Free plastic surgery, interventions affiliated with the NHS

Cosmetic surgery has the aim of modifying the appearance of some parts of the body, with a purpose limited to the exterior, the appearance, which naturally also affects the psychological well-being of patients.
Since it does not directly affect the health of citizens, cosmetic surgery is only accessible through private services.
In short, the cost is borne by the patients, with some possibilities of exemption from VAT.
There are, however, various plastic surgery procedures affiliated with the National Health Service and therefore free or in any case at the cost of a ticket only.
Plastic surgery, in fact, does not coincide with aesthetic surgery because it is necessary for health purposes, but also has a secondary impact on the aesthetic appearance of patients.
Obtaining visual improvement, with the correction of defects, lesions or malformations, is not the main purpose of plastic surgery.
This does not change the fact that for patients who undergo the operations it is part of the goals achieved, because it allows them to acquire greater self-confidence and regain the functionality of the operated areas in a healthy way.
Therefore, before giving up on this objective, it is good to know which interventions are covered by the agreement.
Reimbursable plastic surgery procedures Mastectomy, breast reduction and breast augmentation Aesthetic operations due to trauma, burns or diseases Correction of the harelip Bariatric surgery and abdominoplasty Correction of protruding ears Mastectomy, breast reduction and breast augmentation Breast surgery is often thought of as among the main cosmetic surgery services, but – as unfortunately many women know – they are often necessary for healing purposes.
Mastectomy is an operation in which the breast is removed entirely, which is essential for the treatment of most malignant tumors that affect this organ.
In case of cancer, mastectomy is obviously eligible.
Even if the operation is not complete and involves breast reduction due to tumors, the National Health Service covers the costs.
However, you should know that the aesthetic effects due to these operations can be improved with breast augmentation.
Following a mastectomy, obviously due to health problems, the patient has the right to undergo a mammoplasty for breast reconstruction.
The same also following a reduction that compromises its functionality.
Breast surgeries are also eligible in the presence of congenital or post-traumatic malformations, spinal or joint damage (in the latter case, you are entitled to reduction mammoplasty).
A mastopexy (a breast lift) is eligible when due to obesity (which has been resolved in the meantime), but only when the ptosis (sag) is severe.
Aesthetic interventions due to trauma, burns or diseases Plastic surgery uses cosmetic surgery techniques to restore the functionality, integrity and "normal" appearance of the body following accidents, burns or pathologies.
The difference compared to cosmetic surgery is that these interventions concern the functionality of the body or the state of pathology.
Here is a list of interventions affiliated with the NHS.
Blepharoplasty, i.e.
the elimination of excess skin on the eyelids, provided that the excess reduces vision by at least 60%; Rhinoplasty, reconstruction of the nose in case of severely deviated nasal septum, serious respiratory problems or congenital malformations (such as cleft palate).
Liposuction: the removal of a part of adipose tissue is free to treat lipomas, lymphedema and serious lipodystrophies.
Lipofilling, a procedure that fills certain areas using the subject's body fat, can be used for the treatment of post-traumatic or congenital deformities and for chronic radiodermatitis.
Scalp reconstruction, when alopecia is the result of trauma, burns or removal of tumors and cannot be hidden by residual hair.
read also How much does it cost to get a nose job and when can rhinoplasty be done for free Correction of the cleft lip The correction of the cleft lip (cleft lip and palate), a malformation that affects the upper lip, gums and palate, is paid for by the National Health Service.
Bariatric surgery and abdominoplasty Plastic surgery procedures necessary to reduce the risks or consequences of severe obesity are eligible, including bariatric surgery (with interventions aimed at reducing weight) and abdominoplasty (reconstruction of the abdomen) post-obesity .
Correction of protruding ears The only plastic surgery procedure affiliated with the NHS that does not serve the functionality of the organ or reduce the damage of pathologies and accidents is otoplasty.
Children have the right to the correction of so-called protruding ears, as long as it is necessary for their psychological well-being.
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