The terms “plastic surgery” and “cosmetic surgery” are indiscriminately used to refer to surgical procedures that change the aesthetic appearance of patients. However, these are specialties that encompass different approaches when examined in depth.
Although the marketing of these surgeries does not help much, they are different concepts that we would like to clarify in this article for all our readers.
[H2] Differences between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery
To understand the difference between these words, we must begin by explaining that plastic surgery is a specialty of medicine that encompasses a broader approach to the concept of beauty.
The term comes from a Greek word called “plastikos” which means to mold or shape [3]. Therefore, it can be said that these types of surgeons are considered the potters or sculptors of medicine who mold the bodies of their patients.
To accomplish this purpose, plastic surgeons perform anatomical reconstruction and adjustment that restores the vital function of a body part while satisfying conceived standards of beauty [1].
Plastic surgery includes procedures to repair congenital disorders, limb defects, scars, trauma, burns, physical appearance for aesthetics, and medical conditions such as mastectomy for breast cancer, among others [1].
In other words, a plastic surgeon can perform cosmetic surgical procedures, but a cosmetic surgeon would not be able to perform reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic surgery is part of the subspecialties that a plastic surgeon might decide to engage in. Its main mission is to improve the aesthetics, symmetry, and proportion of the body parts chosen by the patient and approved by the plastic surgeon after medical evaluation.
Unlike reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery is not considered medically necessary.
This type of surgery includes procedures to augment or reduce breasts, lift buttocks, reduce measurements, flatten the abdomen, improve the appearance of the ears, remove eye bags, remove fat deposits, and others [1].
You could be interested in reading too: Debunking 5 common myths about plastic surgery
3 things that you need to know about plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery
While you may be able to conceptually differentiate one from the other, there are other important aspects surrounding these terms that are crucial to clarify:
- In the United States, you will find that credentials use the terms “plastic surgeon” or “cosmetic surgeon” and both are endorsed to perform beauty-related surgical procedures [1]. However, this doesn’t apply to other parts of the world where the word “cosmetic” is not present in medical certifications.
- Reconstructive plastic surgery may be covered by medical insurance, but cosmetic procedures are not [6]. The main reason for this is that they are elective and are not considered necessary for the proper functioning of the body. Some examples of surgeries that may be covered by health insurance and limit between cosmetic and reconstructive are eyelid surgery, nose surgery, and breast reduction when the patient’s health is compromised.
- Plastic and cosmetic surgery often share many similar surgical techniques and tools for their procedures [2]. For example, breast augmentation is a very popular surgery that shares similarities with breast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer. Techniques for implant placement and suturing are often similar.
In summary
We could say that there is an important conceptual difference between these two terms, one being a child of the other, but both are often used to describe the same thing in practice. Regardless of the type of plastic surgery performed (reconstructive or cosmetic), the ultimate goal will always be to maximize the aesthetic result as much as possible to create harmony, proportion, and functionality.
At BetterMe, we specialize in connecting our clients with board-certified plastic surgeons to achieve the best version of their bodies through cosmetic plastic surgery. Contact us and get more details about our procedures, costs, surgeons, all-inclusive travel plans, and more.
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Read our post about 10 things you should know about plastic surgeries in Colombia
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References:
[1] Americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org. 2022. COSMETIC SURGERY VS. PLASTIC SURGERY. [online] Available at: <https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/patient-resources/cosmetic-surgery-vs-plastic-surgery/> [Accessed 7 April 2022].
[2] American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery. 2022. Cosmetic vs. Plastic Surgery – American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery. [online] Available at: <https://www.ambrdfcs.org/patient-resources/cosmetic-vs-plastic-surgery/> [Accessed 7 April 2022].
[3] American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2022. What’s the difference between reconstructive and cosmetic procedures?. [online] Available at: <https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/whats-the-difference-between-reconstructive-and-cosmetic-procedures> [Accessed 7 April 2022].
[4] Grant S. HamiltonIII, Jeffrey S. Carrithers, and Lucy H. Karnell.Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery.Sep 2004.315-320.http://doi.org/10.1001/archfaci.6.5.315. Published in Volume: 6 Issue 5: September 1, 2004.
[5] Healthline. 2022. The Difference Between a Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeon. [online] Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/health-news/whats-the-difference-between-a-cosmetic-and-plastic-surgeon#Medical-marketing-mania> [Accessed 7 April 2022].
[6] Muhealth.org. 2022. Cosmetic vs. Plastic Surgery: What’s the Difference?. [online] Available at: <https://www.muhealth.org/our-stories/cosmetic-vs-plastic-surgery-whats-difference> [Accessed 7 April 2022].
[[7] Shah, Ajul M.D.; Patel, Anup M.D., M.B.A.; Smetona, John M.D.; Rohrich, Rod J. M.D. Public Perception of Cosmetic Surgeons versus Plastic Surgeons: Increasing Transparency to Educate Patients, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: February 2017 – Volume 139 – Issue 2 – p 544e-557e. http://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000003020.