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Cosmetic Surgery, Plastic Surgery—What’s the Difference?

If you’ve always thought cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery were one in the same, you’re not alone. 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. Cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are closely related specialties, but they are not the same.

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  The Vital Distinction: Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon vs Cosmetic Surgeon

When contemplating a surgical procedure, it is crucial to prioritize safety, efficacy, and optimal results. Selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon offers several advantages. Their extensive training, certification, and expertise ensure a deep understanding of both the aesthetic and functional aspects of surgery. They possess the necessary knowledge to evaluate the patient comprehensively, consider individual anatomy, and develop customized treatment plans.

Articles of Interest

When it comes to cosmetic surgery, appearances can be deceiving

Kate* had no idea that underpinning the lower cost of her procedure was a lack of training, expertise and anaesthetic support.

Why Should You Choose a Plastic Surgeon Over a Cosmetic Surgeon?

Since plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are often used interchangeably to describe procedures like breast augmentation, tummy tuck, facelift, and rhinoplasty, many individuals believe that plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons are the same. Recent studies have shown that over half of the women in the United States are unaware of the difference between a plastic and cosmetic surgeon.

Plastic Surgeons Are Mostly Men, But Their Patients Are Mostly Women

Men make up 85 percent of board-certified plastic surgeons. If, in 2016, you selected one of those surgeons at random, you would have been nearly six times more likely to wind up with a man than with a woman.

The True Price of Cheap Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery that saves you money, uses only local anesthesia and lets you control the results: Sounds like a great deal, right? In reality, the new Awake procedures are a way for barely trained surgeons to profit from dangerous operations no hospital would let them do.

What is the difference between a Plastic Surgeon and a Cosmetic Surgeon?

The difference is everything, the difference is nothing. It depends on whose perspective it's coming from. By definition, all plastic surgeons are trained and capable of performing "cosmetic surgery," but not all Cosmetic Surgeons are Plastic Surgeons. What does this mean? It means that the true education, training, and ability of a Plastic Surgeon encompasses ALL that is cosmetic surgery, but those who call themsevles "cosmetic surgeons or cosmetic doctors" are not all Plastic

Why a "Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon" Isn't a Plastic Surgeon, and What That Means for You

Many doctors marketing themselves as cosmetic surgeons do procedures beyond the scope of their training.

Resources

9 Insider Tips for Finding a Plastic Surgeon You Can Trust

To help you select a qualified, skilled, vetted, and pleasant-to-be-around plastic surgeon, we talked with experts and former patients who know the industry’s ins and outs. Here's what they suggest you do.

The Cosmetic Surgery Directory

This consumer-friendly website can be used as a central resource to answer your questions about plastic surgery, and to locate a qualified cosmetic surgeon near you.

Find board-certified plastic surgeons and other cosmetic treatment providers

Since its founding in 2006, RealSelf has created the world's largest community for learning and sharing information about cosmetic surgery, dermatology, dentistry, and other elective treatments. Our extensive collections of reviews, photos, and doctor Q&A make RealSelf the most trusted resource for those who are looking for help beyond the beauty counter.