The terms plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are often blurred together. And that is not surprising. The two specialties are closely related. And many plastic surgeons choose to undergo training to specialize in cosmetic surgery. Yet, there is a significant difference between plastic and cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic surgery deals with improving physical attractiveness. On the other hand, plastic surgery is done to repair defects and reconstruct normal appearance but there are others who prefers surgery for aesthetic purposes. You can visit Refine Cosmetic Clinic in Bondi Junction to learn more about what cosmetic and plastic surgery is.
Cosmetic surgery — enhancing physical appearance
The goals of plastic surgery include enhancing physical attractiveness, improving body symmetry, and shaping body contours. People undergo cosmetic surgery when they want to improve some features of their body while no pathology or deviation from the norm is present. As such, cosmetic surgery is elective. Cosmetic surgery may be performed on any area of the body.
Procedures that fall under the umbrella of cosmetic surgery include:
- Breast surgery: Breast Reduction, Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift
- Body lifts: Tummy Tuck, Face Lift, Thigh Lift
- Facial surgeries: Rhinoplasty, Ear Surgery, Chin Surgery
- Other procedures, such as Hair Transplantation, Dermabrasion, and Botox
Plastic surgery – repairing defects
Plastic surgery is conducted to repair trauma, birth defect, burns, scars, and other pathologies. Plastic surgery is often required to save health or to repair significant deviations from the normal appearance. It is often performed to reconstruct damaged body parts. Plastic and reconstructive surgery denote the same thing. To better reflect this fact, the “American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons” was renamed to the “American Society of Plastic Surgeons.”
Plastic or reconstructive surgery includes:
- Hand Surgery
- Burn Surgery
- Cleft Lift and Palate Surgery for birth defects
- Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Physicians specializing either in plastic or cosmetic surgery differs in training they receive. Physicians who want to specialize in plastic surgery should undergo several years of the post-graduate residency program in this specialty.Those who want to specialize in cosmetic surgery should complete a post-residency fellowship training program in cosmetic surgery. That is, after they have completed a post-graduate residency program in a related specialty, such as plastic surgery.
Any licensed physician is legally allowed to perform cosmetic surgery in the US. As such, it is essential that you research doctors’ credentials when choosing a cosmetic surgeon. Look for a doctor who has relevant training, experience, and certification to perform cosmetic or plastic surgery in Miranda at Dr Alan Evans clinic, and who has a proven track record in relation to your specific procedure.