Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgeries after Accidents and Traumas

by Samantha Greenbaum

Reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries are extremely common, and they’re ideal for individuals who have suffered accidents, trauma, congenital defects and developmental abnormalities. Cosmetic surgeries can improve functions of damaged body parts and enhance or promote a “normal” appearance.

Costs of Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgeries

Cosmetic surgery expenses typically include the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, and operating room costs. It is important for the person getting work done to ask about the total cost involved; a quoted price usually includes the surgeon’s fee only. Most insurance companies cover reconstructive procedures but not cosmetic ones, so it is important to know your options when it comes to financing.

Costs can vary greatly depending on the selected procedure. Botox, for example, is a common procedure that can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and crow’s feet. As a relatively simple process, it averages $365 per procedure, and its results are not permanent. A face lift, on the other hand, lasts up to 10 years but comes at a high cost, clocking in at an average of $6,426.

Procedures Involved in Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgeries  

Depending on the type of surgery, a surgeon will ask why a patient needs it, their expectations, their medical history, drug usage and previous surgeries that may have been done. There are different types of surgeries that a person may choose from. Breast reconstruction or reduction may be warranted for women who have undergone a mastectomy, been in a traumatic accident with damage to their torso or have very large breasts that cause them discomfort.

Facial surgeries can also be done for burn victims, those with cleft lips, those who want to enhance their eyes, nose or mouth features and to remove any obvious signs of aging.

Sometimes surgery may involve adding external tools to the body to aid in function. For instance, military personnel who return with lost limbs can be fitted for prosthetics.

Statistics

In 2012, there were nearly 15 million cosmetic procedures performed (both minimally invasive and surgical). Some of these were elective procedures, while others were reconstructive in nature.

Why people go under the knife can be difficult to determine, but new evidence suggests that, more than ever before, social media plays a part. Others do it because they want to look or feel younger, want a promotion or want to improve their relationships.

Benefits of Reconstructive and Cosmetic Procedures

People who undergo certain procedures, like breast reduction and facelifts (for those over age 40), are generally happier afterward. This is not necessarily true for all people who undergo all procedures, however: the evidence is mixed on whether, generally, those who undergo plastic surgery are happier afterward.

Those with deformities caused by trauma or birth defects may experience satisfaction with their procedures. Reconstructive procedures can allow those with physical injuries or deformations to lead normal lives and may increase their self-esteem and confidence.

It is important to note that there are also many so-called “cosmetic surgeons” who claim to have expertise but do not perform consistently well. Researching renowned surgeons with expertise is critical to achieving great results.

Being armed with correct information and expectations is important to making the right decision about whether or not to undergo plastic surgery.

About the Author

Samantha Greenbaum, health-conscious mother of two. If you’re looking for more information on similar procedures, Samantha encourages you to check out the site and services of Lisa Sowder.