Reconstructive surgery is the opposite of cosmetic surgery. It is focused totally on reconstructing the form of the body after trauma or defect. It can also include body enhancement procedures designed to correct or improve the body’s function or overall health.

What many think of as cosmetic surgery could actually be classified as reconstructive procedures. A breast reduction, for example, might be seen as an entirely elective procedure, but as the reduction alleviates conditions such as back or mobility problems, it is actually considered reconstructive.

Similarly, surgery on the eyelids may be thought of as a cosmetic or elective procedure. But if it is done in order to improve eyesight, then it is a reconstructive procedure.

Reconstructive surgery deals both with defects the patient is born with, as well as those acquired through trauma or illness.