Plastic surgery is a medical specialty focused on reconstructing, restoring, or correcting defects or injuries. It is often performed to improve function and appearance following trauma, birth defects, disease, or surgery. Plastic surgeons undergo extensive training in both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures.
Cosmetic surgery is a subspecialty within plastic surgery that focuses purely on enhancing a person’s aesthetic appearance. These procedures are elective and aim to improve symmetry, proportion, and overall appearance.
| Feature | Plastic Surgery | Cosmetic Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Restorative and reconstructive | Aesthetic enhancement |
| Medical Necessity | Often medically necessary | Typically elective |
| Training Required | Specialized training in reconstructive techniques | Focus on aesthetic techniques |
| Insurance Coverage | May be covered if deemed necessary | Rarely covered as it is elective |
| Examples of Procedures | Breast reconstruction, burn repair, cleft lip correction, scar revision | Breast augmentation, facelifts, liposuction, rhinoplasty |
Reconstructive Surgery
Corrects birth defects (e.g., cleft palate repair).
Restores function after accidents (e.g., skin grafts for burn victims).
Repairs damage from disease (e.g., mastectomy reconstruction).
Hand Surgery
Treats conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendon injuries.
Craniofacial Surgery
Focuses on correcting deformities of the skull, face, and jaw.
Burn Surgery
Repairs skin damage and improves function after severe burns.
Facial Enhancements
Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping)
Facelift and brow lift
Botox and fillers
Body Contouring
Liposuction
Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
Brazilian butt lift (BBL)
Breast Procedures
Breast augmentation
Breast lift (mastopexy)
Breast reduction (for aesthetic reasons)
Some procedures fall into both categories depending on their purpose. For example:
Rhinoplasty can be performed for cosmetic reasons or to correct breathing issues.
Breast reduction may be done to relieve back pain (plastic surgery) or for aesthetic enhancement (cosmetic surgery).
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can improve vision (plastic surgery) or create a more youthful appearance (cosmetic surgery).
Look for board certification from organizations such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS).
Check the surgeon’s experience and specialization in the procedure you want.
Read reviews and testimonials from previous patients.
Ensure the surgery is performed in an accredited medical facility.
While plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery share similarities, their goals and applications differ significantly. Plastic surgery focuses on reconstructive and functional improvements, whereas cosmetic surgery is elective and designed to enhance appearance. Understanding these differences can help individuals make informed decisions about their surgical options and find the right specialist for their needs.
