A plastic surgeon can completely change a multitude of a person's physical characteristics. Body parts may be made smaller, larger, tighter, looser, sleeker or plumper. Some of these surgical procedures are made for cosmetic reasons while others are considered reconstructive.

The very definition of cosmetic is to impart loveliness and appeal, to make something more beautiful. Think of the cosmetics line at your local drug store. Lipsticks, mascaras, powders are all designed to improve one's looks. And so it is with cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic procedures are those designed to enhance one's appearance. The definition of reconstructive is to construct something again or to build over.

If a surgical procedure was deemed reconstructive, it would be because the original part had been lost or damaged, such as a cancerous breast during a mastectomy. A reconstructive operation would be performed in order to rebuild or reconstruct the missing breast. Reconstructive surgery is performed in order to repair the body due to trauma, accidents, disease or congenital defects.

Medical insurance usually covers the physician and hospital costs that are accumulated due to a reconstructive procedure. It usually will not cover medical costs if the procedure is deemed cosmetic. Medical insurance is designed to help with health concerns rather than with attractiveness concerns.

Another difference between these two types of plastic surgery is in the health requirement of the person seeking treatment. In the case of a cosmetic procedure, the patient should be in the best health possible, mentally and physically, in order to obtain the most successful result.

In the case of a reconstructive procedure, the patient may still be receiving medical treatment for the disease which caused the deformity in the first place. Sometimes, the altered physical appearance, such as the recreation of a breast after cancer, will boost the morale of the patient enough that it will actually aid in the healing.

While cosmetic surgery is almost always about appearance, reconstructive surgery is often about functionality in addition to appearance. If a child is born with a cleft lip or cleft palate, for example, not only is their appearance impaired, but their speech function is severely hampered. A surgical procedure would be able to repair the functionality of the child's mouth and allow them to live a full and normal life.

So whether the procedure is to be cosmetic or reconstructive, it is important to select the best plastic surgeon available. Get recommendations from your local licensing board, your family physician and your friends and neighbors and then make an appointment for an initial consultation to see if this is the right doctor for you.