While cosmetic surgery training only focuses on aesthetic procedures, plastic surgery training covers a wide range of surgeries to return the body to its normal appearance and function. However, a lot of plastic surgeons have cosmetic surgery in their practice. You might be asking how cosmetic surgery differs from plastic surgery in light of this.
Although there are many competent, well-trained cosmetic and plastic surgeons, understanding the differences between the various types of surgeons will help you understand each surgeon’s qualifications and experiences.
What is cosmetic surgery?
Surgical treatments used in cosmetic surgery include those that aim to improve symmetry, accentuate particular characteristics, or change the proportions of the face or body.
Cosmetic surgery is elective, meaning that individuals choose to have it done on parts of their bodies that don’t need to function better. Facial cosmetic surgeons, in particular, are trained in aesthetic procedures for the head, face, and neck. Cosmetic surgeons are trained in aesthetic principles.
At Capital Care, experienced and qualified team offers a wide range of cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments and innovative psycho-emotional therapies. While core surgical skills are obtained during residency, the specialization of cosmetic surgery is typically learned through practical training after residency.
What is plastic surgery?
Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery are both included in the broad group of treatments known as “plastic surgery.” After an injury, illness, or congenital issue, reconstructive treatments are carried out to return the body’s appearance and functionality. Several necessary plastic and reconstructive surgeries, including those involving cosmetic techniques and concepts, are a component of plastic surgery residency training. Typically, medical residents undergo training in plastic surgery.
Cosmetic vs. plastic surgery
- Plastic and cosmetic surgery share many surgical techniques and tools.
The methods used by cosmetic surgeons to enhance the body’s look are frequently comparable to those used by plastic surgeons to restore the body’s appearance and function. For instance, breast reconstruction after cancer, a key operation in plastic surgeon training, and aesthetic breast augmentation share commonalities.
- Plastic or reconstructive surgery may be covered by insurance, but cosmetic procedures are not.
Cosmetic surgery is almost always optional, meaning that the patient choose to have the treatment even though it is usually not considered crucial for the patient’s health by insurance companies. Reconstructive plastic surgery may be judged medically necessary.
- Plastic and cosmetic surgeons hold different board certifications.
Training in plastic and reconstructive surgery is frequently obtained during a medical residency. In order to get board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery during their residency, doctors must provide documentation of the clinical experience required (ABPS).
Plastic surgery board certification requires these steps:
- medical training
- Plastic and reconstructive surgery residency program
In a post-residency fellowship, cosmetic training is earned. While those who specialize in facial cosmetic surgery hold board certification from the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS), which accredits cosmetic surgeons who specialize in procedures of the head, face, and neck, general cosmetic surgeons may hold board certification from the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS). The primary board certification in another surgical specialty is also required of all ABCS and ABFCS board-certified cosmetic surgeons.
Board certification in cosmetic surgery demands substantial, credentialed expertise in cosmetic surgery after surgical training. A surgeon can become a board-certified cosmetic surgeon in one of two ways. One possibility for a surgeon is medical school:
- residency after medical school
- first-level board certification in residency
- substantial facial cosmetic surgery experience or cosmetic surgery fellowship training
- pass the board certification exam with flying colors
Additionally, the following path can be taken by oral and maxillofacial surgeons to become board-certified face cosmetic surgeons:
- (DDS or DMD) Single degree or dual degree
- completion of a recognized oral and maxillofacial surgery residency Cosmetic surgery fellowship program or significant face cosmetic surgery experience Board certification from the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- pass the board certification exam with flying colors
- Board-certified cosmetic surgeons specialize in aesthetic procedures, while board-certified plastic surgeons may study a broad range of surgeries.
Board-certified cosmetic surgeons either receive training in a 1-2 year cosmetic-only post-residency fellowship or exhibit a similar level of rigor in their clinical work. Surgeons must execute a minimum number of popular cosmetic procedures to demonstrate their expertise in the essential procedures before they are permitted to take the board exam.
Reconstructive techniques are covered in plastic surgery training during medical residency. These techniques are used to improve function and restore appearances following an accident, illness, or congenital condition. Aesthetic training is just one of 12 categories of procedures included in the training requirements to become board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), including burn reconstruction, surgery of the hand, and craniomaxillofacial trauma surgery. While cosmetic procedures are addressed during this training, they are not the only focus. In order to specialize in cosmetic surgery, certain plastic surgeons may seek post-residency fellowships, however further training is not necessary for board certification.
Choose a surgeon with experience and training in your desired procedure.
When it comes to cosmetic surgery, the first and most important decision you must make is your surgeon. It is important to conduct your research and find a surgeon who not only specializes in your chosen operation but also has the necessary qualifications. Legally, a licensed physician from any discipline may undertake cosmetic surgeries, therefore it is important to complete your research. If your desired surgery is cosmetic in nature, selecting a cosmetic surgeon ensures that your doctor will put safety and a good aesthetic result first.