When you undergo medical procedures, you or your next of kin must give consent. However, there’s a difference between consented treatment and elective treatment. Consent for surgeries typically relates to medically necessary treatments that contribute to your healing. Elective surgeries relate to unnecessary medical procedures that you may not need to live but that you would like anyways. Here are the most common elective surgeries you should know about.
Cataract Removal
Cataracts are a condition in which the eye’s lens becomes cloudy and impedes vision. The lens is a small, thick piece of transparent tissue that adjusts to accommodate the light pouring through the pupil. If the lens becomes cloudy, this effectively equates to blurred vision and, eventually, blindness. Correcting cataracts is not a medically necessary procedure—you can still live and survive while blind, as many people do. However, many people do not prefer this option, especially when they’ve lived with their vision beforehand.
Joint Replacement
Knees and hips take a beating over a lifetime. Between all the walking, standing, and straining along the way, our joints often give out. That’s why knee and hip replacement surgeries are so common. Like cataract removal, joint replacement is an elective surgery chosen to improve the quality of life. People can technically live with painful and deteriorating joints, and they can use wheelchairs or canes to manage mobility issues. However, older adults often choose these operations to maximize their mobility later in life.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, can be a medical or cosmetic surgery. People opt for this surgery most often due to breathing-related problems, such as a deviated septum or chronic allergies. However, some people elect for this surgery to change the structure of their noses. There are many things to know before you get plastic surgery, but it’s most important to remember that it’s a completely self-elected surgery.
Knowing the most common elective surgeries can help you make the best decisions for your health. Since most elective surgeries do not fall under health insurance coverage, you should look ahead to plan accordingly.
