In case you ever thought that plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery were the same, then you are not alone. Some significant plastic surgeons will choose to focus their practice mainly on cosmetic surgery, but the terms they use are interchangeable. However, it is not technically correct. Both plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery have a close relation although not the same.
1. Different Goals:
While both surgeries work to improve the patient's body, both overarching philosophies guiding training, goals for patients' outcomes and research are different.
"Cosmetic Surgery"
Cosmetic surgery entirely focuses on enhancing the appearance of a patient. It, therefore, improves aesthetic appearance, proportion, and symmetry is the primary goals. It can take place on areas of the neck, head, and body. It is also a practice by doctors from all fields including plastic surgeons.
The scope of this surgery procedure includes:
- Facial contouring: chin, cheek or Rhinoplasty enhancement
- Breast enhancement: reduction, lift, augmentation
- Body contouring: liposuction, tummy tuck, gynecomastia treatment
- Skin rejuvenation: filler treatments, laser resurfacing, botox
However, plastic surgery is a surgical specialty that dedicates to reconstruct body and facial defects that occurs because of birth disorders, disease, burns, and trauma.
This surgery aims to correct dysfunctional areas of a patient's body and therefore reconstructive in nature. However, most plastic surgeons will choose to complete additional training so that they can perform cosmetic surgery. The basis in their surgical practice will remain reconstructive plastic surgery.
The scope of the surgery includes: burn repair surgery, breast reconstruction, hand surgery, lower extremity reconstruction, and scar revision surgery.
2. Difference In Training:
The two surgeries each have distinct practical goals that build up around some specific procedure set. With their separate practical purposes that are around their particular procedure, they will follow a different training and certification process. Moreover, a board for certifying cosmetic surgeon looks different from the committee that will verify a plastic surgeon.
"Plastic Surgery Training"
To become a certified physician in this surgery field, you will have to complete these routes of training.
The surgeon will have to study on integrated residency training that will combine a three-year having general surgery and another addition three years for plastic surgery.
The other option is an independent five-year residency program on general surgery that is followed by a three-year plastic surgery program.
While studying residency programs under plastic surgery, it may include cosmetic surgery but it's not a training of all cosmetic procedures.
"Cosmetic Surgery Training"
Currently, there are no residency programs in some countries that devote only to cosmetic surgery. Due to this, cosmetic surgeons will obtain training and experience after they complete their residency training. You will practice after completing a post-residency fellowship.
Some enhanced will not require cosmetic surgery to get the appearance you want. For example, if you're going to lose weight, you don't have to visit a cosmetic surgeon. You can, therefore, purchase a laser lipo machine for home use.
Any licensed physician can undertake cosmetic surgery despite the training they take in cosmetic surgery. It essential that you do your research when choosing cosmetic surgery services.
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