What's the Difference Between Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery?

If you think cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are the same thing, think again. Many people make this common assumption, but there is a difference between the two.  In general, many plastic surgeons choose to focus their practice on cosmetic surgery and thus the term cosmetic surgery has seemingly become synonymous with plastic surgery among most patients. Though cosmetic and plastic surgery are closely related specialties, they are not technically the same.

Determining whether a patient needs plastic or cosmetic surgery depends on what is trying to be accomplished and thus which type of doctor will perform it. To help one understand the differences between the two surgeons who perform these procedures and why it is important to understand their differences, there are two main points to expound upon. The first being, cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery have different goals, and the second, cosmetic surgery training is obtained separately from plastic surgery training.

“The procedures, techniques, and principles of cosmetic surgery are entirely focused on enhancing a patient’s appearance. Improving aesthetic appeal, symmetry, and proportion are the key goals. Cosmetic surgery can be performed on all areas of the head, neck, and body. Because the treated areas function properly, cosmetic surgery is elective. Cosmetic surgery is practiced by doctors from a variety of medical fields, including plastic surgeons…

“Plastic surgery is defined as a surgical specialty dedicated to reconstruction of facial and body defects due to birth disorders, trauma, burns, and disease. Plastic surgery is intended to correct dysfunctional areas of the body and is reconstructive in nature. Plastic and reconstructive surgeons are one in the same.” To read more about these goals and learn the differences between cosmetic and plastic surgeon’s training, please visit the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery website.

At Ciao Bella Med Spa and Vein Clinic, we are proud to have both a board certified plastic surgeon and board certified cosmetic surgeon, both with extensive training, experience and medical backgrounds which make them outstanding surgeons. By having surgeons with both plastic and cosmetic qualifications available to our patients, our doctors not only continue to produce the exceptional results Ciao Bella has become known for, but they are able to collaborate on major surgeries to provide a superior level of experience, specialties and broader skillset for excellent results. To learn more about our physicians, their education, training and backgrounds, as well as the services Ciao Bella provides, please visit our website. Ciao Bella Med Spa offers the opportunity to enhance your natural beauty, correct and restore, and achieve the look you’ve always wanted, while ensuring the personalized care necessary to make your procedure a rewarding and satisfying experience.

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