Cosmetic vs Plastic Surgeons
Considering going under the knife (or needle)? - Jenn Sinrich

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9 Insider Tips for Finding a Plastic Surgeon You Can Trust
The number of women and men having plastic surgery is on the rise... which means more and more people are trying to get into the aesthetics game. But you have to be careful about choosing the right professional to do the job.
As plastic surgery attracts a growing base of eager patients, a number of unqualified physicians and even non-physicians are jumping on the cosmetic bandwagon, donning white lab coats and all. In addition to meeting the surgeon in person, it’s also strongly encouraged to check their background to make sure they’re certified to handle the exact procedure you’re looking to have.
Resources
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.
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.
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.
Cosmetic Surgery, Plastic Surgery—What’s the Difference?
While both cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery deal with improving a patient’s body, the overarching philosophies guiding the training, research, and goals for patient outcomes are different.
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.
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.

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