The procedures, techniques and principles of cosmetic surgery are completely focused on improving the patient's appearance. Improving aesthetic appeal, symmetry and proportion are the key objectives. Cosmetic surgery can be performed on all areas of the head, neck and body. Because cosmetic procedures treat areas that work properly, cosmetic surgery is designated as elective. Elective cosmetic procedures are performed by doctors from a variety of medical fields, including plastic surgeons.
Reconstructive plastic surgery may be covered by insurance, while cosmetic plastic surgery is elective and usually not covered. Plastic surgery takes its name from the Greek word “plastikos”, which means “to form” or “to mold”. It includes a group of procedures that alter certain areas of the body. These include the face, neck, breasts, stomach, arms, and legs.
The terms “reconstructive plastic surgery” and “cosmetic surgery” may seem similar, but they represent different types of procedures. While both cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery seek to improve the patient's body, the general philosophies that guide training, research, and goals for patients are different. You can have cosmetic surgery by a plastic surgeon, dermatologist, otolaryngologist (specialist in otolaryngology), or other people. A bigger problem than knowing the difference between surgeons is that many people seek cosmetic procedures from professionals who are not cosmetic surgeons.
Many plastic surgeons seek additional training to perform cosmetic surgery, although the primary surgical training is in reconstructive plastic surgery. On the other hand, a cosmetic surgeon could determine which technologies are best for a person and offer them all their options. To analyze the differences between plastic and cosmetic surgery, we asked three ASPS member surgeons for their opinion. Learn more about the innovative cosmetic procedures and medical spa treatments offered at About Faces Cosmetic Surgery and Med Spa.
A significant number of plastic surgeons choose to focus their practice on cosmetic surgery, and as such, the terms are often used interchangeably. Since there is no legal limitation on who can call themselves a plastic surgeon, it can be difficult to determine who is truly qualified to perform plastic surgery. According to the ABPS, board-certified plastic surgeons can only operate in duly certified centers and can only perform procedures in the office for those who also have hospital privileges.
