A big problem for many people is that a cosmetic surgeon and a plastic surgeon can be confused. However, while cosmetic surgery is a type of plastic surgery, cosmetic surgeons can only perform cosmetic procedures, explains Dr. Alan Matarasso, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Plastic surgery is a broad category of procedures that includes both cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Reconstructive procedures are performed to restore the body's appearance and function after an injury, illness, or congenital problem. Residency training in plastic surgery involves a series of mandatory plastic and reconstructive surgeries, of which aesthetic procedures and principles are part. Plastic surgery training is usually received during medical residency. Myers agrees, adding that the American Board of Plastic Surgery appropriately designates board-certified plastic surgeons through the logo of the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
ASPS member surgeons must not only be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or, in Canada, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, but they must also complete at least six years of surgical training after medical school with a minimum of three years of residency in plastic surgery. Since plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are often used interchangeably to describe procedures such as breast augmentation, tummy tuck, facelift, and rhinoplasty, many people believe that plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons are the same thing. While some plastic surgeons may apply for scholarships after residency to specialize in cosmetic surgery, no additional training is required to become board certified. Upon completion of medical school, a board-certified plastic surgeon first serves as a surgical resident for at least 3 years, where he receives rigorous training in all aspects of surgery and then 3 years of specialized training in plastic surgery.
The training can range from a one-year cosmetic surgery grant to a handful of short weekend courses on topics ranging from how to perform liposuction, use injectables or place breast implants. Cosmetic surgeons are trained in aesthetic principles and facial cosmetic surgeons, in particular, specialize in aesthetic procedures for the head, face, and neck. Reconstructive plastic surgery may be considered medically necessary, but cosmetic surgery is almost always elective, meaning that the patient decides to undergo a procedure even though insurance companies do not consider it essential to the patient's health. Medical professionals are not required to be board-certified plastic surgeons to perform complex cosmetic surgeries.
While both degrees qualify a professional as a board-certified surgeon, only the American Board of Plastic Surgery is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialists. As a specialty, plastic surgery aims to maximize the patient's aesthetic outcome in either of the two senses, but this experience doesn't only apply to the minimally invasive procedures that can be seen in the media. Risks increase when people choose to look for people who are not board certified to perform their elective procedures, because every time they choose to go to someone who lacks experience, training and knowledge, they are basically taking their lives into their own hands, said Dr. Aviva Preminger, a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Cosmetic surgery board certification requires surgical training followed by extensive and documented experience in cosmetic surgery. To become certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a surgeon must do at least six years of residency training, and at least half of that training in plastic and reconstructive procedures.
