What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is
performed to reshape normal structures of the body
in order to improve the patient's appearance and self-esteem.
Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance
because it is elective.
Reconstructive surgery
is performed on abnormal structures of the
body, caused by congential defects, developmental abnormalities,
trauma, infection, tumors or disease. It is generally
performed to improve function, but may also be done to
approximate 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.
There are a number of "gray areas" in coverage for plastic surgery that sometimes require special consideration by an insurance carrier. These areas usually involved surgical operations which may be reconstructive or cosmetic, depending on each patient's situation. For example, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) - a procedure normally performed to achieve cosmetic improvement may be covered if the eyelids are drooping severely and obscuring a patient's vision. |
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