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 needs to be revised.
Cosmetic
and
plastic surgery are closely related specialities, but they are not the same. For example, Reconstructive plastic surgery may be covered by insurance, while cosmetic plastic surgery is optional and generally not covered. Cosmetic surgery is recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) as a separate and distinct speciality from plastic surgery. However, there is often significant overlap between reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery, as they share many of the same underlying surgical principles. No matter what type of plastic surgery is performed, the ultimate goal should always include maximizing the cosmetic result as much as possible. Regardless of the plastic surgery procedure being planned, patients need to discuss the intended cosmetic outcome with their surgeon to ensure that appropriate expectations are met. Plastic surgeons can repair things like cleft palettes, broken noses, or scars caused by skin cancer; however, they also perform cosmetic surgery. Some procedures, such as rhinoplasty and breast reconstruction, can be reconstructive and aesthetic. Plastic surgery can correct a structural imperfection, such as a deviated septum, that prevents breathing and simultaneously improve the appearance of the patient's nose. Breast reconstruction can be used after a single mastectomy, and the surgeon can
lift or augment the other breast at the same time. "Cosmetic surgery" and "plastic surgery" are often used interchangeably. Although both disciplines aim to improve a person's body, training, qualifications and results differ. On the other hand, a cosmetic surgeon could determine which technologies are best for a person and give them all their options. This increases significantly if your surgeon, especially the cosmetic surgeon, needs to have the necessary training and qualifications. There is also a significant difference in whether a patient chooses a cosmetic surgeon or a
plastic surgeon to perform the procedure, the main one being the training they have undergone. Breast augmentation, breast lift, liposuction, abdominoplasty, and
facelift are popular examples of cosmetic surgery procedures. Education and patient safety are at the heart of the mission of the American Academy of Aesthetic Surgery (AACS) to promote the specialty of cosmetic surgery and quality
patient care. This can be done through a cosmetic surgery fellowship program, as well as through workshops, seminars and conferences. Essentially, a cosmetic surgeon without proper qualifications or records is not allowed to call himself a plastic surgeon. While both plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are performed to improve the patient's body, the general philosophies that guide their goals, training, and research to obtain final patient results are different. All diplomats on the
American Board of Aesthetic Surgery are certified by one of the member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), such as the American Boards of Dermatology, Otorhinolaryngology, Ophthalmology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and Plastic Surgery. In fact, certain procedures, such as rhinoplasty and breast surgery, can be both reconstructive and aesthetic. The lines between reconstructive and cosmetic surgery are further blurred when it comes to insurance coverage.
