Cosmetic Surgery Vs. Reconstructive Surgery?

Many people have trouble differentiating between cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery. They understand that there is a difference, but they do not necessarily understand what that difference is. However, there are definite and obvious differences between the two that can help anyone make a determination of which type of surgery is used for what kind of problem or concern. It can also help a person decide if they may need or want a specific surgery, and whether it is right for them based on their goals.

Cosmetic Surgery

When a person gets cosmetic surgery, it is to fix a perceived defect. They may feel that their chin is not right, their nose is too big, their breasts are too small or there are countless other issues that they are not really happy with. These are things that they want fixed because they do not like the way that they look, not because there is any medical reason to fix them. In other words, they are not impeding that person’s life, causing them physical pain or otherwise making things difficult for them. These kinds of problems may cause mental pain, however, because some people become very self-conscious about their appearance. They feel as though they must look a certain way to be accepted. Other people have cosmetic surgery simply to boost their self-esteem, to please their partner or because they finally decide to correct some minor flaw that has been bothering them for years.

Reconstructive Surgery

Getting reconstructive surgery is different. A reconstruction usually takes place after damage has been done to an area of the body. A very common reconstructive surgery is done to give a woman breasts again after she has had a mastectomy for cancer. However, there are many other reconstructive surgeries that are performed each year by highly qualified surgeons. Facial reconstruction is also relatively common, especially after car accidents or other serious accidents where facial trauma has been a problem. Dog bites and other injuries can require reconstructive surgery as well, especially if the damage is to the face. Not everyone who does not like a small flaw will get cosmetic surgery, but individuals who have serious deformities or injuries will generally receive reconstructive surgery in an attempt to give them a relatively normal appearance once again.

The Differences Between Cosmetic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery

While cosmetic surgery is generally a matter of choice, reconstructive surgery is sometimes necessary and almost always desired. Victims of accidents and tragedy and those born with severe deformities sometimes require reconstructive surgery simply so they can do generally accepted things such as eat solid food or breathe through their nose. Society is often uncomfortable with people who are ‘different,’ and this makes those people uncomfortable as well. Giving them back a chance at a normal life is basically what reconstructive surgery is all about.