You might come across the terms cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery being used interchangeably. But when you have to get a reconstructive surgery or any cosmetic procedure done, it is important that you know the difference to pick the right doctor and the treatment.

So, here’s what you should know about the difference between cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery.

Goals
The end result of both cosmetic and plastic surgery might be an improvement in the body of the patient, but the research, approach, and goals are different for both the procedures.

The techniques and procedures used in a cosmetic surgery are focused on improving the patient’s overall looks and appearance. The main goals of a cosmetic surgery are giving a boost to the aesthetics of a person. This surgery can be performed anywhere on the neck, body, and face. Cosmetic surgery is an elective procedure since it is aimed at improving areas that are already functioning the way they should.

A plastic surgery is focused on repairing any defects and restoring the normal appearance or functioning of a part. The surgery is aimed at reconstructing facial or body defects which can be caused due to birth defects, a disease, burns, or a trauma. Since it gives body parts their lost functionality, it is known as reconstructive surgery.

Types
The difference between cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery can also be understood by knowing their types.

The types of procedures that fall under cosmetic surgery include breast enhancement, facial rejuvenation, facial contouring, and skin rejuvenation procedures. The various procedures under cosmetic surgery are:

• Breast reduction
• Breast augmentation
• Breast lift
• Cheek enhancement
• Rhinoplasty
• Brow lift
• Eyelid lift
• Facelift
• Tummy Tuck
• Gynecomastia treatment
• Liposuction
• Filler treatments
• Botox
• Laser resurfacing

As for plastic surgery, the various types of procedures that come under it are:

• Surgery for scar revision
• Breast reconstruction
• Lower extremity reconstruction
• Congenital defect repair
• Hand surgery
• Breast reconstruction

Training
The training and certification process of a cosmetic and plastic surgeon will differ. This is for the simple reason that both the surgeries have their own defined goals and set of procedures.

To get training for plastic surgery, it is important to complete education through a post-graduate residency program. For a physician to become a board-certified surgeon, it is important to follow one of these two training routes:

• A combined residency training, which integrates three years of plastic surgery with three years of general surgery
• A residency program in general surgery, which lasts for five years and has to be followed by plastic surgery residency program for three years

Training for cosmetic surgery can be completed after a residency training. Surgeons who receive a board certificate are residency-trained and fellowship-trained in the field of cosmetic surgery.