Dr Johannes H Kritzinger - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumours 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. 

Plastic Surgery - Focuses on Repairing Defects to Reconstruct a Normal Function & Appearance

Plastic surgery is the branch of surgery specialising in repairing and reconstructing missing or damaged tissue and skin, usually because of surgery, illness, injury or an abnormality present from birth.

The main aim of plastic surgery is to restore the function of tissues and skin to as close to normal as possible. Improving the appearance of body parts is an important, but secondary, aim.

Plastic surgery is different to cosmetic surgery, which is surgery carried out solely to change a healthy person’s appearance to achieve what they feel is a more desirable look.

Plastic surgery is defined as a surgical specialty dedicated to reconstruction of facial and body defects due to birth disorders, trauma, burns, and disease. Plastic surgery is intended to correct dysfunctional areas of the body and is reconstructive in nature. While many plastic surgeons choose to complete additional training and perform cosmetic surgery as well, the basis of their surgical training remains reconstructive plastic surgery. 

Examples of plastic surgery procedures:

•             Breast Reconstruction

•             Burn Repair Surgery

•             Congenital Defect Repair: Cleft Palate, Extremity Defect Repair

•             Lower Extremity Reconstruction

•             Hand Surgery

•             Scar Revision Surgery

Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic Surgery:  Focuses on Enhancing Appearance

The procedures, techniques, and principles of cosmetic surgery are entirely focused on enhancing a patient’s appearance. Improving aesthetic appeal, symmetry, and proportion are the key goals. Cosmetic surgery can be performed on all areas of the head, neck, and body. Because the treated areas function properly, cosmetic surgery is elective. Cosmetic surgery is practiced by doctors from a variety of medical fields, including plastic surgeons.

The scope of cosmetic surgery procedures includes:

•             Breast Enhancement: Augmentation, Lift, Reduction

•             Facial Contouring: Rhinoplasty, Chin, or Cheek Enhancement

•             Facial Rejuvenation: Facelift, Eyelid Lift, Neck Lift, Brow Lift

•             Body Contouring: Tummy Tuck, Liposuction, Gynecomastia Treatment

•             Skin Rejuvenation: Laser Resurfacing, Botox®, Filler Treatments

http://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/patient-resources/cosmetic-surgery-vs-plastic-surgery/ 

http://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures.html