Cosmetic Surgeon vs Plastic Surgeon

A common misconception is that Plastic Surgery is also Cosmetic Surgery and that if a patient needs a cosmetic procedure, he/she should seek a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. However, what patients do not realize is Board certification in Plastic Surgery means that the surgeon is competent to perform reconstructive surgery not cosmetic "elective surgery". Reconstructive surgery includes many facets such as a patient with severe trauma to the face, a patient that has sustained a severe burn, or someone who has a large cancer excised that resulted in removal of a large body part. Not all plastic surgeons do cosmetic procedures and most of the training for cosmetic procedures is done in workshops and preceptorships post residency and then continue through out the rest of the physician's career . Unfortunately at this time, there is no approved Board Certification in Cosmetic Surgery by the ABMS (American Board of Medical Specialties).

Cosmetic Surgery is a subspecialty that strictly deals with surgical or medical techniques that maintain, restore, or enhance normal appearance to some degree of an aesthetic ideal. It is a multi-disciplinary and comprehensive approach directed to all areas of the head, neck, and body, and is practiced by surgeons from a variety of disciplines including board-certified dermatologists, primary care, general surgeons, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, ophthalmologists, otolaryngologists, plastic surgeons, and physicians from other fields. All of these disciplines have contributed to the vital growth of cosmetic surgery.

Unlike cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery deals with the repair, reconstruction, or replacement of physical defects of form or function involving the skin, muscles, and bones, of the face, jaw, neck, or body. It is important to note that board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery only provides evidence that a physician is competent in "plastic surgery". It does not prove competency in "cosmetic surgery" nor does it demonstrate more "cosmetic surgery" education, training, and/or experience than that of a board-certified dermatologist, primary care, general surgeon, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, otolaryngologists or ophthalmologist.