Plastic surgery training is completed through a postgraduate residency program · Cosmetic surgery training is primarily completed after residency training. 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 surgery of the peripheral nerves.
A big problem for many people is that a cosmetic surgeon and a plastic surgeon can be confused. However, 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). 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.
Plastic surgery is an essential procedure, performed by highly qualified surgeons to repair skin and tissue damage that may have resulted from congenital diseases or injuries, for example. Plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are sometimes used interchangeably, but if you need reconstructive surgery or want an elective cosmetic procedure, it's important to know how to find the most qualified surgeon. If you've always thought that cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery were the same thing, you're not alone. There are times when cosmetic surgery is required to correct medical problems in which the patient feels severe discomfort; however, these situations are unusual and depend on the judgment of the medical professional evaluating the condition.
The term “plastic” in plastic surgery is derived from the Greek word “plastikos”, which means to mold or shape. Eyelid surgery and breast reduction surgery are two cosmetic procedures that insurance can cover if the patient meets certain requirements, but insurance only covers these procedures for functional reasons, not because of a change in appearance. 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 contribute to their self-esteem. Plastic surgery is performed on both men and women and is generally a necessity rather than a considered option. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the other major society that certifies plastic surgeons.
Jordan Jacobs, chief of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Mount Sinai Center in New York, told Healthline. There are many differences between the two procedures, but the defining factor is that plastic surgery is essential surgery, while cosmetic surgery is not essential. Many patients choose to undergo plastic surgery procedures to alleviate trauma, burns, or the effects of diseases. Dr. Stephen Colbert, of MU Health Care, is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and specializes in plastic and cosmetic surgery.
Currently, 92% of board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States are members of the ASPS, which represents 11 000 plastic surgeons worldwide.
