What Does A Plastic Surgeon Do?

from Health Talks with HRH Hosted by Hendricks Regional Health

Do you know the difference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon? You might be surprised at the answer. Plastic surgeons perform operations to change the shape and/or the appearance of part of a patient's body. A plastic surgeon performs cosmetic surgeries such as nose jobs or face lifts, but they also perform reconstructive surgeries for patients who have injuries from a car crash, burns, or for those with birth defects. Though cosmetic or aesthetic surgery is the most well known kind of plastic surgery, plastic surgery itself is not necessarily considered cosmetic; and includes many types of reconstructive surgery, craniofacial surgery, hand surgery, microsurgery, and the treatment of burns. Rachel E. Scott, MD, who provides both aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, is here to discuss plastic surgeons and what they do to help patients feel better about themselves.