What is difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery?

Plastic surgery training involves a wide range of procedures to restore the body's normal appearance and function, while cosmetic surgery training focuses exclusively on aesthetic procedures. However, many plastic surgeons offer cosmetic procedures in their office. 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. In other words, cosmetic surgery is a subspecialty of plastic surgery. Reconstructive surgery is often considered “medically necessary” and may be covered by health insurance. Myers agrees, adding that the American Board of Plastic Surgery appropriately designates board-certified plastic surgeons through the logo of the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

In the case of cosmetic surgery, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) is the only board that certifies doctors exclusively in the field of cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgery is a big part of reconstructive surgery, and some plastic surgeons perform head-to-toe reconstructions, whether on the face, hands, or even feet. Learn more about the innovative cosmetic procedures and medical spa treatments offered at About Faces Cosmetic Surgery and Med Spa. If that doctor is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, you'll know that that doctor has passed rigorous exams and is more likely to be well trained.

Board-certified cosmetic surgery doctors have passed the necessary exams to demonstrate their competence in cosmetic surgery. Their solid knowledge base, high level of training and practical experience make them the most qualified to perform safe and appropriate cosmetic procedures. Between Botox parties, the appearance of beauty bars across the country, and social media influencers speaking more openly about their plastic surgery, there can be some confusion about what constitutes plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery. This is an independent board of subspecialties that examines and certifies doctors who are engaged in general cosmetic surgery, facial surgery and dermatological.

Upon completion of medical school, a board-certified plastic surgeon first serves as a surgical resident for at least 3 years, where he receives rigorous training in all aspects of surgery and then 3 years of specific training in plastic surgery. A plastic surgeon is a doctor who has completed his residency in plastic surgery and specializes in subjects such as facial and body defects, burns, congenital disorders, and diseases. Simplistically speaking, cosmetic surgery is an elective procedure, while plastic surgery is reconstructive, but the differences go further. Plastic surgery is aimed at correcting dysfunctional areas of the body and is reconstructive in nature.

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. Cosmetic surgery is a multidisciplinary and comprehensive approach aimed at all areas of the head, neck and body.

Sylvia Cinnamon
Sylvia Cinnamon

Proud twitter ninja. General internet trailblazer. Award-winning travel advocate. Hardcore music nerd. Music fanatic. Lifelong communicator.