Plastic surgeons are trained to perform a variety of procedures to restore form and function to all areas of the body damaged by various maladies such trauma, cancer, and birth defects. Plastic surgeons spend many nights in the emergency room putting faces and bodies back together after high speed collisions or the aftermath of the local knife and gun club. Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve the patient's appearance and self-esteem. 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 function but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance.
Many insurance policies cover reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by insurance, although due to advances in surgical and anesthesia techniques, many procedures are less expensive than they were several years ago. Below are two charts listing common plastic surgery procedures of the face and trunk and their approximate cost. Many procedures which used to be performed in hospitals are now performed in office or outpatient surgery centers. Many factors are important in choosing a plastic surgeon. Criteria include skill, prior experience, length of time in practice, location, availability , and cost.