Are you curious about the differences between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery? While you may have heard these terms used interchangeably, they are not. There is a big difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery.

There is also a big difference between a plastic surgeon and the term cosmetic surgeon. We will help sort that out for you in this blog and explain some of those differences.

While cosmetic surgery is a kind of plastic surgery, plastic surgery is not the same as cosmetic surgery. Many different kinds of doctors can call themselves cosmetic surgeons. However, if the doctor does not have hospital privileges or is not a board-certified plastic surgeon, you may want to continue your search for the right professional.

Differences Between Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Surgery

Here are some of the differences between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery.

Cosmetic Surgery

  • is an elective procedure
  • there are no residency program requirements for cosmetic surgeons
  • is not always completed under proper credentials
  • there are no regulations on who can call themselves a cosmetic surgeon

Plastic Surgery

  • is typically reconstructive in nature
  • can include cosmetic surgery
  • is performed by a true board-certified plastic surgeon who meets the requirements set by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), which holds members to highest standards

The National Board of Medical Specialties recognizes the ABPS as the only board approved to provide credentialing in its field. The ABPS further requires six to eight years of a focused training program completed in the U.S. as outlined by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

The most important thing to know is that if you are looking to have an elective, cosmetic procedure that you choose a doctor who is able to complete that procedure in a hospital and/or one that has hospital privileges. This is important to your health in case there are complications that arise during the procedure so that the doctor can get you the care that you
need.

[Related article: 3 Benefits of Plastic Surgery]

Now that you know more about the differences between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery…

…you will also be happy to know that Dr. Yospur is a plastic surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. If you are looking for a board-certified plastic surgeon to help you complete the procedure you are looking to have, give us a call today at (480) 733-3933 to
schedule a consultation.