Most people believe that plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are the same; however, this is far from the truth. Many plastic surgeons direct their focus towards cosmetic surgery and both terms are typically used interchangeablyand although they are closely related, they are not the same.
1. They have different goals
It is important to understand that both plastic and cosmetic surgeries focus on improving the patient’s body and it’s functioning but the training, guidance, research and goals of both patient and surgeon are different in both specialties.
Cosmetic surgery enhances appearance
Contouring the body, enhancing the appeal and improving overall aesthetics are what cosmetic surgery is all about. Cosmetic surgeries are typically performed on several areas of the body such as the head, neck, breasts, face, pubic regions etc.
The most common cosmetic surgery procedures include:
• Mammoplasty: Breast augmentation, breast reduction or breast lift
• Face lift, neck lift, brow lift, eyelid lift
• Cheek or chin enhancement, rhinoplasty, nose enhancement
• Liposuction, tummy tuck, Gynecomastia treatment
• Botox and filler treatments for wrinkles etc.
Plastic surgery repairs and reconstructs
Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty which focuses on facial and body reconstruction due to defects associated with physical trauma, injuries, burns, disease and birth disorders.
Plastic surgery focuses on rectifying poorly functioning areas of the body and improving its aesthetics at the same time.
Some examples of plastic or plastic reconstructive surgery procedures include burn repair surgery, breast reconstruction, repair of congenital defects such as defects of extremities or cleft palate, hand surgery, scar revision surgery etc.
2. Training is separate
As discussed, plastic and cosmetic surgeries have different goals which are developed around a specialized procedure. Training and certification for cosmetic surgeons are similarly, distinct from board certified plastic surgeons.
A cosmetic surgeon’s training is completed after residency training
Since there aren’t any residency programs in the US for cosmetic surgery, board certified cosmetic surgeons are both residency training and fellowship trained in the surgical specialty.
Surgeons who have been board certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery have completed one year in fellowship training in cosmetic surgery only. Fellowship training includes all cosmetic surgical procedures such as cosmetic surgery of the face, body and breast. Fellowship training also includes non-surgical cosmetic treatments.
Any licensed physical can perform cosmetic surgery legally, whether or not they have received exclusive training in cosmetic surgery. Therefore, it is critical that you do your research for choosing a cosmetic surgeon. Avoid price shopping and only look for surgeons who have been certified in the specialty you are looking for and have the years of experience that reflect their credibility. Use a doctor’s overall training, which includes residency as well as post-residency training, years of experience, competence, references and other relevant data as a means of comparison with other doctors you may wish to consider.
Completion of plastic surgery training is through a post-grad residency program
For doctors who are board certified in plastic surgery, it is important that they complete one whole general surgery residency and 2 years in plastic surgery.

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