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Plastic surgery encompasses both
cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
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.
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 functions, 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.
There are a number of "gray areas" in coverage for plastic
surgery that sometimes require special consideration by an
insurance carrier. These areas usually involve surgical
operations which may be reconstructive or cosmetic,
depending on each patient's situation. For example, eyelid
surgery (blepharoplasty) - a procedure normally performed
to achieve cosmetic improvement - may be covered if the
eyelids are drooping severely and obscuring a patient's
vision.
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Reconstructive
Procedures:
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