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Plastic Surgeon

Plastic surgeons' training covers a wide range of procedures to restore the body's normal appearance and function, while cosmetic surgeons' training focuses exclusively on aesthetic procedures. However, many plastic surgeons also offer cosmetic procedures in their practice. You may be wondering how cosmetic surgery differs from plastic surgery. 

While there are many qualified and well-trained plastic and cosmetic surgeons, knowing the difference will help you better appreciate each doctor's qualifications and experience.

Plastic surgeon training covers a wide range of procedures to restore the body's normal appearance and function, while cosmetic surgeon training focuses exclusively on aesthetic procedures. However, many plastic surgeons also offer cosmetic procedures in their practice. You may be wondering how cosmetic surgery differs from plastic surgery. 

While there are many qualified and well-trained plastic and cosmetic surgeons, knowing the difference will help you better appreciate each doctor's qualifications and experience.

What is cosmetic surgery?

Cosmetic surgery is when a person decides to undergo invasive surgical or medical procedures to change their appearance for non-medical cosmetic reasons.

Non-surgical cosmetic procedures, such as Botox and dermal fillers, which are often used to relax or fill wrinkles, do not involve surgery.

Who is qualified to perform cosmetic surgery?

Any licensed physician can perform cosmetic surgery regardless of their training, but it is extremely important to do some research when choosing a cosmetic surgeon. To find the most appropriate doctor for a particular cosmetic procedure, you need to compare the doctor's overall training (specialization and fellowship), experience and proven competence in that particular cosmetic procedure.

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What is the difference between plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons? 

1. Plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery share many surgical techniques and instruments. 

The techniques used by plastic surgeons to restore the appearance and function of the body are often similar to the techniques used by cosmetic surgeons to improve the appearance of the body. For example, cosmetic rhinoplasty is a highly sought-after procedure that has similarities to functional rhinoplasty, an important procedure in plastic surgery training. 

2. Plastic or reconstructive surgery may be covered by insurance, but cosmetic procedures are not. 

Reconstructive plastic surgery may be considered medically necessary, but cosmetic surgery is almost always elective, meaning that the patient chooses to undergo a procedure even though insurance companies do not generally consider it critical to their health. 

3. There are different grades of plastic and cosmetic surgeons.

 Plastic and cosmetic surgeons are usually trained in a medical specialty. After residency, surgeons must demonstrate that they have the clinical experience necessary to be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). 

Certification in plastic surgery requires the following steps:

• Medical school. 
• Training in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Cosmetic training takes place within the postgraduate program. General cosmetic surgeons may be certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), while those specializing in facial cosmetic surgery are certified by the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS), which certifies cosmetic surgeons specializing in cosmetic procedures for the head, face and neck. All cosmetic surgeons certified by the ABCS and ABFCS must also hold a primary certification in another surgical specialty.

A cosmetic surgery certificate requires extensive and documented experience in the field of cosmetic surgery after surgical training. There are two ways to become a plastic surgeon. On the one hand, surgeons can start with medical school:

• Medical school
• Residency
• Primary certification in the specialty area
• Cosmetic surgery training or extensive experience in facial cosmetic surgery
• Successful completion of the board certification examination.

In addition, maxillofacial surgeons may obtain certification in facial cosmetic surgery by completing the following steps:

• Single degree (DDS or DMD) or dual degree
• Completing an accredited fellowship in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
• Certification by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Training in cosmetic surgery or extensive experience in facial cosmetic surgery.
• Successful completion of an examination for board certification.

4. Certified cosmetic surgeons specialize in cosmetic procedures, while certified plastic surgeons may perform a wide range of procedures.

Certified cosmetic surgeons complete one to two years of post-graduate training focused exclusively on cosmetic procedures or demonstrate equivalent rigor through practical experience. Surgeons must perform a minimum number of routine cosmetic procedures prior to taking the exam, demonstrating proficiency in the required procedures.

Plastic surgery training during medical residency includes reconstructive procedures to improve function and restore appearance after injury, disease or congenital conditions. Although cosmetic procedures are addressed during this training, it is not the only focus; cosmetic training is just one of 12 categories of procedures included in the training requirements for certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), including burn reconstruction, hand surgery, and head and neck trauma surgery. Although some plastic surgeons receive postgraduate training to specialize in cosmetic surgery, no additional training is required for certification.

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What are the questions you should ask yourself before undergoing cosmetic surgery? 

Before you decide to undergo surgery, there are many things to consider. After speaking with your doctor, you should consider asking your surgeon some general questions about the surgery and its risks, both in terms of the procedure and the anesthesia. 

 If you are considering cosmetic surgery, you should also ask the doctor performing the surgery more specific questions: 

• What are his or her qualifications? 
• What are his qualifications? 
• What are the risks of this surgery? 
• How many people have had complications when he performed this surgery and what were the complications? 
• Are there other options for this surgery? 
• What type of anesthesia will I be given and who will administer it? What are this person's qualifications? 
• What post-operative care will I need and who will provide it? 
• How much does it cost and what does it cover?

As an AI language model, I cannot endorse or recommend any plastic surgeon or medical professional. However, there are several ways to find the best plastic surgeon. First, make sure the plastic surgeon is board certified and has the proper training and experience for the specific procedure you are considering. You can check the surgeon's certification through the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). 

It is also important to research the surgeon's reputation by reading patient reviews, consulting the website, and consulting with previous patients if possible. You can also ask for recommendations from trusted healthcare professionals, friends or family members who have undergone similar surgeries. During the initial consultation, make sure the surgeon accurately assesses your individual needs and clearly explains the procedure, including the potential risks and benefits. Ask if you have any questions or concerns and make sure you feel comfortable with the surgeon before proceeding. 

Remember that choosing the right plastic surgeon is a crucial step in achieving your desired results, so take the time to find a qualified and trustworthy professional.