Dr Gloria de Olarte

Learn About Procedures

Plastic surgery encompasses both 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.

Dr. Gloria de Olarte is skilled in cosmetic surgery. She does extended or mini tummy tucks or just liposuctions depending on the patients needs. She likes to improve the waist and the hips to get a better result with a tummy tuck. She does breast augmentations and if it is possible done under the muscle so it looks more natural. She also pays special attention the cleavage, the softness and the position of the implant.

Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body, caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. It is generally performed to improve functions, 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 involve 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. A breast reduction may be covered as well if it causes medical complications such as a bad back, neck or shoulder pain. Also a nose surgery (rhinoplasty) may be covered if you have breathing problems. The insurance may pay to fix the inside of the nose, but the patient would be responsible for any outer (cosmetic) improvements made to the nose.