At McCue Plastic Surgery, we offer cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures. Although they are given different names, they are not nearly as dissimilar as many people would imagine. In this blog, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jonathan McCue discusses the ways that these two medical practices intersect so that patients know what to look for when choosing a plastic surgeon.
Both Are Considered Plastic Surgery
When people hear the term “plastic surgery,” their first thought is typically of elective, aesthetic procedures like breast augmentation and facelift. While this is not incorrect, cosmetic surgery does not encompass the full scope of plastic surgery. Reconstructive surgery, which focuses on restoring a normal appearance and functionality to the body, is another type of plastic surgery.
That does not mean that all plastic surgeons perform both types of surgery. Many doctors choose to specialize in certain areas. For example, some plastic surgeons only perform reconstructive surgeries, and others only perform cosmetic facial procedures.
What Distinguishes Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery
The main differences between both types of plastic surgery are the motivations and medical necessity of the procedure. Reconstructive surgery generally rebuilds parts of the body that have been impacted by injury, illness, or congenital abnormality, whereas cosmetic surgery is performed to enhance the body by rejuvenating or improving contours. Most reconstructive surgeries are covered, at least in part, by health insurance, while cosmetic surgery is not.
How McCue Plastic Surgery Merges These Branches
At our practice in Minneapolis St. Paul, Dr. McCue performs a range of cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries. Some procedures, such as breast reconstruction after mastectomy, could fall under both categories. In fact, many of the techniques that Dr. McCue utilizes in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures overlap. When performing cosmetic surgery, McCue is careful to make sure all enhancements keep the body functional and normal looking. And when performing reconstructive surgery, he uses his keen eye for aesthetics to ensure modifications look as attractive as possible.
Meet with Dr. McCue
The bottom line is that patients should seek a great plastic surgeon regardless of whether their procedure is cosmetic or reconstructive in nature. Dr. McCue brings the same level of professionalism and care to patients who are undergoing an elective surgery as he does for those undergoing one that is medically necessary. To see for yourself why Dr. McCue consistently ranks among the top doctors in Minnesota, please schedule a consultation by calling (952) 830-0089 today.
