Plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are thought to be interchangeable terms, but while they are closely related, they refer to different medical specialties. It can be even more confusing when you consider that multiple plastic surgeons offer cosmetic procedures at their practice. Understanding the difference between plastic surgery vs. cosmetic surgery can guide you on your quest to find the perfect treatment or procedure to achieve your aesthetic goals.
Cosmetic surgery enhances your appearance
Cosmetic or aesthetic surgery is what most people think when they hear the term, “plastic surgery.” The term refers to elective procedures done to improve a person’s appearance and to help elevate their self-esteem. Patients must be healthy before surgery, and insurance does not cover these procedures. Some of the most common cosmetic surgeries include:
- Breast enhancement such as augmentation or reduction
- Facial contouring such as rhinoplasty
- Facial rejuvenation such as a brow lift or neck lift
- Body contouring such as a tummy tuck
- Skin rejuvenation such as Botox
Plastic surgery can be reconstructive
Plastic surgery encompasses both cosmetic procedures and reconstructive procedures. Reconstructive surgery repairs problems caused by issues such as congenital deformities, tumor removals, and trauma. Some examples of specific plastic surgery procedures include:
- Carpal tunnel surgery
- Microsurgery
- Rhinoplasty
- Peripheral nerve surgery
Comparing plastic surgery vs. cosmetic surgery
Plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery have two different goals and outcomes. Cosmetic surgery can enhance your appearance by improving aesthetic appeal, symmetry, and proportion. Additionally, cosmetic surgery can be performed on all areas of the body, head, and neck. Alternatively, plastic surgery is focused on repairing defects to reconstruct. The goal is to obtain a normal function and appearance.
Another difference is that plastic surgery and cosmetic surgeons hold different certifications and receive different training. Plastic and reconstructive surgery training requires a medical residency, and surgeons must provide evidence of their required clinical experience to be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). However, cosmetic training is acquired in a post-residency fellowship. General cosmetic surgeons may hold board certification from the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), while those specializing in facial cosmetic surgery hold board certification from the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS). Additionally, all ABCS and ABFCS board-certified cosmetic surgeons must hold a primary board certification in another surgical specialty.
Finally, while plastic surgery may be covered by insurance, cosmetic surgery is not. This is because reconstructive plastic surgery may be deemed medically necessary, but cosmetic surgery is nearly always elective.
How do I decide which is right for me?
The first step to choosing between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery is considering your aesthetic goal. Are you hoping to remedy a problem by enhancing your appearance, or do you need to reconstruct something that has been damaged? Once you have decided what your goals and desires are, you can move forward with choosing between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon.
In addition to clarifying your goals, consulting with a plastic or cosmetic surgeon can help determine which is best for you. The surgeon will help you understand the differences and similarities between the two categories so that you can make an informed decision about which to pursue.
Consult with Core Aesthetics New York
Dr. Kiwanuka M.D., Ph.D., provides a holistic focus on beauty, fitness, nutrition, and wellness. Her innovative practice approach, Functional Aesthetics, incorporates state-of-the-art skin-tightening and muscle-building technologies to restore your appearance while boosting self-confidence comprehensively. Dr. K has the experience and education to help you decide whether plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery would be best for your goals.
