| Dr. Armin Moshyedi is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Reconstructive Surgery.
Q. What is Reconstructive Surgery?
A. Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body, caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. It is generally performed to improve function, but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance. Reconstructive surgery is generally covered by most health insurance policies although coverage for specific procedures and levels of coverage may vary greatly.
Q. What is the difference between Cosmetic and Reconstructive surgery?
A. Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve the patient's appearance and self-esteem. Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance because it is elective. Cosmetic surgery makes a normal structure look better, while reconstructive surgery makes an abnormal structure look and function normally.
Q. What benefits does Reconstructive surgery provide?
A. In addition to restoring a normal appearance, reconstructive surgery can also restore a more normal or completely normal function. This can improve self-esteem and confidence and also restore a normal lifestyle.
Q. Who is a good candidate for Reconstructive surgery?
A. Anyone who has a body part which does not look or function normally due to congenital or developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease.
Q. Does Reconstructive surgery have possible risks and complications?
A. Yes. Like all operations, there is a risk of bleeding, infection, need for re-operation, failure, fluid collections, abnormal scarring, delayed wound healing and others.
Q. How long does it take to recover from Reconstructive surgery?
A. It depends on the procedure, some within a matter of days, while for others it can take months or even years.
Q. Does Reconstructive surgery leave any visible scarring?
A. Any incision in the skin leaves a scar. Scars are usually placed so as to be well-hidden or less noticeable. Scars take 1-2 years to look their best. Different parts of the body scar differently. There is no such thing as scar-less surgery - even for us plastic surgeons.
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