If you've always thought that cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery were the same thing, you're not alone. A significant number of plastic surgeons choose to focus their practice on cosmetic surgery and, therefore, the terms are often used interchangeably. But this is not technically correct. Cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are closely related specialties, but they are not the same thing. Plastic surgery is a broad field that encompasses both cosmetic (aesthetic) procedures and reconstructive procedures.
Reconstructive surgery focuses on repairing or reconstructing problems caused by congenital deformities, the removal of tumors such as cancer, trauma, or other reasons. Some other lesser-known plastic surgery procedures include carpal tunnel surgery, microsurgery, rhinoplasty, and peripheral nerve surgery.
A big problem for many people is that a cosmetic surgeon and a plastic surgeon can be confused.
But while cosmetic surgery is a type of plastic surgery, cosmetic surgeons can only perform cosmetic procedures, explains Dr. Alan Matarasso, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). When someone mentions plastic surgery, they most likely think of breast augmentations, facelifts, and liposuction, but all of these procedures are actually included in cosmetic surgery.With this in mind, the biggest difference between plastic and cosmetic surgery is that cosmetic surgery is used to improve their aesthetic appearance. Because the procedure you want isn't necessary to improve your health or quality of life, in most cases, your health insurance doesn't cover cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, while plastic surgeons are accredited by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. However, the American Board of Medical Specialists only recognizes the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Learn more about the innovative cosmetic procedures and medical spa treatments offered at About Faces Cosmetic Surgery and Med Spa. Therefore, the title “board-certified plastic surgeon” indicates a certain level of training and experience with respect to plastic surgery, but does not indicate the same with respect to cosmetic surgery, since the residency training required to obtain board certification in plastic surgery may not include training with respect to many common cosmetic procedures. Lo, an expert in ophthalmic plastic surgery and facial aesthetics, is a member of the American Society for Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) and the American Board of Ophthalmology. As a specialty, plastic surgery aims to maximize the patient's aesthetic outcome in either of the two senses, but this experience doesn't only apply to the minimally invasive procedures that can be seen in the media. Medical professionals are not required to be board-certified plastic surgeons to perform complex cosmetic surgeries.
While both cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are concerned with improving the patient's body, the general philosophies that guide training, research, and goals for patient outcomes are different. Shell is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience performing aesthetic and reconstructive facial, breast and body procedures. Elective aesthetic procedures are performed by doctors from various fields of medicine, including plastic surgeons. Cohn specializes in cosmetic procedures of the face, breasts and body, and in reconstructive procedures, such as breast reconstruction afterwards.
of a mastectomy. To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Plastic surgery is different from cosmetic surgery, which is surgery performed solely to change a person's appearance and achieve what they consider to be a more desirable appearance. In addition to this residency training, surgeons must complete a surgical residency program and undergo at least one year of a fellowship program specializing in cosmetic surgery.
