A major misconception is that plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are one and the same thing. On most plastic surgery websites, the terms tend to be used interchangeably, and thus it’s harder for the average person to understand that these are slightly different.

The training, qualification and board-certification of a plastic surgeon is quite different from that of a cosmetic surgeon. According to the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a Plastic Surgeons requires six training categories, namely hand surgery, reconstructive surgery, disorders, trauma surgery, congenital defect repair, and cosmetic surgery. Note that cosmetic surgery makes up for just 1 of the 6 required training categories. The surgeon will be required to conduct at least 150 cosmetic surgery procedures before sitting for a certification exam. On the other hand, cosmetic surgery training requires focus on tummy tucks, breast surgery, face surgery, liposuction, and other cosmetic surgeries. The surgeon will additionally be required to perform at least 300 procedures before they can sit for a board-certification exam.

Plastic surgeons may be familiar with some cosmetic surgery procedures, but they do not need to be familiar with all of them (as cosmetic surgeons do).

Cosmetic surgery procedures and techniques are focused on improving a patient’s visual appearance (symmetry, aesthetic appeal, and proportion). Cosmetic procedures may be performed on any area of the head, neck, or body. Cosmetic surgery may be practiced by plastic surgeons and doctors from other medical fields. Cosmetic procedures are categorized as breast enhancement, facial contouring, facial rejuvenation, body contouring, and skin rejuvenation.

Plastic surgery is surgical specialty that focuses on reconstruction of defects in the face or body that could be caused by birth defects, burns, trauma, and illness. The primary goal of plastic surgery is to correct such defects. The training plastic surgeons receive is reconstructive in nature, although many of them choose to undergo additional training to be cosmetic surgeons as well. Plastic surgery procedures are categorized into breast reconstruction, burn repair, congenital defect repair, hand surgery, lower extremity reconstruction, and scar revision.

Important Note: Any licensed physician can legally conduct cosmetic surgery – whether or not they have received training in cosmetic surgery. It’s is important for patients to do proper research before settling on a cosmetic surgeon. Factors such as training, practical experience, and proven competence should for a particular procedure should be put into consideration when selecting a cosmetic surgeon.

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