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Plastic Surgery

Background

Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty concerned with the correction or restoration of form and function.  The word "plastic" derives from the Greek plastikos meaning to mold or to shape; its use here is not connected with the synthetic polymer material known as plastic. Plastic surgery includes two main fields: Cosmetic and Reconstructive surgery.

Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve the patient's appearance and self-esteem. Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance because it is elective.

Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body, caused by congential defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. It is generally performed to improve function, but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance. Reconstructive surgery is generally covered by most health insurance policies although coverage for specific procedures and levels of coverage may vary greatly.

There are a number of "gray areas" in coverage for plastic surgery that sometimes require special consideration by an insurance carrier. These areas usually involved surgical operations which may be reconstructive or cosmetic, depending on each patient's situation. For example, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) - a procedure normally performed to achieve cosmetic improvement may be covered if the eyelids are drooping severely and obscuring a patient's vision.

To request an appointment with a plastic surgeon at Jeanes, call the office phone numbers listed below, call 215-728-CARE (2273), or click here.

Plastic Surgery Medical Team

Michael Baumholtz, MD
3401 N. Broad Street                                   
Department of Surgery
Philadelphia, PA 19140
215-728-2273

Joseph N. DiBello, Jr., MD, FACS
Division Chief
2361 Huntingdon Pike
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
215-947-4990
http://www.drdibello.com

Michael S. Fakhraee, MD
7500 Central Avenue, Suite 101
Philadelphia, PA 19111
215-728-8200

Sameer A. Patel, MD
333 Cottman Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19111
215-728-3559

Chris Tzarnas, MD
1501 Lansdowne Avenue
Darby, PA 19023
215-728-2273

Aron D. Wahrman, MD
3322 N. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19140
215-728-2273

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