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. 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.
However, this is not technically correct. Cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are closely related specialties, but they are not the same thing. There are a lot of questions and misconceptions about the two, and many patients mistakenly believe that plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons are the same when they aren't. While both degrees qualify a professional as a board-certified surgeon, only the American Board of Plastic Surgery is recognized by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
of Medical Specialists. The term “plastic” in plastic surgery is derived from the Greek word “plastikos”, which means to mold or shape. During this fellowship, surgeons receive extensive training in all facial, breast and body cosmetic surgery procedures, in addition to non-surgical cosmetic treatments, performing a minimum of 300 individual cosmetic surgery procedures. Plastic surgeons can fix problems such as cleft palettes, nose fractures, or scars, but they can also perform cosmetic surgery.
To become certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a surgeon must undergo at least six years of residency training, and at least half of that training must be dedicated to plastic and reconstructive procedures. Since plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are often used interchangeably to describe procedures such as breast augmentation, tummy tuck, facelift, and rhinoplasty, many people believe that plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons are the same thing. Most people think of cosmetic or cosmetic surgery when they hear the term plastic surgery, and these are procedures that are performed to improve a person's appearance and improve their self-esteem. For example, plastic surgery can be used to correct a structural imperfection, such as a deviated septum that prevents breathing and, at the same time, improve the appearance of the patient's nose.
There is also a significant difference in the fact that a patient chooses a cosmetic surgeon or a plastic surgeon to perform the procedure, the main one being the training to which has submitted. A facial plastic surgeon is trained in otorhinolaryngology and performs cosmetic surgery on the face and an oculoplastic surgeon can perform cosmetic surgery around the eyes after a residency in ophthalmology. Plastic surgery is defined as a surgical specialty dedicated to the reconstruction of facial and body defects due to congenital disorders, injuries, burns and diseases. Plastic surgeons are guaranteed to be trained in cosmetic surgery, general surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Plastic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery; cosmetic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. Because cosmetic procedures treat areas that work properly, cosmetic surgery is designated as elective.
