Most of the time, poor plastic surgery results or “plastic surgery failures” are due in part to an unqualified professional who was chosen to perform an operation for which he was not properly trained. Simply put, plastic surgeons are better trained and more qualified than cosmetic surgeons. Plastic surgery is defined as a surgical specialty dedicated to the reconstruction of facial and body defects due to congenital disorders, injuries, burns and diseases. Plastic surgery aims to correct dysfunctional areas of the body and, by definition, is reconstructive in nature.
While many plastic surgeons choose to complete additional training and also perform cosmetic surgery, the foundation of their surgical training remains reconstructive plastic surgery. In fact, in 1999, the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons changed its name to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to more firmly convey the message that “plastic and reconstructive surgeons are the same.” Every surgeon certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery has completed a 1-year fellowship certified by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery exclusively in cosmetic surgery. During this fellowship, surgeons receive extensive training in all facial, breast, and body cosmetic surgery procedures, in addition to non-surgical cosmetic treatments, and perform a minimum of 300 individual cosmetic surgery procedures. This training grant is in addition to completing a 3- to 5-year residency program in a related discipline.
The main difference between a true plastic surgeon and the many surgeons who refer to themselves as cosmetic surgeons is that a plastic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). General surgeons and other doctors may call themselves cosmetic surgeons, even if they don't have specific training in cosmetic surgery. On the other hand, only a surgeon who has complied with the rigorous guidelines established by the ABPS can legitimately refer to himself as a certified plastic surgeon. by the board.
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 specific training in plastic surgery. Cosmetic surgeons who claim to be board-certified may have received their certificate from the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, which is not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Each type of surgeon receives different training, and while there are many trained and well-trained cosmetic and plastic surgeons, learning the difference can help you understand each surgeon's credentials and experiences. While a cosmetic surgeon focuses exclusively on aesthetics, a plastic surgeon focuses on the way in which the patient's anatomy affects their health and well-being.
For example, some board-certified dermatologists may refer to themselves as cosmetic surgeons and may offer cosmetic treatments. Cosmetic surgeons, referring to themselves as board-certified, can be misleading if you don't know what questions to ask. Before they can appear for the joint exam, surgeons must perform a minimum number of common cosmetic procedures that demonstrate that they are specialists in the necessary procedures. Many cosmetic surgeons perform breast augmentation, liposuction, facelifts, tummy tucks, rhinoplasty, and breast lifts.
When you've made the decision to have plastic surgery, there are many details you'll need to plan for before the procedure. The techniques used by plastic surgeons to restore the body's appearance and function are often similar to those used by cosmetic surgeons to improve the body's appearance. Because cosmetic procedures treat areas that work properly, cosmetic surgery is designated as elective. In addition, the ABPS requires that all certified plastic surgeons operate only on accredited surgical centers.
That said, the American Board of Medical Specialists only recognizes board certification of plastic surgeons. What sets a plastic surgeon apart from a cosmetic surgeon is their focus on reconstructing and resolving anatomical anomalies. These are just two of the critical factors that differentiate a plastic surgeon from a cosmetic surgeon.
