Every now and then we get questions about the differences between the terms “plastic surgery” and “cosmetic surgery” from our patients in San Diego Cosmetic surgery isn’t quite the same thing as plastic surgery. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, this really isn’t accurate. So what exactly is the difference?
• Plastic surgery is performed in order to reconstruct areas of the face or body that are injured, damaged or malformed. Examples would include correction of birth defects, mitigation of physical trauma, or treatment of burns or degenerative diseases that cause physical deformity. Plastic surgeons have chosen this surgical specialty in order to correct abnormal physical appearance and make it closer to normal, or to help restore normal physical function to the affected area.
• Cosmetic surgery is focused more on enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the body, and as a result, most cosmetic surgery procedures are elective rather than medically necessary. Examples include breast augmentation, liposuction or facelift. Even rhinoplasty (a nose job) is considered cosmetic if performed for purely aesthetic reasons and not to correct a physical issue. Cosmetic surgery can be performed nearly anywhere on the body, depending on the patient’s wishes.
In addition to the basic differences outlined above, the training requirements for plastic and cosmetic surgeons are also different. While any medical doctor can perform cosmetic procedures, becoming a board-certified plastic surgeon requires specific post-doctoral training and experience in plastic surgery techniques. Board-certified plastic surgeons have advanced training that can help them create very attractive cosmetic surgery results.
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