Wheres The Plastic In Plastic Surgery?

Don't be looking for the Dupont Company sales rep the next time you visit a Plastic Surgeon's office because, despite popular belief, there's no "Plastic" in Plastic Surgery. The name is taken from the Greek word "plastikos" which means to "mold or shape."

Initially plastic surgery procedures were limited to facial and body reconstruction caused by accidents, trauma, illness or birth defects. As people began to see the purely cosmetic possibilities, many surgeons expanded their services to include facelifts, rhinoplasty (nose jobs), breast augmentation and liposuction.

It's important to know the difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery, especially if you're planning on having your insurance company foot the bill for your procedure.

Cosmetic surgery is performed solely to improve a person's outward physical appearance and self-esteem by correcting naturally occuring conditions that the patient is unhappy with. Cosmetic surgery may be performed by either a Plastic Surgeon or a Cosmetic Surgeon. Cosmetic surgery is generally not covered by health insurance.

Reconstructive plastic surgery is performed to correct or reduce the effects of congenital defects, accidental trauma injury, infections, tumors, and other health-related conditions. It's primary purpose is rarely to simply improve appearance except for extreme cases involving major facial or bodily damage resulting from automobile accidents, etc. Plastic Surgery may only be performed by a Plastic Surgeon.

In most cases insurance does pay for plastic surgery although there are some cases where your claim may be reduced or denied completely. That's why it is always important to coordinate the planned procedure with your health insurance provider BEFORE you get the procedure.

Often times the difference between whether or not your insurance company will cover the bill is the REASON for the procedure. If, for example, you are having your nose reshaped because you're unhappy with your profile -- no deal. You're on your own. However, get that same nose job because your doctor has diagnosed a chronic breathing problem that results in the potentially dangerous condition known as "Sleep Apnea" and you could end up with a new nose courtesy of your health insurance provider!

If you are planning to visit a Plastic Surgeon, keep the following items in mind:

Your plastic surgeon should be "Board Certified" by the American Board of Plastic Surgery;

If your doctor will be using anesthesia then make sure that only a licensed Anesthesiologist administers the medicine and make sure that the facility where the procedure is being performed is accredited by at least one of the following organizations:

American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities(AAAASF)

Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC)

Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)

Although making sure that all of these certifications are present is no guarantee of a trouble-free experience, NOT having these certifications means that both the doctor performing plastic surgery, as well as the people who run the facility, have a serious lack of regard for your health and well being! You should NEVER use an uncertified plastic surgeon or facility. The risk is simply not worth it.

Credit: Mike Jones of BodyFAQ.com, the health, body & beauty information site. Click here for related information on Cosmetic Surgery: http://www.bodyfaq.com/cosmetic-surgery.html

---

Create A Home Spa

Here are 10 personal little home spa tips that will... Read More

Why Switch to All Natural Cosmetics?

The human skin wraps and protects our bodies. It constitutes... Read More

Frequently Asked Questions About Permanent Makeup

Frequently Asked Questions About Permanent CosmeticsQ2) What is the recovery... Read More

A Crazy Life and Pimples

The factors contributing to acne breakouts are many. Hormonal influences,... Read More

Plastic Surgery: Rhinoplasty / Nose Job Information

What is a Rhinoplasty?Rhinoplasty is a very common procedure which... Read More

The Maharishi Ayurveda Approach to Beauty and Skin Care with Nancy Lonsdorf M.D.

"Every person is born perfect. Inferiority is a mistake of... Read More

Spring and Summer Make-up Trends 2005

Natural, Radiant skinThat's right, summer is upon us already, which... Read More

Contact Lenses - A Beginners Guide To Inserting & Removing Them The Right Way

I must admit that putting contact lenses in for the... Read More

Looking For A Tanning Bed For Cheap?

If you want a tanning bed for cheap there are... Read More

Long Hair and Updo Hairstyles

You have long hair and you are ready for an... Read More

Look Younger with Antioxidant

What does Antioxydant have to do with anti-aging? You might... Read More

Hair Stylist - Record Holder

Have you ever seen hair stylist cutting hair with Fire... Read More

A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever! And that can be You!

It is said that a thing of beauty is a... Read More

What You Need To Know About Tanning Beds

Tanning beds and sun lamps provide the ultimate in relaxation... Read More

Preparing for Rhinoplasty Surgery

You've done your research, had several consultations, selected your surgeon... Read More

Collagen Injection

Collagen injection is a type of cosmetic procedure that augments... Read More

Create a Home Spa Experience ? Homemade Facials, Scrubs, and More

The same stress in our daily lives that makes us... Read More

How to Achieve Younger Looking Skin

HEALTHY SKIN BEGINS WITH THE BASICS.Overexposure to the sun causes... Read More

Indoor Versus Outdoor Tanning

The benefits of indoor tanning versus outdoor tanning are widely... Read More

Fragrance and Fun Fight Dry Skin

If you are a baby boomer, you might be experiencing... Read More

The Laser Hair Removal Process

Laser Hair Removal is becoming more popular then ever for... Read More

Why Should I Wear Sunglasses?

"Why the heck should I wear sunglasses" you ask? "They... Read More

The Fountain of Youth

The fountain of youth has always been the most sought-after... Read More

Gray Hair Shampoo: The Best Treatment for Your Hair

Just because you have Gray hair doesn't mean you should... Read More

The Cost of Hair Extensions

Hair extensions can be added to your own natural hair... Read More

Going Beyond Benzoyl Peroxide

Millions of people suffer from acne in the United States... Read More

Non Prescription Cats Eye Contact Lenses - Animal Attraction!

Long gone are the days when a set of contact... Read More

Why Use A Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon?

Beverly Hills is Mecca of all people looking for plastic... Read More

Anti-aging Skin Care Treatments: What to Do When that First Wrinkle Appears

There comes a time in everybody's life when we start... Read More

Natural Skin Care Tips: 10 Skin Care Tips Women Must Know (Part 1)

Right eating habits and the right natural care can do... Read More

Plastic Surgey: The New Beauty Norm?

This is a good topic to discuss especially now since... Read More

Where Can I Find Cheap Tanning Bed Bulbs?

If you need cheap tanning bed bulbs you may have... Read More

Cosmeceuticals: The New Wave in Skin Care Solutions

Cosmeceuticals are the new wave in skin care. They are... Read More