Cosmetic surgery is a type of medical procedure that is performed to improve the overall aesthetic appearance of a person by remodeling and adjusting the normal anatomy. Unlike reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery is not considered medically necessary. It includes both surgical and non-surgical procedures that are designed to improve and reshape body structures to enhance appearance and boost confidence. Reconstructive surgery focuses on repairing or reconstructing problems caused by congenital deformities, tumor removals, trauma, or other reasons.
Other plastic surgery procedures include carpal tunnel surgery, microsurgery, rhinoplasty, and peripheral nerve surgery. Cosmetic plastic surgery is done to change a person's appearance. This could mean redesigning body contour and shape, smoothing wrinkles, or eliminating balding areas. Others may choose varicose vein treatment or breast augmentation.
The goal of cosmetic surgery is to improve a person's appearance, self-esteem, and self-confidence. Cosmetic surgery can be performed anywhere on the face and body. Plastic surgery is defined as a surgical specialty dedicated to the reconstruction of facial and body defects due to birth disorders, trauma, burns and diseases. Physicians with significant cosmetic surgery experience can earn certification from the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS).
Elective cosmetic procedures are performed by physicians from a variety of medical fields, including plastic surgeons. Like any other form of surgery, aesthetic procedures require a specialist surgeon trained in the procedure, including proper recovery time, proper healing, and care. If they wish, they can take steps to gain experience in cosmetic surgery through a training program of fellowships, workshops, seminars and conferences, and then obtain certification from the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery after having completed the necessary requirements. Your surgeon will explain how cosmetic surgery can change your body and what you can expect as a result.
Because the procedures and results of each are very different, the training of cosmetic surgeons and plastic surgeons is also very different. The surgeon helps patients understand this so that they can fully appreciate their true appearance and how this can change with cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic surgery is a unique medical discipline focused on improving appearance through surgical and medical techniques. There are currently no residency programs in the United States dedicated exclusively to cosmetic surgery.
Eyelid surgery and breast reduction surgery are two aesthetic procedures that insurance can cover if the patient meets certain requirements, but insurance only covers these procedures for functional reasons, not because of the change in appearance. Before choosing to undergo a cosmetic procedure, it is important to think carefully about your expectations and get a full explanation of the expected results. Because any licensed physician can legally perform cosmetic surgery, regardless of how they received cosmetic surgery training, it is extremely important that you research when choosing a cosmetic surgeon.
