The Difference Between Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery

Key Takeaways:

  1. Cosmetic surgery is an elective choice, while reconstructive surgery is medically necessary.
  2. Reconstructive surgery is often focused on restoring function or appearance, such as for breast cancer patients after a mastectomy.
  3. It is important to consider the costs and potential risks associated with cosmetic surgeries, as these are not usually covered by insurance.

This video features Jamie Hill, Practice Coordinator/Manager of Politis Plastic Surgery, who provides an explanation of the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Jaime states that cosmetic surgery is an elective procedure that individuals opt for to enhance their aesthetics, such as breast augmentation or liposuction. These procedures are typically not covered by insurance and require payment in cash. On the other hand, reconstructive surgery is meant to treat medical conditions, birth defects, burns, or injuries, and it is usually covered by insurance as it is medically necessary. In their practice, breast reconstruction for breast cancer patients is a predominant reconstructive procedure.

Jaime Hill’s explanation is crucial in understanding the significant differences between the two types of plastic surgeries. Cosmetic surgery is a choice, a luxury, while reconstructive surgery is often a necessity. Cosmetic surgery is meant to enhance one’s appearance, while reconstructive surgery is meant to restore function or appearance, such as after a disease or injury.

Plastic surgery has become increasingly popular, and it is critical to understand the differences between the types of surgeries. Jaime Hill’s explanation helps to clear the confusion and misconception about the two surgeries. Jaime Hill’s distinction between the two types of plastic surgery highlights the essential nature of reconstructive surgery and its importance in restoring people’s lives.

It is important to note that while cosmetic surgeries are an elective choice, they also have their benefits. Cosmetic surgery can improve an individual’s self-esteem, enhance their self-image, and boost their confidence. Individuals may choose to undergo cosmetic surgery to help them feel better about themselves, and there is nothing wrong with this. However, it is important to consider the costs and potential risks associated with cosmetic surgeries, as these are not covered by insurance.

Reconstructive surgery, as highlighted by Jaime, is primarily focused on restoring function or appearance. One of the critical examples of reconstructive surgery is breast reconstruction, which is often performed for breast cancer patients who have undergone a mastectomy. This procedure not only restores the physical appearance of the breast, but it also helps patients regain their confidence and sense of femininity. Other examples of reconstructive surgery include repairing cleft lips, restoring damaged tissue after an injury, or reconstructing parts of the body after a disease.

In conclusion, plastic surgery plays an important role in society, and understanding the differences between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery is essential. While cosmetic surgery is a luxury, reconstructive surgery is often a medical necessity. Jaime Hill’s explanation helps to clarify the difference between the two types of plastic surgery, and how they can have a positive impact on individuals’ lives. It is important to consider the costs and potential risks associated with cosmetic surgeries, while reconstructive surgery can restore function, confidence, and appearance to patients who have suffered from diseases, birth defects, or injuries. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide whether they want to undergo plastic surgery, and it is essential to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to make an informed decision.

TRANSCRIPTION:

My name is Jamie Hill and I’m with Politis Plastic Surgery.

A lot of people wonder what the difference is between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

We provide both at this practice.

The difference in cosmetic and reconstruction is cosmetic is usually an elective procedure

that you choose to have done to enhance your aesthetics.

Maybe you want to be just the best version of you that you can be and maybe that means

you have larger breasts or a flatter stomach.

So those are cosmetic surgeries.

Typically those are not covered by insurance.

Those are cash pay procedures versus reconstructive surgery is used to treat usually a disease

process or a birth defect or something, a burn, something that insurance is going to

cover because we’re fixing, you know, something medically indicated for you.

In our practice, the bulk of what we do when it comes to reconstruction is breast reconstruction

because of breast cancer.

Sources:

Rhinoplasty: What to Expect


Your nose is at the center of your face. It lets in the oxygen to energize your body. But that doesn’t mean you have to like the way it looks or functions. If your nose is deformed after an injury or has a birth defect or makes it hard for you to breathe, then you should opt for surgery to improve it—a procedure called rhinoplasty or nose job.

Why should you undergo nose surgery?

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure to change the size, shape or proportions of the nose. You may benefit from rhinoplasty if you have difficulty breathing through your nose. The surgery can change all of the structures of the nose, including the bone, cartilage and skin, or remove any obstructions that may interfere with your exercise, sleep and other activities. It can resolve problems such as snoring and sleep apnea. The surgery may also repair a nasal deformity caused by injury, correct a birth defect, or improve the appearance of the nose.

Choosing the right plastic surgeon

If you are considering rhinoplasty, make sure to find a surgeon you feel comfortable with who is board-certified and licensed. It is advisable to find a specialist with a good reputation who regularly performs the procedure in an accredited facility or hospital.

When you speak with the surgeon, use that time to convey your expectations and goals and build a good rapport. Spend your consultation time finding out if nose surgery is appropriate for you and what it will help you achieve. You should also take your time looking at your surgeon’s before and after photos and ask for an simple explanation of what happens during the surgery.

Preparing for the surgery

There is no one size fits all when dealing with noses. To guarantee satisfactory results, your surgeon will consider your other facial features, the skin on your nose and the aspects you would like to change. Your doctor will take photographs of multiple views of your face and these photos will be retouched to give you a clear picture of what your nose might look like after the procedure. With the evaluation and consultation complete, the surgeon will develop a customized plan for you.

How is rhinoplasty done?

Surgical rhinoplasty is done under general anesthesia. A small incision is made along the base of the nose and then connected to other incisions made inside the nose. Through the incisions, the surgeon has access to cartilage and bones of the nose in order to reshape and improve the nasal passageway.

A new and emerging trend in rhinoplasty is a non-surgical technique which uses fillers and neurotoxins to change the shape and contours of the face. This technique can be applied to achieve drastic changes to the nose, correct a large nose by reductive surgery, improve breathing difficulties, and boost overall appearance. The advantages of non-surgical rhinoplasty are that it is less expensive, less time-consuming, less painful, and gives non-permanent results.

No hospital stay

Rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure so you will go home the same day. You will leave the hospital with a small cast on your nose to protect it and reduce swelling. Splints (bendable, thin plastic sheets) placed inside your nose will keep the septum straight, and two rubber tubes inside the nose provide support. The splints and cast are removed during your first post-operative visit, usually 5-7 days after surgery.

After removal of splints and cast, you can return to work or resume cardio exercise, such as running or walking, and should be back to normal activities and routines within two weeks while avoiding contact sports for up to six weeks.

Recovery after surgery

Expect to take at least a week off to recuperate. Typical recovery time is two weeks, though full recovery occurs after 6-8 weeks. There are usually no revisions within the first year. During the first two weeks or so, you will need ice and a regimen of nasal cleaning. While pain medications are provided, you may only need them for a few days. During your initial consultation at Politis Plastic Surgery, Dr. Effie Politis will provide you with a plan that will yield the results you want.

Great results

The slight changes made to the structure of your nose can make a huge difference in how your nose looks and functions. Your nose can be made smaller or narrower, with nostrils reshaped, the bridge made straighter, and the airway obstruction removed. And of course, most of the time, an experienced surgeon can get results both of you are satisfied with.

If you feel that you are a good candidate for rhinoplasty, whether surgical or non-surgical, please call Dr. Effie Politis for a consultation. For more information on rhinoplasty and other plastic surgery services, visit the Politis Plastic Surgery website.