As an expert in the field of plastic surgery, I have encountered many misconceptions about the terms cosmetic surgeon and plastic surgeon. While these titles may seem interchangeable, there are significant differences between the two. To clarify, cosmetic surgery is a type of plastic surgery, but not all plastic surgeons are cosmetic surgeons. Let's dive into the details of what sets these two specialties apart. To start, let's define what plastic surgery encompasses.
According to Dr. Alan Matarasso, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), plastic surgery is a broad category of procedures that includes both cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery. Reconstructive procedures are performed to restore the body's appearance and function after an injury, illness, or congenital problem. This can include procedures such as breast reconstruction after a mastectomy or repairing a cleft lip.
On the other hand, cosmetic surgery focuses on enhancing a person's appearance through elective procedures such as breast augmentation, tummy tuck, facelift, and rhinoplasty. The training for plastic surgeons is extensive and includes a series of mandatory plastic and reconstructive surgeries. This training is received during medical residency, which typically lasts six years. During this time, plastic surgeons learn both aesthetic procedures and principles. In contrast, cosmetic surgeons may have varying backgrounds and training.
Some may have completed a residency in plastic surgery, while others may have trained in a different specialty before transitioning to cosmetic surgery. One way to ensure that your surgeon is qualified to perform both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures is to look for board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Currently, 92% of board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States are members of the ASPS, which represents 11,000 plastic surgeons worldwide. To become a member of the ASPS, surgeons must not only be certified by the ABPS or in Canada by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, but they must also complete at least six years of surgical training after finishing their medical degree, with a minimum of three years of training in residence in plastic surgery. On the other hand, cosmetic surgeons may refer to themselves as board-certified, but this can be misleading if you don't know what questions to ask. Unlike plastic surgeons, there is no specific board certification for cosmetic surgery.
This means that any doctor can legally perform cosmetic procedures, regardless of their training or experience. To ensure that your surgeon is qualified to perform your desired procedure, it's essential to do your research and ask about their training and experience. One common misconception is that cosmetic surgery is purely for aesthetic purposes, while plastic surgery is for reconstructive purposes. While this may be true in some cases, there is often overlap between the two specialties. For example, aesthetic rhinoplasty (nose job) is a highly sought after procedure that shares similarities with functional rhinoplasty, a fundamental procedure in the training of plastic surgeons.
This highlights the importance of finding a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure. When it comes to choosing a surgeon for your desired procedure, it's crucial to confirm that they have been certified by the ABPS. This is the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to certify doctors in the specialty of Plastic Surgery. Only ABPS diplomats can be called plastic surgeons. While medical professionals are not required to be board-certified plastic surgeons to perform complex cosmetic surgery, this certification ensures that your surgeon has met the highest standards of training and experience. Overall, the key difference between cosmetic and plastic surgery lies in the training and qualifications of the surgeon.
Plastic surgeons have extensive training in both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, while cosmetic surgeons may have varying backgrounds and training. To ensure that you are in the hands of a qualified and experienced surgeon, it's essential to do your research and ask the right questions. By consulting a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, you can rest assured that you are in good hands.
