Many people think cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are one and the same–if you’re one of them, you might have been surprised by the title of this blog, thinking, “But there is no difference between them!” It’s so common for people to think they are the same thing that you’ll find the words plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are often used interchangeably. But in fact, they are technically different.
While cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are closely related specialties in the medical field, they are not the same thing. Both cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery improve the body, but the philosophy and purpose that guides the training and study are different, and the goals for each specialty differ. Therefore, the training and certification process for a board-certified cosmetic surgeon are different from that of a board-certified plastic surgeon.
What is Cosmetic Surgery?
Focus: Cosmetic surgery is focused on enhancing patients’ appearance, which means the procedures and techniques are designed around improving the symmetry, proportion, and physical appeal of the face and body.
Procedures: Cosmetic surgery includes only elective procedures that are about improving areas of the body that already function properly. This can include the body, head, face, and neck. Procedures include breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, rhinoplasty, chin or cheek enhancement, facelift, eyelid lift, neck lift, brow lift, tummy tuck, liposuction, gynecomastia surgery, laser resurfacing, and injectable treatments such as Botox or fillers.
Training: To become board certified in this specialty, cosmetic surgeons generally complete fellowship training after their residency training. Cosmetic surgery can be performed by both cosmetic surgeons and plastic surgeons who choose to complete a cosmetic surgery fellowship.
What is plastic surgery?
Focus: Plastic surgery is focused on reconstruction–repairing defects or disfigurements to achieve a normal physical function and appearance. This surgical specialty is dedicated to reconstructing facial and body defects caused by congenital disabilities, burns, trauma, or disease.
Many plastic surgeons complete additional training in cosmetic surgery, but the basis of their surgical training is reconstructive–plastic surgery. Plastic surgery could be named reconstructive surgery as they are essentially the same thing.
Procedures: Plastic surgery procedures include breast reconstruction, burn repair surgery, hand surgery, cleft palate repair, and extremity defect repair.
Training: To become board certified in this specialty, plastic surgeons complete their training through a post-graduate residency program.
Criswell and Criswell
Dr. Bryan Criswell is a plastic and cosmetic surgeon. He completed five years of general surgery training followed by three more years dedicated to both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Criswell provides a modern, complete range of both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures.
Dr. Kara Criswell completed five years of general surgery training before finishing a plastic surgery fellowship dedicated to both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. She provides a full range of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures. For nearly a decade, Dr. Criswell has been the Chairman of the Department of Plastic Surgery at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, NC, and as a reconstructive surgeon, she is a strong advocate for breast cancer patients and survivors.