Cosmetic Surgery vs Plastic Surgery
What is the difference between plastic and cosmetic surgery?
With more and more physicians offering a
variety of “physical enhancement and correction” procedures, the line between a
plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon is becoming less clear. In reality,
there is a difference that can be explained in medical terms.
There are many misconceptions when differentiating
a cosmetic from a plastic surgery procedure, and many use both terms as
synonyms.
Both, cosmetic and plastic surgery are
medical specialties focused on altering and improving physical appearance. The purpose
of cosmetic surgery is to enhance aesthetic appeal of a person. When the
surgery is intended to correct birth defects, physical problems caused by a
disease or traumas as a result of accidents and burns, the term plastic surgery
is the correct one.
What makes a plastic surgeon different from a cosmetic surgeon?
Plastic
surgeon
A plastic surgeon is a physician that has
completed and approved a residency-training program in plastic surgery. Plastic
are trained in a wide range of surgical corrective procedures like (facial
surgery, burn surgery, hand-microsurgery, breast reconstruction) and also
cosmetic procedures (liposuction, abdominoplasty, facelift, etc). Most plastic
surgeons choose to be certified. A board certified plastic surgeon has to
fulfill rigorous medical school training in surgery and plastic surgery, during
a period no less than 6 to 8 years.
Cosmetic
surgeon
Legally any licensed physician can offer
cosmetic services. Even so, “Cosmetic Surgery” is not recognized as a discipline
by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), the largest specialty certification
organization in the US. On the other hand “Plastic Surgery” is a specialty
recognized by the ABMS, and as such plastic surgeons can achieve a board
certification.
Should you choose a cosmetic or a plastic certified surgeon?
Many doctors refer themselves as cosmetic
surgeons. There is no certification in cosmetic surgery recognized by American
Board of Medical Specialties (AMBS). Any physician can feature him-herself as a
cosmetic surgeon, without any specific training. A physician can take for
example a weekend course on liposuction, and then go and perform liposuction.
Some cosmetic surgeons are recognized by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery
(ABCS). This board however is does not make part of the recognized boards
American Board of Medical Specialties (AMBS).
On the other hand there is a board
recognized by the AMBS that certifies plastic surgeons. This is the American
Board of Plastic Surgery. That board certification in plastic surgery requires
comprehensive training in all aspects of surgery, reconstructive plastic
surgery and cosmetic plastic surgery.
So should you choose a physician that made
a weekend course on smartlipo? Or opt for a physician that had additional training
in surgery with a minimum of two years devoted to plastic surgery?
Bottom Line
When you think about choosing your surgeon
for plastic surgery, be sure that your surgeon is board certified in a recognized
board, such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery. In that way you can be
sure that the individual is fully trained and fully accredited.
In any case wheter it is a cosmetic or
plastic surgeonc, check your surgeons credentials: such as qualifications,
experience and patient testimonials.
Tools for finding a Certified Plastic Surgeon
There are several tools on the web that can
help you in your search for a certified plastic surgeon. The website of the
American Board of Plastic Surgery offers a free certification
consultation form, that lets you verify if a given surgeon is certified by
the board. If you are interested in searching for certified SmartLipo
specialists, visit
Smartlipo.com
