualifications and a significant amount of experience in the field.
