Plastic surgery is a broad field consisting of cosmetic and non-cosmetic procedures. Cosmetic surgery is used to improve one’s appearance, and non-cosmetic plastic surgery is performed for reconstructive purposes. Here’s what to know about non-cosmetic plastic surgery:
Understanding Non-cosmetic Plastic Surgery
Non-cosmetic plastic surgery refers to procedures that address medical conditions, repair deformities or injuries from trauma, and restore normal body function. These procedures can also help restore one’s natural appearance. You may need non-cosmetic plastic surgery if you’re a burn victim, have congenital disabilities like cleft lip and palate, or have been injured or undergone a procedure that altered your natural appearance. Non-cosmetic plastic surgery is performed to improve one’s quality of life. This is one of the reasons why it can be covered by health insurance.
Some cosmetic surgery procedures may be considered non-cosmetic if they are performed to improve body function. Examples of these procedures include rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty. Rhinoplasty is a procedure that changes the nose’s shape or size. It’s considered a non-cosmetic procedure when performed to improve nasal function. You may need functional rhinoplasty if you have a deviated septum or a broken nose. Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, removes excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. It can be considered non-cosmetic when performed to improve your vision.
Common Non-cosmetic Plastic Surgery Procedures
Non-cosmetic plastic surgery encompasses numerous procedures to improve a patient’s health or treat injuries and defects. Here are some examples of popular non-cosmetic plastic surgery procedures:
1. Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery
Cleft lip or palate are congenital conditions that may make it difficult for a child to eat, drink, and talk. They occur when tissues in the nostrils, gums, or roof of the mouth don’t fuse properly during fetal development. A child may need cleft lip surgery if there’s a split in their upper lip. They may need cleft palate surgery if there’s a split in the roof of their mouth. Some children may require both surgeries if the conditions occur together. Cleft lip surgery is typically performed within the first 12 months of a child’s life, and cleft palate surgery is performed within the first 18 months. A child may need additional lip or palate procedures as they age to restore full mouth and nose function.
2. Breast Reduction Surgery
Women with disproportionately large breasts may experience frequent neck, back, and shoulder pain. They may also have breathing difficulties and develop poor posture over time because of the extra weight. Breast reduction surgery removes excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, giving patients smaller and lighter breasts. This can help manage or eliminate pain and postural problems.
3. Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Breast reconstruction surgery is often performed after a mastectomy. Depending on the patient’s preferences, it can occur immediately after breast cancer surgery or years later. If patients need only one breast reconstructed, an experienced plastic surgeon will consider the size and shape of the existing breast when rebuilding the other. Common types of breast reconstruction surgeries include implant reconstruction and flap reconstruction. Implant reconstruction involves using saline or silicone to reconstruct breast tissue. Flap reconstruction involves using body tissue from the thighs, bottom, or belly to rebuild the breasts.
4. Reconstructive Burn Surgery
Burn injuries can cause severe damage to the skin and underlying tissues, resulting in functional impairments. This can occur when burns affect mobile areas like the joints or hands. Reconstructive burn surgery can restore normal function and mobility in the affected areas by removing tight scar tissue. Patients may need multiple reconstructive burn surgeries to restore optimal body and skin function.
5. Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is typically performed after a severe fracture if the bones haven’t healed correctly. It involves placing bone substitutes in affected areas to promote healing and regeneration. Typical bone grafting procedures include autograft, allograft, and synthetic bone graft. An autograft involves taking bone tissue from one part of your body, typically the hip, and transplanting it to the affected area. An allograft involves using bone tissue from a donor. Synthetic bone grafts involve using artificial bone grafts as substitutes. Artificial bone grafts can be made from materials like bioactive glass and calcium phosphate, as they can mimic the structure of natural bone.
Determine Whether Non-cosmetic or Cosmetic Surgery Is Right for You
Non-cosmetic and cosmetic plastic surgery play significant roles in helping people achieve normal body function or appearance after injuries or natural impairments. Non-cosmetic plastic surgery helps restore normal body function and appearance, but cosmetic surgery, typically used to improve aesthetic appeal, can also be used to improve body function. Both types of surgeries require expertise for successful outcomes, so find a reputable, licensed plastic surgeon and set up a consultation to determine whether non-cosmetic or cosmetic surgery is right for your needs.
