The Difference Between Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery

If you want to undergo surgery for medical or aesthetic reasons, you may wonder about the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Both fall under the umbrella of plastic surgery, but they serve different purposes. Some surgeries help restore function and appearance after an injury or medical condition. Others enhance natural features or address concerns you have. Sometimes, the two procedures overlap to fulfill beauty and medical goals. 

Learn about the differences between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

What Is Cosmetic Surgery?

Cosmetic surgery focuses on improving a person’s appearance. People typically seek this procedure because they want to feel more comfortable in their own skin. People also undergo the procedure to:

• Restore confidence: Whether because of aging, pregnancy, weight loss, or genetics, people seek to improve features that make them feel self-conscious.  
• Reverse the signs of aging: Procedures like facelifts, eyelid surgery, and Botox treatments help individuals maintain a youthful, refreshed appearance. 
  
• Body contour after weight loss: Major weight loss can leave behind loose skin, which diet and exercise alone can’t fix. Surgeries like a tummy tuck help remove excess skin and define body shape. 
• Improve natural features: Some people have features they wish to refine, such as a nose they feel is too large or small breasts they want to enhance. 

Unlike reconstructive surgery, which may be covered by insurance, cosmetic surgery is usually paid for out of pocket.

The time needed for cosmetic surgery depends on the procedure. Minimally invasive procedures may take less than an hour, and patients may see results within a few days with little disruption to their daily lives. Surgical cosmetic procedures typically require preoperative preparation and postsurgical recovery. Recovery time varies, but some patients return to normal activities within a few weeks. 

Examples of Cosmetic Surgery

People undergoing cosmetic surgery may choose to correct one or several parts of their bodies. Here are common types of cosmetic surgery: 

• Breast augmentation and reduction: Breast augmentation enhances breast size and shape using implants or fat transfer. Conversely, breast reduction is for those who wish to reduce enlarged breasts, which can cause back pain, posture issues, and difficulty finding well-fitting clothing. Both procedures aim to improve body proportion and comfort. 
• Liposuction: Liposuction removes fat deposits from the abdomen, thighs, and arms. It’s not a weight-loss procedure but a method for refining shape and improving natural proportions. 
• Body lifts: Arm lifts and thigh lifts are procedures used to remove excess fat and skin to reshape areas of the body affected by aging or weight loss. Body lifts create firmer and more refined limbs. 
• Facial enhancements: Facial surgery helps individuals achieve a more youthful or refined appearance. Facelifts address sagging skin, and eyelid surgery removes excess skin around the eyes for a more refreshed look.

What Is Reconstructive Surgery?

Reconstructive surgery is a procedure that corrects abnormalities and restores the body’s natural form and function. People undergo the procedure for several reasons, but it typically stems from medical necessity. Some of the most common reasons include: 

• Congenital conditions: Some birth defects can interfere with normal development, so they may require surgical intervention to allow proper function and appearance. 
• Trauma and injury: Car accidents, burns, or injuries can lead to disfigurement or loss of function. Reconstructive surgery may help patients recover physically and boost their confidence. 
• Cancer and tumor removal: Skin, breast, and other forms of cancer typically call for the removal of affected tissues, which leaves a patient with changes to their appearance. Reconstructive procedures help rebuild what was lost. 

Reconstructive surgery is personalized. Each case is unique and requires a tailored approach to meet the patient’s needs. Some procedures are completed in a single surgery, while others may involve multiple stages over months or years. The complexity of the surgery depends on the extent of the condition and the techniques used for correction.

Recovery time also depends on the individual and the procedure performed. Some surgeries require only a few weeks of healing, while others may take months of follow-up care. 

Examples of Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive surgery caters to different parts of the body. Common types include: 

• Breast reconstruction: For women who have undergone a mastectomy, breast reconstruction can aid their healing process. Some women choose implants, while others opt for natural tissue reconstruction using fat and muscle from other parts of the body to rebuild the breast. 
• Facial reconstruction: Facial reconstructive surgery helps restore symmetry and function. It can involve skin grafts or bone reconstruction to transfer healthy tissue from one part of the body to another. 
• Skin cancer removal: After skin cancer is removed, patients may be left with wounds. The procedure helps restore the skin’s natural appearance. 

Plastic Surgeon vs. Cosmetic Surgeon

When contemplating surgery, choosing the right surgeon can help you achieve your desired results. People may assume that plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons are the same, but they have distinct differences in training and expertise. 

Training and Certification

Plastic surgeons undergo extensive training in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Their education typically includes a medical degree and at least six years of residency training, with multiple years focused on plastic surgery. They should also earn board certification through the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or the American Board of Osteopathic Surgery (AOBS).

Cosmetic surgeons focus on aesthetic procedures. Their training involves completing a residency in a related medical field. Some surgeons undergo additional fellowships in cosmetic surgery. Once they’ve completed the fellowship program, they can get certification from groups like the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. 

Areas of Expertise

Since plastic surgeons are well-versed in surgical techniques and anatomy, they can handle complex cases that involve medical necessity and aesthetics. They may even conduct cosmetic reconstructive surgery, where they address functional and cosmetic concerns. 

Cosmetic surgeons strictly perform elective aesthetic procedures. They focus their expertise on:

• Facelifts and cheek and lip augmentation.
• Body contouring like tummy tucks and body lifts.
• Breast augmentations, lifts, and reductions. 
• Minimally invasive treatments like Botox, fillers, and laser skin treatments. 

Choosing the Right Surgeon

When selecting a surgeon, patients should look beyond the title and focus on qualifications, experience, and board certification. Follow these steps to choose the right professional: 

1. Verify board certification: For plastic surgeons, check accreditation with the ABPS or AOBS. If you’re researching cosmetic surgeons, check their background and training carefully. 
2. Ask about their experience: Ask the surgeon how often they have performed the specific procedures and if they can show before and after photos of previous patients. 
3. Assess their approach to patient care: Check if they offer preoperative consultations and postsurgical care. 

Find Your Ideal Surgery at Southern Plastic & Reconstructive Surgical Institute

If you’re looking into plastic surgery, you deserve a team that understands your goals and provides expert care from start to finish. At SPRSI, we take a holistic approach to surgical and nonsurgical treatments to help you achieve results that look natural and feel right to you.

Our team, led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brought and his skilled staff, combines years of experience with the latest technologies to give you the best possible care. We take the time to understand your needs, answer your questions, and create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your goals. 

Contact us today to talk about your plastic surgery needs.