What are Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeries?

The term 'plastic surgery' most probably creates the idea of somehow using plastic substances in surgical procedures to remodel the shape or look of certain parts of the body. This could not be further from the truth. Contrary to the term, there is no plastic at all in such surgeries. The term 'plastic surgery' is taken from the Greek word 'plastikos' which means 'to mold or shape'.

Plastic surgery therefore is the surgical procedure where parts of the body or face are skillfully shaped by the surgeon. This type of procedure is reconstructive in nature. For someone who has congenital defects or suffered some form of disease or accident that has altered the shape or look of the body or face, plastic surgery is a way to correct the situation.

On the other hand, cosmetic surgery is performed solely to improve a person's outward physical appearance and self-esteem by correcting parts of the body or face that the patient is unhappy with. This type of procedure focuses on reducing lines and wrinkles in the face, removing body fat from a specific area, or lifting, supplementing or reducing a specific body feature such as the breasts.

Cosmetic surgery is generally not covered by health insurance due to its elective nature. Plastic surgery on the other hand, is normally covered by health insurance provided it is endorsed by the doctor to be crucial to the patient's health and subject to the terms and conditions of the insurance policy. However it is still important to discuss the planned procedure with your health insurance provider before going for the operation.

Sometimes there can be a fine line differentiating plastic from cosmetic surgery. Certain procedures can be categorized under both types. For example, in certain cases rhinoplasty may be for health reasons as well as to reconstruct a more attractive looking nose. Nevertheless, most surgeries may be classified into one category or the other. Examples of plastic surgery are breast reduction to reduce the strain on the back and shoulders, rhinoplasty to alleviate breathing problems, skin grafting to repair skin or tissue damaged by accidents or disease etc. Examples of cosmetic surgery are otoplasty, breast augmentation, blepharoplasty, tummy tucks, Botox injections etc.

These days, cosmetic or plastic surgery is no longer limited to the wealthy. It is becoming more and more within the reach of the man or woman in the street. Not only is it becoming more affordable with the advancement of medical science but it is also becoming more socially acceptable. This is largely due to the media's influence on the perception of these types of operations. It is undeniable that cosmetic and plastic surgery play an important role in increasing the quality of life for everyone in today's modern world.

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By Dr. Charles Lee