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Find out the difference plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are different.
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In the medical world, there is a long standing rivalry between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery. The two terms are usually used interchangeably since there really are many similarities with the procedures, but there are also critical differences between them.
We usually equate cosmetic surgery with aesthetics and beauty. Face lift, nose lift, breast enhancement or reduction, liposuction, tummy tuck, and removal of moles or birthmarks, come to mind when the term cosmetic surgery is heard. Plastic surgery, on the other hand, is associated with repairing skin damaged by injuries or accidents, or correcting congenital defects or illness. We hear of facial reconstruction or skin repair of burnt or scarred tissue, skin graft, transplants, reshaping of facial parts, and others, and think of plastic surgery. And, almost always, we think that cosmetic surgery is performed by dermatologists while plastic surgery is done by real surgeons.
In the strictest definition, plastic surgery "deals with the repair, reconstruction or replacement of physical defects of form or function involving the skin, musculoskeletal system, cranio-maxillofacial structure, hand extremities, breast and trunk and external genitalia." Plastic surgery is generally used to correct, restore, or repair skin and tissue problems caused by congenital defects, illness or injury and usually involves invasive procedures.
According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS), a professional medical society that represents cosmetic surgeons in the American Medical Association, "cosmetic surgery is a subspecialty that uniquely restricts itself to the enhancement of appearance through surgical and medical techniques. It is specifically concerned with maintaining normal appearance, restoring it, or enhancing it toward some aesthetic ideal."
Of course, there are cases when plastic surgery is also considered cosmetic like when breast reduction is done not only to enhance the client’s appearance but also because the extra weight of the breast causes back or shoulder pain for the client.
Technically speaking, cosmetic surgery is one of the two categories that fall under plastic surgery (the other is reconstructive surgery). In cosmetic surgery, a body part that is most likely to be within normal range is enhanced or improved, while in reconstructive surgery, a body part that is not within normal range is made to look more normal such as in repairing a cleft lip.
Cosmetic surgeons, though always looked down upon by plastic surgeons, are required to have further training to achieve the adequate competency to perform cosmetic surgery. In the USA, board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery only shows a physician’s skill in plastic surgery and not aptitude in cosmetic surgery. Many clients are misled to believe that plastic and cosmetic surgeons have the same training. The AACS explains that surgeons from various disciplines practice cosmetic surgery. Dermatologists, general surgeons, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, ophthalmologists, otolaryngologists, plastic surgeons and physicians from other fields may all do cosmetic surgery learned through post residency training and experience. Many qualified cosmetic surgeons are not even board-certified in plastic surgery.
Plastic surgery is usually necessary for the health or well-being of the client so the decision to undergo the procedure is normally straightforward as the risks generally out-weigh the rewards. The decision to have cosmetic surgery is more elective. The client must decide to undergo the procedure for the right reasons and should have realistic expectations of the results.
In today’s society where beauty is given high importance and the media highlights enhancements and improvements as a choice, cosmetic surgery has been mainstreamed. Considered taboo in the past, cosmetic surgery is now accepted, fashionable even.
An AACS survey showed that 71 percent of respondents think society is less judgmental about cosmetic surgery than it was five years ago and 62 percent said society’s attitude toward cosmetic surgery made them feel more comfortable about getting a procedure.
Leonard Rubinstein, MD, one of the founding members of the AACS, completed his specialty training in Ears, Nose and Throat, Head and Neck Specialist with an emphasis in Facial Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery. He later did Fellowship level training in Cosmetic Surgery and became a Diplomat of the International Board of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery. Leonard Rubinstein, MD has received post-graduate training in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine and he became a Diplomat of the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. In the more than 25 years in private, Leonard Rubinstein, MD has been instrumental in developing an integrative approach to the practice of Cosmetic Surgery and he has promoted the embracing by his specialty of the combination of Cosmetic Surgery and Rejuvenation Medicine (Anti-Aging) into one specialty. He is a world-renown for his innovations in Cosmetic Surgery and has become a sought-after teacher and leader among his colleagues.
