Plastic Surgery vs. Reconstructive Surgery: Provider Types

Plastic surgery is one of the most misunderstood medical specialties. While cosmetic procedures get significant cultural attention, the majority of what board-certified plastic surgeons do is reconstructive — repairing the body after trauma, cancer surgery, burns, and congenital conditions.

Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

Reconstructive plastic surgery addresses functional and aesthetic defects caused by disease, injury, or birth defect. Common reconstructive procedures include breast reconstruction after mastectomy, cleft palate repair, burn reconstruction, hand surgery, microsurgical free flap reconstruction, and repair of traumatic facial injuries. These are medically necessary procedures covered by insurance.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery improves the appearance of normal structures — rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), augmentation procedures, and liposuction are common examples. These are elective procedures not covered by insurance in most cases.

Finding Plastic Surgeons in NPPES

Board-certified plastic surgeons hold NUCC taxonomy code 207ZP0102X (Plastic Surgery). Browse plastic surgeons nationwide on DoctorDataHub. Keep in mind that not all providers who offer cosmetic procedures are board-certified plastic surgeons — other specialties (dermatology, ENT, ophthalmology) also perform cosmetic procedures within their scope of practice.