Plastic surgery within the Veterans Affairs Medical System: proposed modified indications for operative procedures.
Many plastic surgery procedures span the divide between aesthetic ("cosmetic") and reconstructive surgery. However, definitions and guidelines may be inconsistent, which may decrease patients' access to legitimate procedures. The article aims to assist Veterans' Health Administration-affiliated plastic surgeons in continuing to provide optimal care to the Nation's Veterans and family members, and should be regarded as an open discussion.
Erdmann
Detlev
D
Surgical Services and Section of Plastic Surgery, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA. Detlev.Erdmann@duke.edu
Pradka
Sarah P
SP
Similie
Ernest
E
Marcus
Jeffrey R
JR
Moyer
Kurtis E
KE
Shelburne
John D
JD
Tyler
Douglas S
DS
Levin
Scott L
SL
D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000592:standards*; D006298:Health Services Administration; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000639:trends*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014493:United States Department of Veterans Affairs; D014728:Veterans / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*