Reconstructive surgery is also commonly referred to as plastic surgery. Both deal with the correction or restoration of form and function. Accident victims often need reconstructive surgery to fix large areas of scar tissue or to fill in missing bone or cartilage. In addition, many people seek out plastic surgeons to correct imperfections such as wrinkles, prominent noses and excess skin.
Purpose of Reconstructive Surgery
This type of plastic surgery is used to correct functional impairments. Examples include repairing damage done by:
- Burns
- Traumatic injuries
- Facial bone fractures and breaks
- Congenital abnormalities (cleft palate or cleft lip)
- Developmental abnormalities
- Infection or disease
- Cancer
- Tumor
The goal in this type of surgery is to allow the patient normal function and/or appearance. The most common reconstructive procedures include tumor removal, scar repair and breast reduction.
Purpose of Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery is any surgery that is performed in order to enhance ones appearance. The patient may be attempting to maintain, restore or enhance a normal appearance. Each year there are at least 12 million cosmetic procedures performed in the United States. The most common cosmetic procedures include:
- Breast augmentation
- Liposuction
- Nasal surgery
- Eyelid surgery
- Abdominoplasty
One issue we see, as Virginia medical malpractice attorneys, is that too often those who have elected to have plastic surgery for cosmetic purposes do not feel they have legal rights, if they are dissatisfied with the results, even if they have be disfigured. This should not be so. Any surgery, elective, cosmetic or medically necessary should be done well and without error. Otherwise the patient has the absolute right to be compensated for their injuries, illness, medical bills and suffering.
If you believe that you have been the victim of a medical mistake contact an experienced, aggressive medical malpractice lawyer at Tavss Fletcher for your free consultation.