Cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery are subspecialties of plastic surgery. Reconstructive plastic surgeons treat people with medical problems. Reconstructive plastic surgeons treat people with medical problems that affect appearance, shape, or function. Aesthetic plastic surgeons improve the appearance of physical features for aesthetic rather than medical reasons. 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. Cosmetic surgery aims to improve the appearance and the way people feel about themselves. It can be performed on almost any part of the face or body.
Many people who choose this type of surgery hope that it will boost their self-esteem. Another name for the field of aesthetic medicine is aesthetic medicine. 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. While many plastic surgeons choose to complete additional training and also dedicate themselves to cosmetic surgery, the basis of their surgical training remains reconstructive plastic surgery. Because some people use the terms “plastic” and “cosmetic” surgeons interchangeably, it is logical to think that both are the same, when in reality this is not the case.
They use reconstructive and aesthetic techniques to restore areas affected by serious illnesses, such as cancer. While plastic surgery may cause a surgeon to remove skin abnormalities, such as a birthmark, cancerous tissue, or excess skin after weight loss, the term cosmetic surgery would describe a procedure such as a lip lift and tends to be performed more frequently as an aesthetic benefit. Every surgeon certified by the American Board of Aesthetic Surgery has completed a 1-year fellowship certified by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery exclusively in cosmetic surgery. The procedures, techniques, and principles of cosmetic surgery focus exclusively on improving the patient's appearance.
Therefore, while in theory a cosmetic surgeon may be legally authorized to perform the surgical procedure you are considering, it is always recommended to seek treatment with the most qualified, experienced and accredited surgeon you can. Do your research, know the risks, and trust a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform your cosmetic or reconstructive surgery. Because cosmetic procedures treat areas that work properly, cosmetic surgery is designated as elective. During this fellowship, surgeons receive extensive training in all facial, breast and body cosmetic surgery procedures, in addition to non-surgical cosmetic treatments, and perform a minimum of 300 individual cosmetic surgery procedures. While both cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery aim to improve the patient's body, the general philosophies that guide training, research, and goals for patients are different.
Despite being informed and prepared, you may be surprised at the bruising and swelling that follow cosmetic surgery.
