Differences Between Plastic And Cosmetic Surgeons

Many people believe that plastic surgeon and cosmetic surgeon is same. There is huge difference between training, experience, expertise and credentials of both. Hence there is need of more awareness about importance of credentials among patients. I will try to make it clear giving some differences between plastic and cosmetic surgeons.

• Plastic surgery vs Cosmetic surgery: Under plastic surgery many specialized fields are included like reconstructive surgery which means restoration of any body part affected by accident, burn, birth defects etc. Cosmetic surgery also comes under plastic surgery, it involves re-shaping the normal tissues for improvement in appearance.

• Training: A plastic surgeon serves as a surgical resident for at least 3 years after medical school. They receive training in all aspects of surgery. After that again 3 years of plastic surgery training. It takes 6 to 8 years of training to become a plastic surgeon. Cosmetic surgeon might be from any medical speciality. It can be a general surgeon, ENT surgeon, gynecologist, dermatologist, physician etc. who has taken 1 year to few weeks training in cosmetic surgery.

• Plastic surgery is an extensive field. Plastic surgeons perform craniofacial surgery, burn surgery, hand/microsurgery, maxillo-facial trauma, pediatric plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery, general and breast reconstructive surgery, . Cosmetic surgeons perform facelift, eyelid surgery, tummy tuck, liposuction, breast enhancement, Rhinoplasty etc.

• Certification: A plastic surgeon should be certified by American Board of Plastic Surgery(ABPS) which is only board recognized by American Board of Medical Specialities (ABMS). Only ABPS diplomates can call themselves a plastic surgeon. A cosmetic surgeon might be certified by American Board of Cosmetic Surgery but this board is not recognized by American Board of Medical Specialities. All plastic surgeons have undergone rigorous training of 6 to 8 years. They can perform both reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery but cosmetic can not reconstructive surgery.