Understanding Cosmetic Surgery and Plastic Surgery

A Guide To Understanding Cosmetic And Plastic Surgery

There are many reasons why a person will choose to have a cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure. While closely related, in technical terms, cosmetic and plastic surgery are not considered to be the same thing. Plastic surgery focuses on repairing or reconstruction to help improve body function while cosmetic surgery will focus on enhancing appearance.

If plastic surgery is performed for a reason deemed medically necessary, it will oftentimes be covered by insurance. Cosmetic surgical procedures are considered elective in nature (not medically necessary) are generally not covered by insurance.

Some of the more common medically necessary plastic surgery procedures which are performed include:

breast reconstruction after a mastectomy
breast reduction if it is performed to alleviate pain
skin procedures to remove tumors, cysts, skin cancer or treatment of scarring
other reconstructive surgeries following traumatic injuries, burns or abnormalities to improve or correct function

A person might choose to have a cosmetic surgical procedure to improve self-perception or self-confidence, conform to social or beauty standards, or to address specific areas that they see in themselves, like sagging skin, troublesome body contours, or unwanted facial features The most common or popular reasons of having cosmetic surgery could best be summarized as:

enhancing aesthetic appearance
boosting self-confidence
reversing signs of aging
addressing physical changes from trauma or pregnancy

Top Cosmetic Surgical Procedures

National reports and statistics reveal that liposuction is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedure, followed closely by demand for a tummy tuck and breast surgery, such as breast augmentation, breast reduction or breast lift surgery. Some of the other less popular types of elective cosmetic surgeries include eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), butt augmentation (Brazilian Butt Lift) and arm uplift procedures. A new category of cosmetic surgery includes the Mommy Makeover, which is a personalized combination of different procedures and often includes tummy tuck, breast augmentation or lift, and targeted liposuction.

Liposuction

What Is Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess fat from specific areas of the body that are resistant to diet and exercise, and continues to be a top choice for men and women looking to contour and sculpt specific areas of their bodies. The liposuction surgery involves a surgical procedure that is typically performed to target stubborn fat deposits in areas like the abdomen, flanks, thighs, hips, buttocks, and arms, refining the natural body shape.

Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity or weight reduction surgery, nor is it meant to be a substitute for proper diet and exercise, but instead should be performed for people of normal weight who have some extra fat. Liposuction is also not an effective or recommended treatment for cellulite.

The general goals of having liposuction surgery include:

reducing localized fat pockets
enhancing body contour and symmetry
targeting areas resistant to diet and exercise

In a technical sense, liposuction generally involves the use of small incisions that are made near the treatment area, after which a small metal tube is inserted into the fatty tissues to break up and suck out the fat cells. After shaping and sculpting of the area for improved contouring by removal of the fat, the incisions are closed.

Recovery after liposuction usually involves several days of rest along with wearing compression garments for several weeks to reduce and control swelling. As the healing process progresses, results of the liposuction will begin to appear over the following weeks and months.

Reasons For Having Liposuction

As we age our metabolism really begins to slow down and hormone levels shift, which causes a change in how weight is distributed in the body. Pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause all can also cause a fatty redistribution within the body.

This extra unwanted weight appears in different places, and it becomes harder to lose the weight. Liposuction has therefore become a popular way to get rid of those stubborn areas of extra fat, providing you with the opportunity to maintain your wait in a more uniform manner. Areas of the body where extra fat commonly appears includes:

the lumbar flank area (love handles)
the trochanteric thigh area (saddle bags)
arms
inner thighs
buttocks
abdomen or stomach

(note that a tummy tuck is generally considered to be the better solution than liposuction for addressing postpartum changes in the midsection)

Post Liposuction Recovery

Wound dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions that are made during the liposuction procedure for immediate post op healing. However, you will also need to wear an elastic bandage, support bra or a compression garment to help minimize swelling and support your body as it heals from the liposuction surgery. To ensure that the maximum benefit and results of your liposuction cosmetic surgery procedure are achieved, it is important to wear compression shapewear as prescribed throughout the post op recovery period to obtain the benefits of compression after plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery.

During the first week after liposuction you can expect minor pain, swelling and bruising. During the subsequent weeks, you can expect to begin feeling better with a reduction in the effects of the procedure. As time passes, the pain should subside, bruising will disappear and swelling should start to subside. It may take several months for the swelling to fully dissipate, but as it does, your new body contours should begin to appear and continue to develop.

Is Liposuction Covered By Insurance

Most health insurance plans do not cover liposuction or its complications, unless the liposuction removes excess fat and is typically a cosmetic surgery, but some insurance companies may cover plastic surgery if it is used to treat lipomas (fatty tumors) or lipedema, a condition causing painful fat accumulation.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

What Is A Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to reduce and correct bulges, as well as remove excess fat and skin from the abdomen. This procedure is particularly suitable for addressing conditions caused by obesity, pregnancy, and other factors. In many parts of the world, abdominoplasty is one of the most common procedures in the field of aesthetic medicine.

Often chosen by women wanting a firmer, flatter abdomen post-pregnancy or after significant weight loss, abdominoplasty removes excess skin and tightens abdominal muscles to create a more sculpted look. A tummy tuck is also often combined with liposuction.

While tummy tuck surgery can reduce excess fat and skin, it is not recommended as a substitute for controlled healthy weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. The results of a tummy tuck are not permanent, and failure to develop healthy eating habits and an active lifestyle can greatly diminish the outcomes of having a tummy tuck. Also, women who may be considering future pregnancies would be advised to postpone having a tummy tuck procedure.

The primary goals of having a tummy tuck include:

removal of loose, sagging skin
restoration of abdominal muscle tone post-pregnancy
enhancing the waistline shape and profile

Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin and, in most cases, restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is both smoother and firmer.

Recovery after a tummy tuck usually involves several days of rest along with wearing compression garments for several weeks to reduce and control swelling. As the healing process progresses, results of the tummy tuck will begin to appear over the following weeks and months.

Reasons For Having A Tummy Tuck

Many people strive to have a flat and well-toned abdomen through exercise and weight control. No matter how hard we try however, sometimes these methods simply are not able to help us achieve our goals.

Individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can simply develop an abdomen that protrudes, or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this include:

aging
heredity factors
pregnancy
having had prior abdominal surgery
significant fluctuations in weight

Post Tummy Tuck Recovery

After your tummy tuck procedure, wound dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and you may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to help minimize control swelling and to support your abdomen as it heals. To ensure that the maximum benefit and results of your tummy tuck cosmetic surgery procedure are achieved, it is important to wear compression shapewear as prescribed throughout the post op recovery period to obtain the benefits of compression after plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery.

The results of having had tummy tuck surgery will be initially obscured by swelling and your inability to stand fully upright until internal healing is complete. However, within a week or two, you should begin to see a new slimmer profile. With time and as the healing process progresses, your tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight.

Is Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Covered By Insurance

Most health insurance plans do not cover tummy tuck surgery. However, if a tummy tuck is performed to remove excess skin that leads to rashes, infections, or mobility issues after significant weight loss it may be covered by insurance as a medically necessary plastic surgery procedure.

Breast Augmentation

What Is Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation remains one of the most sought-after cosmetic surgeries among women world-wide. The breast augmentation procedure is highly customizable, allowing each woman to choose the implant type, size, and placement that matches her desired look and lifestyle. Advances in implant technology and surgical techniques have made the results of breast augmentation surgery increasingly natural and long-lasting, with minimal post-surgical downtime.

The primary goals of having breast augmentation include:

enhancing body symmetry
restoring breast volume lost due to weight loss or pregnancy
enhancing the chest shape and profile
improve the balance of the breast and hip contours
increase the fullness and projection of the breasts
boosting self-confidence and self-image

A top choice of cosmetic surgery, a breast augmentation enhances the breast size, shape and symmetry, as well as the overall chest profile. Breast augmentation, sometimes referred to as a "breast aug" or a "boob job", involves using breast implants or fat transfer to increase the size and shape of the breasts. This procedure can also restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy, achieve a more rounded breast shape or improve natural breast size asymmetry.

Reasons For Having A Breast Augmentation

There are a variety of reasons why a woman would choose to have a breast augmentation surgery, but some of the more common reasons include:

having naturally small breasts
loss of volume or fullness after weight loss
post-pregnancy changes in size and shape
improve symmetry between the breasts
to have better fitting clothes
improve self-esteem and self-confidence (to look and feel sexier)

In addition to having a breast augmentation, many women will choose to have a breast lift surgery as well.

Post Breast Augmentation Recovery

Immediately post procedure, your breasts will be wrapped in gauze dressings and an elastic bandage or post op support bra to help minimize and control swelling and as well as to support the breasts as they heal.

Recovery after breast augmentation surgery involves wearing a post surgical bra around the clock as instructed by your plastic surgeon. It is very important to choose the right type of post surgical compression bra for wearing during the post op recovery and healing process. The acute post operative pain of a breast augmentation procedure will typically subside after one to five days, but you may still experience soreness and swelling for a few weeks. To ensure that the maximum benefit and results of your cosmetic surgery procedure are achieved, it is important to wear your post op compression bra as prescribed throughout the post op recovery period for your breasts to obtain the benefits of compression after plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery. You may resume exercise and normal daily activity according to your plastic surgeon's directions. With time and as the healing process progresses, your breasts will begin to soften and appear more balanced and firm, while displaying fuller, more natural contours.

Is A Breast Augmentation Covered By Insurance

Most health insurance plans will not cover cosmetic breast augmentation surgery. However if reconstructive breast is performed, such as after a mastectomy, then the procedure would most likely be deemed as a medically necessary plastic surgical procedure, qualifying it for insurance coverage.

Breast Reduction

What Is A Breast Reduction

Overly large breasts can cause both health and emotional problems; getting funny looks, can't fit into athletic clothing, or can't even wear a tight-fitting shirt. The emotional discomfort, self-consciousness and self-image/self-esteem issues often associated with having overly large breasts can be as important an issue as the physical discomfort and pain of having them. You may experience physical pain and discomfort of having extra large breasts as the weight of excess breast tissue can impair your ability to lead an active life, even impacting your ability of finding clothes that fit.

Breast reduction surgery entails the removal of skin and tissue from the breast, followed by reshaping and elevating to create a smaller, more proportionate bust size. Having breast reduction surgery is meant to remove these physical and mental health barriers, to improve your overall quality of life.

The primary goals of having breast reduction surgery include:

enhancing body symmetry
reducing breast volume caused by weight gain or pregnancy
enhancing the chest shape and profile
improve the balance of the breast and hip contours
improving posture
reducing the fullness and projection of the breasts
boosting self-confidence and self-image

Reasons For Having A Breast Reduction

There are a variety of reasons why a woman would choose to have a breast reduction, but some of the more common reasons include:

having overly large breasts
increased volume or fullness after weight gain or pregnancy
make it easier to breathe
improve symmetry between/proportion of the breasts
reduce or eliminate back pain
make skin feel better/reduce skin irritation under the breasts
reduce the pain and discomfort of wearing a bra
enable you to exercise with ease
easier to find better fitting clothes
improve self-esteem and self-confidence (to look and feel better)

In addition to having a breast reduction, many women will choose to have a breast lift surgery as well. This combined approach (reduction mammaplasty) will help address sagging, improve shape, comfort and projection of the reduced breasts.

Post Breast Reduction Recovery

Recovery after breast reduction surgery involves wearing a post surgical bra around the clock as instructed by your plastic surgeon. It is very important to choose the right type of post surgical compression bra for wearing during the post op recovery and healing process. The acute post operative pain of a breast reduction procedure will typically subside after one to five days, but you may still experience soreness and swelling for a few weeks. To ensure that the maximum benefit and results of your cosmetic surgery procedure are achieved, it is important to wear your post op compression bra as prescribed throughout the post op recovery period for your breasts to obtain the benefits of compression after plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery. You may resume exercise and normal daily activity according to your plastic surgeon's directions. With time and as the healing process progresses, your reduced breasts will begin to soften and appear more balanced and firm, while displaying fuller, more natural contours.

Is A Breast Reduction Covered By Insurance

Breast reduction surgery is often covered by health insurance plans, but your plastic surgeon will likely need to get approval from your insurance company for the procedure, including documentation of the medically necessity of having the surgery. Even if approved, you will still likely be responsible for any copayments or deductibles set by your insurance. If your insurance does not cover or approve the breast reduction procedure, you will have the option to pay for it out of pocket.

Breast Lift (mastopexy)

What Is A Breast Lift

A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is most beneficial for women who have sagging breasts. This type of breast surgery reshapes and supports the breast tissue to achieve a more youthful figure. A breast lift will also help restore the shape and volume of your breasts that may have been lost due to age, weight loss or breastfeeding.

Breast lift surgery entails the removal of skin and tissue from the breast, followed by reshaping and elevating to create a smaller, more proportionate bust size and contour. Often with a breast lift, the nipple and areola will also be repositioned and reduced in size to create a more natural look.

The primary goals of having breast lift surgery include:

enhancing body symmetry
reducing breast sag caused by age, weight gain or pregnancy
removing stretched out skin
enhancing the chest shape and profile
improve the balance of the breast and hip contours
eliminating downward pointed nipples
boosting self-confidence and self-image

Reasons For Having A Breast Lift

A woman's breasts often change over time, losing their youthful shape and firmness. These changes and loss of skin elasticity can result from a variety of factors, including:

aging
gravity
pregnancy
breastfeeding
weight changes/fluctuations
hereditary factors

Having breast lift surgery is meant to remove these physical and mental health barriers, to improve your overall quality of life. A breast lift is also meant to rejuvenate your figure with a breast profile that is more youthful and uplifted.

Breast lift surgery does not significantly change the size of your breasts or round out the upper part of your breast. If you want your breasts to look larger and fuller, you should consider having a breast lift and breast augmentation in a combined procedure. Combining the two will correct sagging while improving breast shape and increasing size. If you want smaller breasts, consider combining breast lift and a breast reduction.

Post Breast Lift Recovery

Recovery after breast lift surgery involves wearing a post surgical bra around the clock as instructed by your plastic surgeon. It is very important to choose the right type of post surgical compression brafor wearing during the post op recovery and healing process. The acute post operative pain of a breast lift procedure will typically subside after one to five days, but you may still experience soreness and swelling for a few weeks. To ensure that the maximum benefit and results of your cosmetic surgery procedure are achieved, it is important to wear your post op compression bra as prescribed throughout the post op recovery period for your breasts to obtain the benefits of compression after plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery. You may resume exercise and normal daily activity according to your plastic surgeon's directions. With time and as the healing process progresses, your reduced breasts will begin to soften and appear more balanced and firm, while displaying fuller, more natural contours.

Is A Breast Lift Covered By Insurance

Most health insurance plans do not cover breast lift surgery unless there is a sufficiently documented medical need to have such a procedure.

Mommy Makeover

What Is A Mommy Makeover

Although not a specific type of cosmetic surgery or surgical procedure, a Mommy Makeover commonly refers to a combination of different cosmetic surgery procedures that are designed to restore a woman’s body shape after pregnancy and breast feeding. A Mommy Maker represents a popular, personalized combination that often includes tummy tuck, breast augmentation or breast lift, and targeted liposuction. Although characterized as restoring balance after pregnancy, a Mommy Maker is often chosen after major weight changes.

The more common types of cosmetic surgical procedures which can be performed as a Mommy Makeover include:

Liposuction
Breast surgery (breast augmentation, breast lift or breast reduction procedures)
Tummy Tuck
Buttock Augmentation

Reasons For Having A Mommy Makeover

A woman's body goes through many physical changes as a result of having given birth, and these changes are commonly related to changes in the breasts and abdomen, to include:

sagging breasts
excess abdominal skin
stretch marks
extra body fat

Having a Mommy Makeover creates a single surgical plan or procedure to address issues involving your skin, muscle, and excess fat in the same timeline. Also, a Mommy Makeover allows you to choose a customized plan that best addresses your individual needs and cosmetic desires.

Post Mommy Makeover Recovery

A Mommy Makeover may take up to several months after surgery to fully heal. Implants will settle and scar lines will improve over time, but they will never disappear.

If breast surgery is performed as part of your Mommy Makeover, post recovery healing will involve wearing a post surgical bra around the clock as instructed by your plastic surgeon. It is very important to choose the right type of post surgical compression bra for wearing during the post op recovery and healing process. The acute post operative pain of a breast surgery procedure will typically subside after one to five days, but you may still experience soreness and swelling for a few weeks. To ensure that the maximum benefit and results of your cosmetic surgery procedure are achieved, it is important to wear your post op compression bra as prescribed throughout the post op recovery period for your breasts to obtain the benefits of compression after plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery. When combined with stable weight management , healthy eating habits and an active lifestyle, the results of a Mommmy Makeover can last for years.

Is A Mommy Makeover Covered By Insurance

Most health insurance plans will not cover the individual types of cosmetic surgery performed as part of your overall Mommy Makever unless there is a sufficiently documented medical need to have such a procedure.