What Is the Difference Between a Plastic and a Cosmetic Surgeon?
If you’re beginning your research into cosmetic procedures, you may already have come across a lot of technical jargon. It’s common for those seeking surgery to have questions about who will be performing their procedure, and what qualifications they should have. It’s easy to get lost in medical terminology and come away without much more information than you started with. Here, we will discuss what a cosmetic surgeon is and the unique training one receives, as well as define some of the medical terms you may come across while searching for the right surgeon for your needs.
To begin, the terms cosmetic surgeon and plastic surgeon are often used interchangeably because they can offer similar procedures. However, cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are different specialties with highly specific and nuanced training, philosophies, and purposes.
Plastic surgery is defined as reconstructive. It focuses on the repair or replacement of physical defects of form or function involving the skin, musculoskeletal system, head and facial structure, hand extremities, breast, trunk, and external genitalia. The main purpose of plastic surgery is to repair defects and return normal function and appearance to an affected area of the body. For example, a person may choose to undergo rhinoplasty (otherwise known as a nose job) to repair a deviated septum that is impacting their ability to breathe properly.
Meanwhile, cosmetic surgery is specifically concerned with maintaining, restoring, or enhancing normal appearance. For example, someone might choose to have rhinoplasty to change the shape of their nose, even if it currently doesn’t impact their ability to breathe.
Cosmetic surgeons can participate in a variety of disciplines and specialties. Depending on the credentials and experience pursued by a surgeon, all of the following disciplines can fall under the umbrella of cosmetic surgery.
General surgeons
Dermatologists
Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons
Ophthalmologists
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
Otolaryngologists
The critical difference between cosmetic surgeons and other surgeons is the training required. This is particularly true for surgeons who decide to go above and beyond in their medical education to achieve board certifications.
Cosmetic surgery is primarily learned during a surgeon's post doctoral training through ongoing education, residency, fellowship, training, and experience. Typically, a surgeon’s initial training is as follows:
Obtaining an undergraduate degree, including the necessary prerequisite classes.
Completing dental or medical school.
Enrolling in and finishing a rigorous residency program that spans four to 6 years, depending on the discipline.
Licensure through the state.
Cosmetic surgeons complete this training, and then may choose to further specialize their skills. On top of the typical pathway to becoming a surgeon, cosmetic surgeons may also complete a fellowship dedicated specifically to cosmetic surgery.
Cosmetic surgeons can also go one step further and receive board certifications for their specialty. These certifications usually include a written and oral exam, during which the surgeon’s skills are evaluated.
It is important to note that there are several avenues for board certification among other disciplines, such as plastic surgery. However, while being certified through the Board of Plastic Surgery may mean that a physician is competent in plastic surgery, it does not mean that the same surgeon is competent in cosmetic surgery. Board certification as a plastic surgeon does not demonstrate more cosmetic surgery education, training, or experience than that of a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, dermatologist, general surgeon, otolaryngologist, or ophthalmologist.
Any licensed physician can legally offer cosmetic surgeries, regardless of how in-depth their cosmetic surgery training was. Because of this, it is vital that you actively research and find the most qualified doctor for the procedure you are seeking. It’s important to be clear about your goals and find a doctor who specializes in that area of cosmetic surgery.