What’s the Difference between Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery?

Patients who come in to see me today to discuss facial rejuvenation typically have a pretty strong idea about the procedure they want. Perhaps they’ve read about it online, or one of their favorite influences got this procedure and looks great. I am a big fan of the internet as an educational tool for my patients. I also appreciate the fact that social media has helped remove any existing stigmas that used to be associated with plastic surgery. But the information is sometimes confusing. A common question that I hear from my Boston area patients is:”What’s the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?”. As a double Board- Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, I perform both types of procedures so I’m well equipped to answer this question.

Cosmetic Procedure vs. Reconstructive Procedure

The fundamental difference between these two types of aesthetic procedures comes down to intent. The goal of a cosmetic procedure is to enhance your appearance. In my practice of facial plastic surgery, this could be a procedure to improve:

• Fine lines & wrinkles
• Volume loss in the cheeks/mid-face
• Hollow, dark tear troughs
• Under eye bags
• Loose, sagging skin
• Uneven “crepey” skin texture
• Visible vertical muscles in the neck
• “Jowling”
• Lack of definition at chin/neck juncture

Facial rejuvenation procedures such as:

• Injectables
• Deep Plane Facelift,
• Neck Lift
• Eyelid Surgery

These may all be good options for addressing your cosmetic concerns. A reconstructive procedure, on the other hand, may have cosmetic benefits, but it’s primary goal is to improve function and/or restore your appearance after an injury or illness.

Rhinoplasty Can be Both Cosmetic & Reconstructive in Boston

A rhinoplasty or nose job is one of those procedures that can be both cosmetic and reconstructive. As an expert in all types of surgical rhinoplasties including:

• Ultrasonic Piezo Rhinoplasty
• Ethnic Rhinoplasty
• Female Rhinoplasty
• Male Rhinoplasty

I am extremely adept at creating the right size and shape nose to fit your face. Some patients are born with a nose that is out of proportion with the rest of their facial features. If this is you then an appropriate rhinoplasty would fall under the moniker of cosmetic procedure. However, there are also patients who’s dissatisfaction with the appearance of their nose is due to a injury that leaves the nose crooked or with an unsightly hump. This can also affect the function of your nose, limiting your ability to take a deep breath. Rhinoplasty procedures to improve functional issues would be considered reconstructive. To muddy the waters even further, you can also be born with a deviated septum that may adversely affect your ability to breathe properly. While some insurance companies may cover the cost of a functional rhinoplasty, many plastic surgeons, including myself, don’t take insurance so the distinction is somewhat academic.

Blepharoplasty & Ptosis

Another cosmetic procedure that can have a reconstructive element is an upper blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery. Generally, excising loose skin in the upper lids is a fairly easy way to rejuvenate your eyes, giving them a more “awake”, vital and youthful appearance. But some patients develop such severe ptosis or drooping skin that it actually impairs their vision. In these cases, excising the loose skin and tightening the muscle, if necessary, takes the upper blepharoplasty from a purely cosmetic procedure to a reconstructive one.

To find out more about a deep plane facelift, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, or any other surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Akshay Sanan at the Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, contact us today or call (617) 402-2768 to schedule a consultation.