Whats the difference between Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery?
As we have already seen, Plastic Surgery is normally done to restore a disfigured part of the body or to improve the “looks” of a body part. In the former case, Plastic Surgery serves primarily to improve the health of the patient or the functioning of an organ, and it is considered a medical necessity. This type of surgery may or may not improve the patient’s “looks”, but is intended only to correct a physical abnormality caused by a birth defect, disease or tumor, trauma, or infection. For example, a patient may undergo corrective rhinoplasty to improve the flow of air through the nose, and such procedures are classified as Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. On the other hand, as in the latter case, if Plastic Surgery is performed with the primary aim of improving the “looks” of a patient, it is not considered a medical necessity, and therefore is classified as Cosmetic Plastic Surgery. Cosmetic plastic surgery is performed to enhance or change a healthy, normal, functioning part of the
