A reconstructive plastic surgeon is a medical doctor who performs procedures ranging from closing wounds to skin grafts. Cosmetic surgery is sometimes grouped into this category as some reconstructive procedures are for an overall cosmetic effect.
Birth defects such as cleft palate require surgical repair of the affected area of the mouth, specifically the lip and roof of the mouth. Repair of a cleft palate is not only for aesthetic reasons, as the patient can also suffer from speech and eating problems. Reconstructive surgery to correct a cleft palate can be performed on a child as young as six weeks old.
Women who have had a mastectomy due to cancer can elect to have their breast(s) reconstructed to allow for a more normal feeling after the treatment. Breast reduction surgery is another procedure in which a surgeon reduces the size of large breasts so that the patient can be relieved of back pain and other issues.
When a patient is burned severely or wounded in an accident, a reconstructive or cosmetic surgeon can help to restore the patient’s body to the pre-accident state with one or more procedures. Sometimes several surgeries over the course of many years are necessary for some reconstructive measures.
Insurance coverage will depend upon the insurance company and likely will have much to do with the type of surgery. Elective procedures such as liposuction are normally not covered, while skin grafts due to burns would be considered necessary. In surgeries such as breast reduction, most insurance carriers look at this procedure as elective unless your doctor writes a letter to the insurance company, explaining the situation.
Before scheduling any surgery, it is important to check the credentials of the surgeon. The American Board of Plastic Surgery certifies the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) members, so look for this qualification. Also, check the accreditation of the medical facilities in which the surgeon operates, as this is also important.
Birth defects such as cleft palate require surgical repair of the affected area of the mouth, specifically the lip and roof of the mouth. Repair of a cleft palate is not only for aesthetic reasons, as the patient can also suffer from speech and eating problems. Reconstructive surgery to correct a cleft palate can be performed on a child as young as six weeks old.
Women who have had a mastectomy due to cancer can elect to have their breast(s) reconstructed to allow for a more normal feeling after the treatment. Breast reduction surgery is another procedure in which a surgeon reduces the size of large breasts so that the patient can be relieved of back pain and other issues.
When a patient is burned severely or wounded in an accident, a reconstructive or cosmetic surgeon can help to restore the patient’s body to the pre-accident state with one or more procedures. Sometimes several surgeries over the course of many years are necessary for some reconstructive measures.
Insurance coverage will depend upon the insurance company and likely will have much to do with the type of surgery. Elective procedures such as liposuction are normally not covered, while skin grafts due to burns would be considered necessary. In surgeries such as breast reduction, most insurance carriers look at this procedure as elective unless your doctor writes a letter to the insurance company, explaining the situation.
Before scheduling any surgery, it is important to check the credentials of the surgeon. The American Board of Plastic Surgery certifies the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) members, so look for this qualification. Also, check the accreditation of the medical facilities in which the surgeon operates, as this is also important.
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