Plastic reconstructive surgery is bandied about so much people often confuse them. While both involve the improvement of your appearance, there are distinct differences.

Both plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery are designed to improve the appearance of a person. This can be done through lifts, tucks, reshaping and so on. The correct usage of the terms, however, is dependent upon the underlying reason for the surgical procedure.

Plastic surgery is an elective surgery. In its most basic form, plastic surgery takes a normal part of the body and improves it in a manner desired by the patient. Common plastic surgery procedures include liposuction, breast enhancement or reduction, nose reshaping, reshaping of the abdomen and the well-known facelift. All of these surgeries are based purely on a voluntary desire to improve one’s appearance.

Reconstructive surgery is often elective, but can also be medically necessary. Reconstructive surgery differs from plastic surgery in one significant way. It is focused on making improvements to a damaged or abnormal part of the body. For example, a person may suffer damage from trauma or disease that leaves a part of the body looking abnormal and functionally deficient, such as breaking facial bones in an automobile accident. Reconstructive surgery will be undertaken to repair the facial structure so that it both performs and appears normally. While appearance is important, most reconstructive surgery focuses on functionality first.

The differences between plastic and reconstructive surgery often blur. Breast enhancement or reduction surgery is a form of plastic surgery. Repairing breasts after the all too common complications of breast cancer is considered reconstructive surgery. Repairing the septum of the nose is considered reconstructive surgery, but simply reshaping the nose is considered plastic surgery. This blurred line is repeated in other areas as well.

Ultimately, the dividing line between reconstructive surgery and plastic surgery is mostly an academic debate or vary obvious given specific circumstances. Regardless, it is important to understand that there is a distinction.

Plastic reconstructive Surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body, caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. It is generally performed to improve general functions but may also be done to improve a normal appearance. Reconstructive Surgery is generally covered by most health insurance policies, although coverage for specific procedures and levels of coverage may vary greatly.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) member Surgeons ensures that patients receive the highest quality care and surgical excellence. Each ASPS member surgeon is certified by the American Board of plastic surgery, operates only in accredited surgical facilities, adheres to a strict code of ethics, and regularly attends continuing education courses. When surgery is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, there are fewer complications. The main goal of Reconstructive Surgery is to restore function. Some common examples of congenital abnormalities are cleft-lip, palate abnormality, birthmarks, hand deformities, and abnormal breast development. Some examples of acquired abnormalities are burn wounds, laceration, growths, and aging problems like a drooping eyelid which may interfere with vision.