It seems like the terms “plastic surgery” and “cosmetic surgery” get tossed around like they are the same thing. While the two surgeries are similar, they are different in nature. If you’re wondering if you should see a plastic surgeon or a cosmetic surgeon, read on to learn more.
Purpose
Plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery differ in their primary purpose. Cosmetic surgery works to enhance a person’s appearance, primarily in the head, neck, and body. Popular procedures include: breast enhancement (augmentation, breast lift, and reduction surgery), facial contouring (rhinoplasty as well as chin and cheek enhancements), facial rejuvenation (including wrinkle reduction, eyelid and neck lifts, botox, etc.), and body contouring (liposuction, tummy tucks, etc.). Plastic surgery on the other hand, seeks to create or recreate a “normal” function or appearance. They specialize in reconstructing body parts due to trauma, injury, burns, and birth defects. Common procedures are: breast reconstruction, burn repair, congenital defect repair such as cleft palate, hand surgery, scar revision surgery, and lower extremity reconstruction.
Training
The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery requires their surgeons to be trained in the following categories: tummy tuck, breast surgery, liposuction, face surgery, and other cosmetic surgeries. On the other hand, the American Board of Plastic Surgery requires training in not only cosmetic surgery, but in reconstructive surgery, disorders, hand surgery, trauma surgery, and congenital defect repair. Plastic surgeons are not required to know about ½ as much about cosmetic surgery as cosmetic surgeons are, but they do have more knowledge in other areas that cosmetic surgeons are not required to specialize in.
Who Should I Go To?
That really depends on what you are looking for. If your child has a cleft palate, or you are a burn victim, you are probably better off seeing a plastic surgeon. However, if you want a tummy tuck or wrinkle reducer, a cosmetic surgeon is better suited to help you out. No matter who you go to, make sure you find someone who is certified by the appropriate board (either the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery), has experience in the procedure you are looking for, and has a good reputation. Even though it won’t affect their performance much, find someone that you are comfortable with and have an emotional connection to. If you don’t like your plastic surgeon, you’ll always find something wrong with their work even if they are perfectly qualified.
