<unk>  is a term with training, clinical, and reimbursement implications. It has historically been referred to as synonymous with plastic<unk> . In regard to training, Plastic<unk>  is a recognized medical specialty and a surgeon can be a "board-certified" plastic surgeon by the American Board of Plastic<unk> . However,<unk>  is not a specialty and there are no board-certified<unk>  surgeons. More accurately,<unk>  should be contrasted with cosmetic<unk> .<unk>  is performed to # Improve/restore to normal function. # Restore to a normal appearance of "abnormal" or "malformed" body parts caused by the disease or condition and/or # Improve the patient's quality of life. Separately, the patient must be healthy enough so that the benefits of the procedure outweigh the risks of complications or death. A procedure could be considered<unk>  but not medically necessary due to the risk to the patient. In addition Section 1862(a) (1) (A) of the Social Security Act directs the following: "No payment may be made under Part A or Part B for any expenses incurred for items or services not reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury or to improve the functioning of a malformed body member." Therefore, outside clinical interpretation and carrier guidelines, there is a federal statute that "improving functionality and restoring appearance" are covered as<unk>  and medically necessary. This definition is contrasted with cosmetic<unk>  performed to improve aesthetics or the appearance of a body part. A plastic surgeon can perform both<unk>  and cosmetic procedures. Some procedures, such as a panniculectomy (aka tummy tuck) can be considered as cosmetic by one insurance company and<unk>  by another. The surgeon may not be using the Medicare or reimbursement criteria when referring to a procedure as<unk>  or cosmetic. Plastic surgeons, maxillo-facial surgeons and otolaryngologists do<unk>  on faces to correct congenital defects, after trauma and to reconstruct the head and neck after cancer. Another good example is repair of a cleft palate, or cheiloplasty, which surgically corrects abnormal development, restores function to the lips and mouth and produces a more normal appearance. This meets the definition of<unk>  and is mandated by state laws in at least 31 states, but could be denied as cosmetic by individual insurance companies in the remaining states. Other branches of<unk>  (e.g., general<unk> , gynecological<unk> , pediatric<unk> , plastic<unk> , podiatric<unk>  also perform some<unk>  procedures.<unk>  represents a small but critical component of the comprehensive care of cancer patients. Its primary role in the treatment of cancer patients is to extend the ability of other surgeons and specialists to more radically treat cancer, offering patients the best opportunity for cure.<unk>  surgeons use the concept of a<unk>  ladder to manage increasingly complex wounds. This ranges from very simple techniques such as primary closure and dressings to more complex skin grafts, tissue expansion, and free flaps.<unk>  procedures include breast implant removal, reduction mammoplasty, breast reconstruction, surgical correction of birth anomalies, congenital nevi<unk> , and liposuction for lipedema. Cosmetic<unk>  procedures include breast enhancement, reduction and lift, face lift, forehead lift, upper and lower eyelid<unk>  (blepharoplasty), laser skin resurfacing (laser resurfacing), chemical peel, nose reshaping (rhinoplasty), reconstruction liposuction, Nasal reconstruction using a paramedian forehead flap, as well as tummy tuck (abdominoplasty).
Reconstructive surgery
Greyhound therapy
Foreskin restoration
Scalp reconstruction
Socket preservation
Organotherapy
Surgical suture
Iterative reconstruction