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 procedures a Plastic Surgeon would perform:

• Breast Reconstruction
• Burn Repair Surgery
• Congenital Defect Repair: Cleft Palate, Extremity Defect Repair
• Lower Extremity Reconstruction
• Hand Surgery
• Scar Revision Surgery

Plastic Surgery Vs. Cosmetic Surgery

If you’ve always thought cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery were one in the same, you’re not alone. A significant number of plastic surgeons choose to focus their practice on cosmetic surgery, and as such, the terms are often used interchangeably. But this is not technically correct. Cosmetic surgeons and plastic surgeons are closely related, but they are not the same.

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

If you are considering a reconstructive or cosmetic procedure, it is important to choose a well experienced, board certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Nickodem in Annandale. For more information about any of the procedures mentioned or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Nickodem, contact Anne Nickodem, MD at 703-560-8711 or website.