As someone who has dedicated my career to the field of plastic surgery, I often come across confusion surrounding the terms cosmetic surgeon and plastic surgeon. Many people mistakenly believe that these two specialties are interchangeable, but as an expert in the field, I am here to set the record straight and explain the difference between these two types of surgeons. The first thing to understand is that the term "plastic" in plastic surgery does not refer to the synthetic material. It actually comes from the Greek word plastikos, which means to form or mold. Plastic surgery is a type of surgery that can change a person's appearance and improve their ability to function.
This can include both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. While both cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery involve changing one's appearance, they are not the same thing. Cosmetic surgery is a subspecialty of plastic surgery, meaning that all cosmetic surgeons are also plastic surgeons, but not all plastic surgeons are cosmetic surgeons. This distinction is important when choosing a surgeon for your desired procedure. One of the main differences between cosmetic surgeons and plastic surgeons is their training and certification. In order to be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a surgeon must complete extensive training and pass rigorous exams.
This certification is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) as the only board that certifies doctors in the specialty of Plastic Surgery. Only those who have been certified by ABPS can be called plastic surgeons. On the other hand, there are no specific requirements for becoming a cosmetic surgeon. This means that any doctor from a variety of medical fields can perform cosmetic procedures, including plastic surgeons. However, it's important to note that not all plastic surgeons choose to focus on cosmetic surgery.
Some may specialize in reconstructive surgery, which is often considered medically necessary and may be covered by health insurance. So why is it important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon for your cosmetic procedure? The answer is simple: safety. When you choose a surgeon who is not certified by ABPS, you are essentially putting your life in their hands. Board-certified plastic surgeons have the necessary training, experience, and knowledge to perform these procedures safely and effectively. According to Dr. Aviva Preminger, a board-certified plastic surgeon, risks increase when people choose to go to non-certified surgeons for their elective procedures.
This is because these surgeons may lack the proper training and knowledge, and may not have hospital privileges to perform in-office procedures. In contrast, board-certified plastic surgeons can only operate in properly certified centers and can only perform in-office procedures for those who also have hospital privileges. In a survey conducted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 87 percent of respondents believed that surgeons should have special credentials and training to perform cosmetic procedures or advertise themselves as cosmetic, aesthetic, or plastic surgeons. This highlights the importance of choosing a qualified and certified surgeon for your desired procedure. So what kind of training do plastic surgeons receive? The initial training can take place in various areas of surgery, such as urology, orthopedics, ENT (ear, nose, and throat), general surgery, and even neurosurgery. This broad range of training allows plastic surgeons to have a comprehensive understanding of the human body and its functions. To further understand the differences between plastic and cosmetic surgery, we asked three ASPS member surgeons for their opinions.
They all agreed that while cosmetic surgery is a type of plastic surgery, it requires a specialization that goes beyond what is needed to become certified in a related discipline. It's also worth noting that in 1999, the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons changed its name to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to more firmly convey the message that plastic and reconstructive surgeons are the same. However, this does not mean that all plastic surgeons are cosmetic surgeons. One example of a reconstructive procedure that should only be performed by a plastic surgeon is breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. This highlights the importance of choosing a qualified and certified surgeon for your desired procedure. To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This will ensure that you are under the care of a highly trained and certified surgeon who you can trust. In conclusion, while cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are closely related specialties, they are not the same thing.
Cosmetic surgery is a subspecialty of plastic surgery, and it's important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon for your desired procedure. This will ensure your safety and give you peace of mind knowing that you are in the hands of an expert in the field.
