What is reconstructive surgery?

The role of cosmetic surgery is mainly to enhance appearance and boost self-esteem  by reshaping normal body parts and is not usually covered by medical insurance. Reconstructive surgery, on the other hand, is performed to correct abnormal structures of the body that were the result of developmental abnormalities, congenital defects, disease or infection, and trauma, and is usually covered by health insurance. The main purpose of reconstructive surgery is to improve function. although aesthetics is also one of the considerations.

Reconstructive surgery is performed by a plastic surgeon, a doctor who had studied specialist

surgery for a number of years and is qualified to perform invasive surgical procedures.  In Australia, for instance, doctors  who finished a bachelor in medicine or bachelor of surgery degree, cannot be called plastic surgeons.

Plastic surgeons are qualified to perform both cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery. Aside from those already mentioned above, other medical issues that may require reconstructive surgery are the following:

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  Breast reduction for men and women

  
  


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  Facial reconstruction after accidents or trauma

  
  


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  Tumor or skin cancer removal

  
  


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  Finger or limb reconstruction or reattachment

  
  


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  Knee or elbow reconstruction following injuries sustained during sports

  
  

If you are looking to have reconstructive surgery, choosing a qualified plastic surgeon is crucial. The best way you can do this is to make sure that the plastic surgeon in question is a member of a professional organisation. These professional societies have strict code of ethics and qualification standards that members abide by.  The members of these organisations also only perform reconstructive surgery or cosmetic surgery in accredited medical facilities.

In the United States, they have the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)  whose members have completed at least five years surgical training with a minimum of two years in plastic surgery (cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery).  Canada has the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Quebec Association of Specialists in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Canadian Society for Aesthetic (Cosmetic) Plastic Surgery, and the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons.

In the United Kingdom,  one of the main organisations for plastic surgeons is the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS). Topnotch Australian plastic surgeons are members of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons (FRACS) or equivalent. FRACS membership is the standard qualification requirement before an Australian plastic surgeon can perform plastic and reconstructive surgery in private and public hospitals.

Dr Bradley Medling is a Plastic Surgeon in Nashville, TN providing a range of Surgery procedures. For more information visit Reconstructive Surgery Nashville.