As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I am often asked about the difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they are actually two distinct specialties within the field of surgery. Both aim to improve a person's appearance, but they have different focuses and require different levels of training.
Plastic surgery
is a broad category 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 fixing cleft palettes, repairing nose fractures, or reducing the appearance of scars. On the other hand, cosmetic surgery is focused on enhancing a person's appearance through surgical procedures. While plastic surgeons may also perform cosmetic procedures, not all plastic surgeons are trained in cosmetic surgery. In fact, there are significant differences in the training and qualifications required for each specialty. After completing medical school, a board-certified plastic surgeon must first serve as a surgical resident for at least 3 years. During this time, they receive rigorous training in all aspects of surgery.
They then go on to complete an additional 3 years of specific training in plastic surgery. This extensive training ensures that plastic surgeons have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform complex reconstructive procedures. In contrast, cosmetic surgeons may have varying levels of training. Some may have completed a one-year cosmetic surgery fellowship, while others may have only taken short weekend courses on specific procedures. This difference in training can greatly impact the quality of results and patient safety. The main difference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon is their qualifications to perform certain procedures.
While a plastic surgeon is trained in all aspects of surgery, a cosmetic surgeon may only have training in specific cosmetic procedures. This is why it is important for patients to do their research and choose a qualified and experienced surgeon for their desired procedure. It is also worth noting that there are different types of plastic surgeons, such as facial plastic surgeons and oculoplastic surgeons. These specialists have completed additional training in specific areas, such as facial cosmetic surgery or cosmetic surgery around the eyes. In 1999, the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons changed its name to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to emphasize that plastic and reconstructive surgeons are one and the same. However, there is still a distinction between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery in terms of training and qualifications. While plastic surgery can also include cosmetic procedures, it primarily focuses on correcting dysfunctional areas of the body.
This means that plastic surgery is reconstructive in nature. However, certain procedures, such as rhinoplasty and breast surgery, can be both reconstructive and aesthetic. The training, experience, and knowledge required to become a certified cosmetic surgeon go beyond what is needed to become certified in a related discipline, such as plastic surgery. This specialization ensures that cosmetic surgeons have the expertise to perform complex cosmetic procedures safely and effectively. Unfortunately, there are cases where patients have experienced poor results or complications from cosmetic surgery. In many of these cases, it was because an unqualified professional was chosen to perform the procedure.
This highlights the importance of choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon or cosmetic surgeon with proper training and experience. The American Medical Association (AMA) recognizes cosmetic surgery as a separate and distinct specialty from plastic surgery. This further emphasizes the differences between these two specialties within the field of surgery. In conclusion, while plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are closely related, they are not the same thing. Plastic surgeons have extensive training in all aspects of surgery, while cosmetic surgeons may have varying levels of training in specific cosmetic procedures. It is important for patients to understand these differences and choose a qualified and experienced surgeon for their desired procedure.
