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Distinguishing Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery

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Ramji Ramasubramoni
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18 views2 pages

Distinguishing Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery

Uploaded by

Ramji Ramasubramoni
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Plastic Surgery vs Cosmetic Surgery

Introduction

To the layman, the meaning and implications of the word surgery are clear, but not so when it comes to
the terms plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery. We often get confused between the two and do not care
to know the difference. We often make the mistake of using the two terms interchangeably too. If you
are going to talk about it, or probably consider undergoing it, it pays to know the difference between the
two and use the words appropriately. Here goes.

Plastic Surgery and How it Works

Plastic surgery is a procedure that helps improve or eliminate physical or physiological problems. This
could relate to the face and body and the problem may have arisen from any disease, traumatic injury,
or could be congenital. Patients typically opt for these procedures to improve their general well-being
and health standards.

Some problems affect vital functions of the body and mind making patients self-conscious and unable to
physically function fully well. Plastic surgery plays an important role in fixing these problems that tend to
hold back patients socially, physically or psychologically. Some of the common congenital plastic surgery
situations include facial deformities such as cleft palate or cleft lip or crooked nose (serious enough to
affect breathing). Even procedures like breast reconstruction and ear reconstruction are termed plastic
surgery since they enable patients to improve their social and psychological health besides improving
the specific bodily function.

Cosmetic Surgery and How it Works

On the other hand, cosmetic surgery is a procedure that is done to improve the patient’s appearance.
This could be done on the face or parts of the body with a view to enhancing or improving the
appearance of the person.

Cosmetic surgery procedures are of many types but these are done to improve the appearance and
includes facelift, rhinoplasty, chin implants, brow lifts, fillers and Botox. A common example of cosmetic
surgery is breast enhancement where women choose to get breast implants or a lift. Such procedures
improve the bearing of the person and the look of the breasts. There are also procedures aimed at body
contouring such as liposuction and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) that improve the look of the body.

Key Differences Between the Two

Both cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are about improving a patient’s body but there are principal
differences in the training, research, and objectives for the final expectations and outcomes for the
patient. Interestingly quite many plastic surgeons focus on cosmetic surgery.
Firstly cosmetic surgery is focused on improving a patient’s appearance in regard to procedures,
techniques, and principles. All areas of the head, neck, and body can be treated with cosmetic surgery
with the key concerns being improving appearance, symmetry, and proportion. Cosmetic surgery is not
done to improve the functional aspect of the body part, Doctors from diverse medical fields of
specializations practice cosmetic surgery apart from plastic surgeons.

Plastic surgery is basically reconstructive in intent with a view to correct the functional aspect of specific
body parts. Plastic surgery practitioners are reconstructive plastic surgeons in training and practice.
Since the practice goals for cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are distinct with specific and different
procedure sets, the training and certification processes are different for a certified cosmetic surgeon a
certified plastic surgeon.

Cosmetic surgery specialization requires the doctor to gain board certification in their specialty, and
complete a post-residency training in cosmetic surgery, through a cosmetic surgery fellowship program,
workshops, seminars or lectures. Experienced cosmetic surgeons certified by the American Board of
Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), based on the strict set of criteria established by them to ensure experience
and expertise in cosmetic surgery.

On the other hand plastic surgeons finish medical school and complete a residency and/or fellowship in
plastic surgery with additional certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. A plastic surgeon
may also choose to undergo additional training in cosmetic surgery or gain experience in cosmetic
surgery through a fellowship training program, workshops, seminars or lectures. Certification by the
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is also possible if the doctor fulfils the necessary requirements.

Another factor of difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery is that the insurance plan
does not cover cosmetic surgeries and only in specific cases does it cover a part of surgery where it
improves function.

Conclusion

This article would have made it clear that plastic and cosmetic surgeons are distinct by virtue of their
specific training and education. It is equally evident that the choice of surgeon depends on the specific
procedure and need. Therefore you would need to ask the right questions of the surgeon to make the
right choice in surgeries- plastic or cosmetic.

Source

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Common questions

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Understanding the differences helps patients make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. Recognizing whether they require aesthetic improvements or functional restoration can guide them to the appropriate specialist, ensuring the best possible outcome . Additionally, it aids in setting realistic expectations and navigating insurance coverages .

Cosmetic surgery is primarily focused on enhancing a patient's appearance through procedures aimed at improving look, symmetry, and proportion. It is performed by doctors from various fields, not necessarily plastic surgeons . In contrast, plastic surgery is reconstructive in nature, aimed at correcting dysfunctions resulting from congenital issues, trauma, or disease. It typically involves reconstructive plastic surgeons and focuses on restoring function along with aesthetics .

The choice between a cosmetic surgeon and a plastic surgeon often depends on the patient's needs. For procedures aimed strictly at improving appearance, a cosmetic surgeon is more appropriate because they specialize in appearance-focused techniques . However, for surgeries requiring reconstruction of functional issues, a plastic surgeon is preferable due to their training in restoring function .

Using these terms interchangeably can lead to misunderstandings about the nature, objectives, and outcomes of the procedures. It may result in individuals seeking surgery under false assumptions about surgical goals—believing a cosmetic procedure may correct functional issues or vice versa . Proper terminology helps in setting accurate expectations and choosing the appropriate surgical path .

Facial procedures can be part of both cosmetic and plastic surgeries. In cosmetic surgery, facial procedures like facelifts, rhinoplasty, and Botox are aimed at enhancing appearance and symmetry . In plastic surgery, similar facial procedures might be necessary to correct deformities or improve essential functions such as breathing, indicating a reconstructive purpose .

Board certification ensures that a surgeon has received proper training and meets high standards of competence in their field, enhancing patient safety . It signifies the surgeon's expertise and ability to perform procedures safely and effectively, minimizing the risks of complications. In both cosmetic and plastic surgeries, board certification is crucial for establishing trust and guaranteeing professional standards .

Seminars, workshops, and lectures play a crucial role in the advanced training of both cosmetic and plastic surgeons. They provide additional knowledge and skills necessary for both the aesthetic techniques required in cosmetic surgery and the reconstructive capabilities needed in plastic surgery . These educational platforms are part of ongoing professional development enhancing expertise in their respective fields .

Cosmetic surgeries are typically not covered by insurance because they are not essential for improving bodily functions; they are elective procedures aimed at appearance enhancement . On the other hand, certain plastic surgeries might be covered if they are necessary to correct functions impaired by congenital deformities, trauma, or disease .

Cosmetic surgery specialization requires board certification in a specialty, followed by post-residency training in cosmetic surgery through fellowship programs and other educational platforms. Experienced cosmetic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery . Plastic surgeons complete medical school, followed by a residency and/or fellowship in plastic surgery, with additional certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. They may also undergo additional cosmetic surgery training .

Reconstructive procedures typically aim to restore physical function and improve psychological well-being by alleviating self-consciousness due to congenital issues or injuries, thus enhancing the patient's ability to function socially and physically . Elective cosmetic procedures primarily aim at improving appearance, which can boost self-esteem and confidence, impacting the patient's social presence positively .

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