The Difference Between Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery

Even for people who have previously received plastic or cosmetic surgeries, the difference between the two can be unclear. Although seemingly just semantics, each type of surgery can hold a very different function. At Dr. LeRoy’s office, we want people in our community to have the full story before they elect to have any type of procedure done. So, we’ve decided to properly discuss the differences between each type of surgery.

What is a Cosmetic Surgery?

Cosmetic surgery focuses on the goal of improving the appearance of an individual in accordance to their own desired outcome. It’s a field that is dedicated to the symmetry, proportion and overall appearance of the physical form. Providers who perform cosmetic surgery work with patients to safely adjust their physical traits toward an improved final result.

How is a Plastic Surgeon Different Than a Cosmetic Surgeon?

Any physician can call himself or herself a cosmetic surgeon, but not all providers are necessarily qualified to administer procedures. Plastic surgeons typically perform many cosmetic procedures, but their qualifications are typically more extensive and reach further into the realm of physical reconstruction than a cosmetic surgeon. A cosmetic surgeon strictly performs treatments that benefit a person’s aesthetic.

What Type of Surgeon Performs Cosmetic Surgery?

Both a cosmetic surgeon and a plastic surgeon are potentially qualified to perform cosmetic surgery. Most plastic surgeons perform quite a bit of cosmetic surgery. Each provider has different board certifications and affiliations that can determine how qualified they are. Before deciding on a physician, it’s important to check their credentials. Ideally, the plastic surgeons you visit will be board certified in plastic surgery, whereas many cosmetic surgeons are certified with the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.

Can a Cosmetic Surgeon Administer Plastic Surgery?

This is a very common question about surgery protocol. A lot of online information about this subject can be muddled, so patients are often unsure of what source to trust. A cosmetic surgeon is not qualified to perform plastic surgery, unless they have a board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This is a very important detail to be aware when you are searching for a surgeon.

The technical jargon behind surgeon qualifications can be confusing to people who are new to this type of service. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. LeRoy’s office by calling (404) 843-0840. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates on our monthly specials!