Cosmetic and plastic surgery are two different types of surgical procedures that people undergo to enhance their appearance or to correct physical defects. While both aim to improve one’s physical appearance, they have different purposes, procedures, and outcomes.
Cosmetic surgery is a type of surgery that is done to improve the appearance of the body, while plastic surgery is done to reconstruct, restore, or repair damaged body parts. In this article, we will look at the differences between cosmetic and plastic surgery, and what you need to know before you undergo either of the procedures.
Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery is a type of surgery that is done to enhance or change the appearance of a person. It includes procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, facelift, and tummy tuck, among others. The aim of cosmetic surgery is to improve the appearance of a person by reshaping, resizing, or adding volume to certain areas of the body. The procedures are usually elective and not medically necessary.
Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery, on the other hand, is a type of surgery that is done to reconstruct, restore or repair damaged body parts. Plastic surgery procedures include hand surgery, microsurgery, craniofacial surgery, and reconstructive surgery, among others. The aim of plastic surgery is to improve the function of a body part that has been damaged by disease, injury, or congenital abnormalities. A plastic surgeon may also work to restore the appearance of a body part, but this is usually a secondary consideration.
The Differences between Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery
While both cosmetic and plastic surgery aims to enhance the appearance of the body, they differ in several ways. Some of the key differences include:
- Purpose: Cosmetic surgery is done to improve the appearance of a person, while plastic surgery is done to reconstruct or repair damaged body parts.
- Procedures: Cosmetic surgery procedures are usually elective and not medically necessary, while plastic surgery procedures are medically necessary and require a doctor’s recommendation.
- Outcomes: The outcome of cosmetic surgery is usually a change in appearance, while the outcome of plastic surgery is a restoration of function or appearance.
- Recovery: Recovery time for cosmetic surgery is usually shorter than for plastic surgery, which may require longer hospital stays and rehabilitation periods.
- Insurance coverage: Plastic surgery may be covered by health insurance if it is deemed medically necessary, while cosmetic surgery is not usually covered by insurance.
Things to Consider Before Undergoing Cosmetic or Plastic Surgery
Before undergoing any type of surgery, it is important to consider the risks and benefits of the procedure. Some of the things to consider include:
- The potential risks and complications of the procedure.
- The cost of the procedure and whether it is covered by insurance.
- The recovery time and any limitations on physical activity during the recovery period.
- The qualifications and experience of the surgeon performing the procedure.
- Realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure.
In conclusion, cosmetic and plastic surgery are two different types of surgical procedures that aim to improve one’s physical appearance or to correct physical defects. While cosmetic surgery is done to enhance the appearance of a person, plastic surgery is done to reconstruct or repair damaged body parts. It is important to carefully consider the risks and benefits of any surgical procedure before undergoing it and to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon to perform the procedure.
