There are two types of reconstructive surgery. One type of reconstructive surgery is to correct scars or injuries suffered from an accident. The second type is reconstructive surgery to correct cosmetic or plastic surgery that has gone wrong. However, reconstructive surgery still presents risks, as with any medical procedure.

Many insurance companies do not cover cosmetic surgery, but will cover reconstructive surgery, especially if the surgery is to correct damage resulting from injuries or deformity. However, to avoid confusion about coverage, it is important that patients contact their insurance company and check whether the procedure they are opting for will be covered by their insurance carrier.

Malpractice cases in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery are on the rise. One of the alarming trends in the US involves lawsuits against doctors that are not properly qualified or board certified to perform complex surgeries. As with any surgery, it is important to check the credentials of the doctor performing the procedure. Plastic surgeons should be fully qualified and certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and be full-time experts in their area of specialty. A simple background check can help limit malpractice cases.

The second area of lawsuits is from patients that are dissatisfied with the results of their surgery. It is important that patients fully understand the risks, alternatives and possible complications of any surgery before going ‘under the knife’.

Cases against doctors for reconstructive surgery can become complicated and difficult to argue if your expectations are unrealistic or the procedure and perceived outcome was not properly discussed prior to the operation. If, however, you can show that the outcome of your reconstructive surgery is not in line with commonly accept practise of surgeons, or sub-standard by comparison to previous similar operations conducted by the doctor, then you may have a case for claiming compensation or corrective surgery.