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 surgery and reconstructive surgery are types of plastic surgery.
Cosmetic surgery procedures focus on changing appearance for aesthetic purposes. Both cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery are types of plastic surgery. Doctors perform reconstructive surgery to repair or replace damaged tissue or improve the functioning of a part of the body. Scar revision surgery and breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery (mastectomy) are common types of reconstructive surgery. The difference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon isn't the procedures they offer, but rather the surgeon's qualifications to perform those procedures.
It is important to note that there is considerable overlap between cosmetic and plastic surgery, particularly in aesthetic plastic surgery. Every year, cosmetic surgery procedures help millions of people feel more confident in their appearance. Every surgeon certified by the American Board of Aesthetic Surgery has completed a 1-year fellowship of training certified by the American Academy of Aesthetic Surgery exclusively in cosmetic surgery. All ASPS members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited centers, and follow strict safety and ethical standards. To find the most qualified doctor for a specific cosmetic procedure, you must compare the training, experience and demonstrated competence of doctors in general (during residency and after residency) with respect to that specific cosmetic procedure.
Along with this residency training, surgeons must complete a surgical residency program and undergo at least one year of a fellowship program specializing in cosmetic surgery. Standard cosmetic surgery procedures include breast augmentation, facelifts, liposuction, rhinoplasty (nose surgery), and tummy tuck. Board-certified plastic surgeons have completed at least six to eight years of specific training in an accredited plastic surgery training program in the United States, regulated by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Plastic surgery aims to correct dysfunctional areas of the body and, by definition, is of a reconstructive nature.
Medical professionals are not required to be board-certified plastic surgeons to perform complex cosmetic surgery. There are currently no residency programs in the United States dedicated exclusively to cosmetic surgery. If you decide to pursue the field of plastic surgery, you'll find that you have a couple of different options for receiving your certification.
