Look at any awards ceremony or talk show, and undoubtedly you may notice celebrities who are looking younger in appearance. You can be sure they have had some form of cosmetic surgery. On the other hand, there are certain celebrities who have had body reconstruction that is clearly evident. This procedure is known as plastic surgery. In an attempt to distinguish between the two, let’s look at the differences and similarities of both.
There is a well-known celebrity who has had so many cosmetic surgeries to her face, that it seems as if she has a permanent smile. Also, when she speaks her mouth tends to pucker up like Betty Boop. While this is an extreme example of multiple cosmetic surgeries, it is nonetheless a fact that selected cosmetic surgery beginning with the face, then the body, can in essence become reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are performed by licensed plastic surgeons. If one wants to get rid of lines and wrinkles on the face, remove fat from one’s body, or lift saggy breasts, the procedure is deemed cosmetic.
Plastic surgery, on the other hand, is performed if someone has been in a serious accident and needs to have reconstructive surgery to their face, or perhaps children who are born with a cleft lip, or other deformity. This would fall under the category of plastic surgery.
Cosmetic surgery is on the rise, especially among teens. Teens that are unhappy with their body, or have a low self-esteem due to small breasts, may opt for breast augmentation. This is classed as cosmetic surgery. Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery is also considered cosmetic surgery, and is on the rise in teens as well. Women who seek the removal of spider veins will undergo cosmetic surgery. Anything that will redefine one’s face or remove something which is seen as a problem can be listed under cosmetic surgery.
Though the similarities between cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are subtle in that both are considered plastic surgery performed by highly qualified, board certified plastic surgeons, the differences are worlds apart.
As far as insurance companies are concerned, there is a fine line in distinguishing between the two that allows for coverage for the procedure. This solely depends on what your particular insurance company considers necessary surgery. For example, cosmetic surgery may be covered if one’s eyelids are impairing one’s vision. On the other hand, it is doubtful that facelifts would be covered.
In either case, more and more people are electing to have cosmetic surgery, especially since technological advances have been made in this area. Is it always safe? That depends on the procedure. Recent events indicate otherwise. It is a wise choice to research plastic surgeons in order to find the best qualified, board certified doctor in your area.
