What is cosmetic surgery? Also known as cosmetic surgery, cosmetic surgery is what many people think of when they hear the term plastic surgery. This field of medicine encompasses all procedures that are performed to enhance or improve aesthetic appeal, symmetry, and proportion. This includes procedures such as breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift, rhinoplasty, and eyelid lift, just to name a few.
A big problem for many people is that a cosmetic surgeon and a plastic surgeon can be confused.
But while cosmetic surgery is a type of plastic surgery, cosmetic surgeons can only perform cosmetic procedures, explains Dr. Alan Matarasso, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).Reconstructive plastic surgery may be covered by insurance, while cosmetic plastic surgery is elective and usually not covered. A bigger problem than knowing the difference between surgeons is that many people turn to professionals who are not cosmetic surgeons to undergo cosmetic procedures. Let's face it, when most people think of plastic surgery, they think of procedures like Botox and breast augmentation. And becoming a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons requires even more extensive training.
Trained plastic surgeons can also perform complex hand surgery, peripheral nerve surgery, craniofacial surgery, and microsurgery. All ASPS members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited centers and follow strict safety standards and ethics. To discuss the differences between plastic and cosmetic surgery, we asked three ASPS member surgeons for their opinions. Reconstructing a breast after a mastectomy is a reconstructive procedure that should only be performed by a plastic surgeon.
Regardless of the procedure you are undergoing, whether cosmetic or reconstructive, be sure to see a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. Getting a breast lift (augmentation) is a cosmetic procedure that can be performed by a plastic surgeon or aesthetic. Risks increase when people choose to look for people who are not board certified to perform their elective procedures, because every time they choose to go to someone who lacks experience, training and knowledge, they are basically taking their lives into their own hands, said Dr. Aviva Preminger, a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Since there is no legal limitation on who can call themselves a plastic surgeon, it can be difficult to determine who is truly qualified to perform plastic surgery. According to the ABPS, board-certified plastic surgeons can only operate in properly certified centers and can only perform in-office procedures for those who also have hospital privileges. Between Botox parties, the opening of beauty bars across the country, and social media influencers speaking more openly about their plastic surgery, there can be some confusion about what plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are.
