The terms plastic surgeon and cosmetic surgeon are frequently used interchangeably. Although these two terms might sound similar, they are indeed different specialties. Thus, one is left wondering what differentiates them.
The difference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon
The role of cosmetic surgeons and plastic surgeons is the same, in that they assist in changing the appearance of a person. However, what differentiates them is their specialization—meaning, these are two different specializations in the same medical field.
The goals and procedures performed by both are different. Because of this face, the training that cosmetic and plastic surgeons also varies.
- Plastic surgeons –they mostly specialize in the reconstruction of body and facial defects caused by birth defects, burns, trauma, and other medical conditions. The main objective of plastic surgeons is to correct defective areas of the body. Besides, their role is reconstructive.
- Cosmetic surgeons –they primarily focus on changing or enhancing the appearance of a person through medical and surgical procedures. Cosmetic surgeons can perform these procedures on all areas of the body—from your head to your legs. Typically, most people opt for cosmetic surgery after undergoing reconstructive surgery. Plastic surgeons will address a certain defect, but they won’t give it the much needed aesthetic appeal.
Training
Cosmetic surgeons
Since the outcomes and procedures of each profession do differ significantly, the training of plastic and cosmetic surgeons is also very different. First, it’s important to note that there is no specific training program for cosmetic surgeons. Doctors pursuing this specialty must have gone through a medical school.
Then, they must be members of a fellowship or residency program or both, in a cosmetic surgeon. Then, they must attain board certification in their area of specialty, as well as post-residency training, particularly in cosmetic surgery. Mostly, this is done via a cosmetic surgery fellowship program, and also through lectures, workshops, and seminars.
Cosmetic surgeons with notable experience in cosmetic surgery receive board certification from the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS). The board has a strict set of standards, put in place to ensure proficiency and experience specialty in this field.
Plastic surgeons
Plastic surgeons also have the same medical training, just like cosmetic surgeons. However, once they finish their medical studies, they must complete a fellowship or residency, or both in plastic surgery. It’s only when they get done with this they receive certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).
After the certification, a plastic surgeon is deemed qualified to undertake any plastic surgery procedure. Moreover, they don’t have to undergo any extra training in this field. However, if a cosmetic surgeon chooses to undergo extra training, it will be for gaining experience in the cosmetic surgery specialty.
This training can be through workshops, lectures, seminars, and fellowship training programs. Once a plastic surgeon completes this training successfully, they receive board certification from the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS).
Board certification
The surgeons from Phoenix plastic surgery clinic say that board certification is essential, as it helps one in determining the qualification of a surgeon. Both the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) have completely different requirements. Besides, these boards do evaluate the experience and qualification of a plastic surgeon in different areas.
Thus, healthcare professionals, as well as the general public need to understand these differences. This allows patients to know whether they need a plastic surgeon or cosmetic surgeon for a certain procedure.
The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) focuses more on patient safety and education on its mission to improve the cosmetic surgery specialty, as well as the quality of patient care. The AACS is the only academy in the United States that allows cosmetic surgeons to access continuous medical education. Thus, it believes that following these principles gives the public reassurance of the advanced education and formal training of cosmetic surgeons.
Choosing the right surgeon for your procedure
You’ll need a surgeon who’s experienced for your procedures. Besides, you’ll also want to build a good relationship with that surgeon. So, one of the best ways to ensure that you get a professional surgeon is asking them whether they are board-certified.
If you find a surgeon who’s certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, it’s an indication that they have the necessary training to perform your procedure.
Besides, you’ll also need to consider the experience of the surgeon. Check to see how frequently they perform the procedure that you want. Also, you must ask them about the possible complications, and how they can handle any complications that might arise during or after your surgery.
