It is estimated that more than one million reconstructive procedures are performed by plastic surgeons every year. Reconstructive surgery helps patients of all ages and types. The goals of this surgery differ from those of cosmetic surgery. Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body, caused by birth defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma or injury, infection, tumors, or disease. It is generally performed to improve function, but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance.

Cosmetic Surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body to improve the patient's appearance and self-esteem.

Although no amount of surgery can achieve perfection, modern treatment options allow plastic surgeons to achieve improvements in form and function thought to be impossible just ten years ago.

Those who have reconstructive surgery fall into two basic categories of patients: those who have congenital deformities or birth defects, and those with developmental deformities, acquired as a result of accident, infection, disease, or in some cases aging.

Examples of congenital abnormalities are birthmarks; clef-lip and palate deformities; hand deformities, and abnormal breast development.

Burn wounds, lacerations, growths and aging problems are considered acquired deformities. Some procedures commonly thought to be cosmetic in nature may be performed to achieve a reconstructive goal. Examples include droopy eyelids that block vision and require eyelid surgery, or an adult whose face has an asymmetrical look due to paralysis might have a balancing facelift. Although appearance is enhanced, the main goal of the surgery is to restore function. Breast reduction is a reconstructive procedure because of the back and neck problems associated with large breasts.

Usually, health insurance policies will consider the cost of reconstructive surgery a covered expense. Check with your carrier for make sure you're covered and to see if there are any limitations on the type of surgery you are planning. Dr. Rappaport will work with you to get pre-authorization from the insurer for the needed procedure.

For more information regarding the specifics of reconstructive surgery go to

http://www.plasticsurgery.org/patients_consumers/procedures
/ReconstructiveSurgery.cfm

The most common reconstructive procedures performed by Dr. Rappaport include surgery of the breast (after masectomy), surgery of the hand, breast reduction, male breast reduction for Gynecomastia, otoplasty (outer-ear surgery) to correct overly-large or deformed ears, burn wounds and lacerations.