While we usually understand plastic surgery to mean cosmetic, elective procedures, there’s actually more to this form of surgery than most people think.
There was a time when the words plastic and surgery were not used together in conversation or writing. When one thinks of plastic surgery, they generally think of cosmetic or aesthetic procedures. However,
cosmetic and aesthetic procedures only make up a portion of those performed on a daily basis. Additionally, the word plastic refers more to the fact that the surgery is for reshaping or remaking part of the body, and less to the materials used.
Generally, plastic surgery is any surgery that is performed to reshape and resculpt the body. The word “plastic” itself refers to modeling or sculpting. It is concerned mostly with correcting some malformation or restoring function to part of the body. Often burn victims receive some reconstructive procedures to restore their skin function and appearance. Many times a woman will have breast reconstruction after surviving a bout with cancer. While these procedures are in fact, cosmetic, they usually are also out of medical necessity and are often non-elective.
Reshaping and resculpting the body is also possible with elective procedures. Though rarely covered by insurance, elective plastic surgery is very popular. With the advancement of technology and general awareness, elective procedures are more affordable than ever before. If there’s a part of your body that you are unhappy with, chances are pretty good that it can be reshaped or resculpted to your liking.
For example, if you are unhappy with your sagging facial skin, you can have a face lift. Do you think your breasts are too large or too small? You can have an augmentation or reduction to better suit your desires. Is your stomach a little flabby and you can’t seem to flatten it with exercise? A tummy tuck will banish the flab and help those jeans fit better after all. Once reserved for the rich and famous, elective plastic surgery is now available to almost anyone!
It’s a wonderful thing, really, to live in an age where technology is advancing so rapidly. Plastic surgery is valuable on many fronts, and it is available almost everywhere in America. Qualified surgeons can be found in many big cities, small towns and just about everywhere in between.
If you are in need of a non-elective procedure, it’s probably best to consult with your general physician about your needs. Your doctor will help you find and select a qualified surgeon to correct the malformation or loss of function that you are experiencing.
Are you interested in elective procedures? You should also look for a qualified surgeon to perform the plastic surgery you desire. Don’t be shy about interviewing more than one and choosing the surgeon that makes you the most comfortable. All surgery has its risks, and you’ll want to make sure your surgeon is the best available to you.
Non-elective procedures are usually covered, at least in part, by medical insurance. Be sure to check with your specific carrier before the service is performed to make sure that you qualify and the procedure is covered. Elective procedures are rarely, if ever, covered. However, most clinics and surgery centers offer payment plans.
