Cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are closely related specialties, but they are not the same thing. A significant number of plastic surgeons choose to focus their practice on cosmetic surgery and, as such, the terms are often used interchangeably. But this is not technically correct. Plastic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery; cosmetic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. While both degrees qualify a professional as a board-certified surgeon, only the American Board of Plastic Surgery is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialists.
Cosmetic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, while plastic surgeons are accredited by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. However, the American Board of Medical Specialists only recognizes the American Board of Plastic Surgery. 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 specialized training in plastic surgery. The process can take 6 to 8 years or more and many expand their training with scholarships that include microvascular, craniofacial, manual, pediatric and aesthetic scholarships.
This is a key differentiator between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon. When considering the difference in training between plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons, a woman should initially check whether or not her future surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Because any licensed doctor can legally perform cosmetic surgery, regardless of how you received cosmetic surgery training, it's extremely important that you do your research when choosing a cosmetic surgeon. Cosmetic surgery refers to elective procedures that improve or enhance the aesthetics of the face, breasts, and body. Plastic surgery residency programs may include cosmetic surgery as part of surgeon training, but usually don't include training on all cosmetic procedures. 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. For the best possible safety, results and experience, it is recommended that you seek a board-certified plastic surgeon for your cosmetic procedures. The main difference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon is the training they have received. Since plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are often used interchangeably to describe procedures such as breast augmentation, tummy tuck, facelift, and rhinoplasty, many people believe that plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons are the same thing.
The term “plastic” in plastic surgery is derived from the Greek word “plastikos”, which means to mold or to give shape. Many cosmetic surgeons and most plastic surgeons are “certified” by the board, but again, there is a difference because the boards that do the certification are not the same. A facial plastic surgeon is trained in otorhinolaryngology and performs facial cosmetic surgery, and an oculoplastic surgeon can perform cosmetic surgery around the eyes after a residency in ophthalmology.
