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Plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are two very different things. Plastic surgery is usually performed for medical reasons, such as to correct a birth defect or to repair damage from an accident. Cosmetic surgery is done purely for aesthetic reasons, such as to make someone look younger or to change their appearance. Here, we will compare these two types of surgery to help you decide which one is right for you.
1. Plastic Surgery is usually Covered by Insurance, While Cosmetic Surgery is Not
If you need plastic surgery for medical reasons, your insurance will likely cover at least a portion of the cost unless it’s the real reason or if you are following plastic surgery trends then it might cover a minimal part of cost. However, insurance companies consider cosmetic surgery to be elective and therefore will not pay for it. This is one of the main reasons why cosmetic surgery tends to be more expensive than plastic surgery. There are many breast lift options available but very few are covered by insurance. Also, if you have a condition that causes pain or limits your mobility, such as arthritis, plastic surgery to correct the problem may be covered by insurance while cosmetic surgery would not be.
2. Plastic Surgery is more Invasive than Cosmetic Surgery
Plastic surgery always involves some level of invasiveness. In many cases, it requires cutting through skin and bones, which means there is a greater risk of infection and other complications. Cosmetic surgery is usually less invasive, though there are some procedures, such as liposuction, that can be quite intrusive. The invasiveness of a particular procedure will affect the recovery time and the risks involved. It’s important to discuss these things with your surgeon before you decide to have any type of surgery.
3. Plastic Surgery is more likely to have Complications than Cosmetic Surgery
Because plastic surgery is more invasive, it also carries a higher risk of complications. These can include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and blood clots. Cosmetic surgery procedures carry their own risks, but they are generally much lower than those associated with plastic surgery. Additionally, many plastic surgery procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, which means you go home the same day. Cosmetic surgery, on the other hand, is often done in a hospital setting, which increases the risk of complications.
4. Plastic Surgery tends to be more Expensive
As we mentioned before, insurance companies consider cosmetic surgery to be elective and will not pay for it. This means that you will have to pay the entire cost yourself. Plastic surgery is also more expensive because it is usually more invasive and carries a higher risk of complications. However, the cost of plastic surgery can vary widely depending on the procedure and the surgeon you use. It’s important to shop around and get multiple quotes before you decide on a surgeon.
5. Plastic Surgery often has a Longer Recovery Period
Plastic surgery is often more invasive than cosmetic surgery, which means it requires a longer recovery period. You can expect to spend several days – if not weeks – recovering from a plastic surgery procedure. During this time, you will likely need to take pain medication and follow other post-operative instructions from your surgeon. In contrast, cosmetic surgery procedures are typically less invasive, which means the recovery period is shorter. Most people only need a few days to recover from a cosmetic surgery procedure. Additionally, the pain associated with cosmetic surgery is often minimal, so pain medication is usually not necessary.
6. Appearance
Plastic surgery can change the way you look, while cosmetic surgery can only enhance the way you look. For example, if you get a nose job (a type of plastic surgery), your nose will be different after the surgery. If you get liposuction (a type of cosmetic surgery), your appearance will be enhanced because your new shape will be more flattering. However, you will still look like yourself – just with a better body shape. Also, it’s important to note that not all plastic surgery is intended to change your appearance. Sometimes, plastic surgery is performed for reconstructive purposes – such as after a mastectomy or to correct a birth defect.
Both plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery have their own advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to carefully consider your options before deciding which type of surgery is right for you. If you’re not sure, talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon or cosmetic surgeon to learn more about the risks and benefits of each type of surgery. By knowing the facts, you can make an informed decision about which type of surgery is right for you.
