Aesthetic surgeries – Medical reasons for plastic surgery
Cosmetic surgeries are gaining momentum in the United States, and not just to restore beauty and reverse the aging process. This article details the many procedures plastic surgeons perform for reasons other than to improve appearance. Read further to find out more.
Breast augmentation
By far the most common of all cosmetic surgeries is breast augmentation. No longer should images of the Hollywood actress come to mind when mentioned. As breast cancer rates rise, so does the sale of breast implants. Restoration of the body contour of a breast cancer survivor through the use of implants is widely accepted and practiced.
On the contrary, breast reductions are performed on women for the treatment and prevention of back ailments derived from the weight of the breasts. Breast lifts are frequently performed on women who have experienced significant weight loss and are experiencing loss of elasticity in their breasts. These gastric bypass patients often undergo numerous cosmetic surgeries as a result of excess skin, weakened muscle tone, and other issues.
Facial Aesthetic Surgeries
Reconstructive plastic surgery is routinely performed on both men and women of different ages. Rhinoplasty or nose surgery are common procedures to correct sleep apnea and other breathing difficulties created by nasal abnormalities and obstructions.
Plastic surgeons frequently perform skin cancer removals in the facial area, using their reconstructive expertise to minimize damage and repair the skin’s surface.
Cleft lip and cleft palate repair are common procedures performed by plastic surgeons. These malformations affect the patient’s ability to eat and communicate, creating a medical need for reconstruction.
Other reconstructive procedures
Reconstruction in trauma patients is a vast area of practice for plastic surgeons. Reconstruction of the bone structure and repair of the skin surface are medical needs for these patients. Burn victims are also cared for by reconstructive plastic surgeons.
The possibility that insurance will cover cosmetic surgeries for medical necessity is very high, depending on the existing coverage. When procedures are no longer elective, but are used to treat, cure, or correct an ailment or medical problem, it puts these procedures in a different category among many insurance companies.
Doctors are often able to work with insurance companies to explain the need for the procedure, resulting in the insurance company footing all or part of the bill. For more information on when plastic surgery becomes medically necessary, contact your local plastic surgeon.