WHAT IS PLASTIC SURGERY? Plastic surgery is a surgical subspecialty whose broad purpose is to minimize both cosmetic and functional deformities which result from trauma, birth defects, or disfiguring illness. Derived from the Greek word plastikos, which means to shape or to mold, plastic surgeons are sculptors of the human form. Because of plastic surgeons' long and broad training, they are capable of performing a wide variety of procedures. The requisite five to eight year post-medical school training period allows most plastic surgeons the ability to perform much more than just cosmetic surgery. In fact, most plastic surgeons perform hand surgery, microsurgery, cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery. While each plastic surgeon may have an area of greatest focus, all board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons share a common training background.   WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A COSMETIC SURGEON AND A PLASTIC SURGEON? These two titles are often confused and incorrectly used synonymously. A plastic surgeon has completed the vigorous route of training from medical school, to residency and occasionally post residency subspecialization. The training he/she receives is performed in an accredited facility or hospital, and is recognized by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Once the required training and certification process is complete, the individual physician is called a Diplomat of the Board of Plastic Surgery, also known as "Board Certified". All the physicians of the Washington Plastic Surgery Group, L.L.C. are Board Certified.   So called "Cosmetic Surgeons" do not have to perform such training, and in all honesty, ANYONE, with an M.D. degree, whether or not he/she has been trained as a plastic surgeon can call him/herself a "cosmetic surgeon". There is no recognized board of cosmetic surgery by the American Board of Medical Specialists. For more information, please contact the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc. at: www.abplsurg.org   WILL INSURANCE COVER PLASTIC SURGERY? The answer is 'it depends'. Remember, plastic surgery covers a broad area of medicine which includes both reconstructive procedures and cosmetic procedures. Most traumatic injuries are covered by traditional health insurance policies. Surgical treatments and reconstruction for congenital deformities are usually covered by insurance as well. Procedures such as: cosmetic surgery, skin rejuvenation, breast enhancement, and body contouring are not covered by traditional insurance policies. At this time, we are not participating providers for HMO's. If you have questions regarding covered surgery with your health plan, please call our office and our experienced staff can better answer your questions. Thank you. --> View Additional Resources