The Differences Between Reconstructive Surgery and Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery is a specialized surgical specialty involving the repair, restoration, or modification of the body. It is further divided into two specific areas: plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery. Plastic surgery deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases, disorders, and abnormalities; and cosmetic surgery deals with the aesthetic beauty of the body. Reconstructive plastic surgery involves hand surgery, craniofacial surgery, microsurgery, burn therapy, dermabrasion, and scar therapy. The procedures in cosmetic surgery vary widely according to the location and the type of cosmetic procedure involved. Reconstructive plastic surgery alone has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few decades and now contributes greatly to the way people look and feel about themselves.

Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cosmetic surgery performed today. A breast augmentation, weight loss surgery, liposuction, and a tummy tuck can all involve the removal of excess skin, which is often replaced by implants. A body lift, or abdominoplasty, is another commonly performed surgery that tightens the abdominal area and sometimes removes excess skin as well.

Even though some cosmetic surgery procedures may seem highly invasive and radical, there are many benefits of such treatments. Patients that suffer from burn injuries are now turning to plastic surgeons for assistance with their recovery. In fact, more than three million Americans are certified to perform plastic surgery. Plastic surgeons are also helping patients that are unhappy with their appearance due to stretch marks, stretch scars, spider veins, or wrinkles. These surgeons can help patients overcome these issues through micro-discipline alterations to the patient's appearance.

For those who are interested in undergoing plastic surgery, it is important to find a board certified plastic surgeon that has at least six years of experience. Although many cosmetic surgery experts elect to go to school and receive a degree, many choose to continue their education within the field of medicine. By continuing to educate themselves on the latest techniques and treatments, these medical professionals will be better able to provide patients with the care and support they desire. Many surgeons are even able to continue their education further by completing a Master's Degree or Ph.D.

Once you have chosen a board certified and experienced cosmetic surgeon, you will need to look into the various procedures that are available. These procedures may include Botox procedures, plastic surgery procedures, laser skin treatment, liposuction, and a variety of injectable fillers and injectable scar treatment options. These procedures can all be extremely safe and effective. However, not every individual is a good candidate for each procedure. The best cosmetic surgery candidates include those that have healthy lives and bodies, are physically fit, and do not smoke.

All cosmetic surgery procedures carry some risks. Even the most experienced surgeons are susceptible to some complications and risks. While the majority of patients report no side effects or problems following these procedures, it is still important to consult with your doctor or cosmetic surgery center to discuss the possible risks or complications prior to having any procedures performed.

One of the most common complications from cosmetic surgery is the loss or distortion of one part of the body. If the implant was improperly placed or if the patient experienced an injury, this can have an effect on the overall appearance of that part of the body. One of the most common procedures to regain the normal appearance is breast augmentation, which is when silicone is injected into the breasts in order to restore their appearance.

In addition to the cosmetic surgery procedures listed above, reconstructive cosmetic surgery can be used interchangeably with surgical procedures. For example, some reconstructive plastic surgery procedures are used to correct birth defects, while other reconstructive procedures are used to correct injuries. As you can see, the reconstructive process is extremely similar to the surgical procedure, but does not require the same amount of invasive surgery or long recovery time.