Cosmetic surgery is the procedure performed when normal structures of the body are reshaped in order to change the patient’s appearance to their own wishes. Cosmetic surgery is by choice and is therefore an elective surgery that is usually not covered by health insurance.

Reconstructive surgery is the term used when surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body. these abnormalities may have been caused by trauma, tumors, disease, infection, developmental abnormalities, or congenital defects. It may be performed to present a normal appearance but generally it it used to facilitate functional action. Reconstructive surgery is usually included in health insurance coverage depending on the individual’s policy and exclusions, which vary from one provider to another. Be sure to check the specific coverage in your own health care policy for what is included or what may be a maximum value.

Sometimes the determination of whether a plastic surgery procedure is cosmetic or reconstruction depends on the patient’s circumstances. For example a blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), could be cosmetic for one person, but for someone with severely drooping eyelids, it might be reconstructive in order to correct obscured vision.

In this example one insurance company may decide if they will cover the surgery as reconstructive, or deny it as cosmetic surgery.

Reconstructive plastic surgery has provided the techniques that are often used for cosmetic surgery. The difference in technique is small, but the reason to have a procedure done, and the desired outcome may be quite different.

Beverly Hills Cosmetic Surgery suggests that you carefully consider your choices of facilities and surgeons to decide if you are comfortable with the skills of your plastic surgeon, whether for reconstructive services or for aesthetic cosmetic desires.

Look for more detail on types of plastic surgery on other pages at Beverly Hills Cosmetic Surgery.

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