Questions About Plastic Surgery

5. What are the other boards or societies I see in other doctor’s advertisements such as The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, The American Society of Laser Medicine, The Lipoplasty Society, etc.?

There are boards or societies that can be confusing to the patient such as the Board of Cosmetic Surgery. This board is not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties and the physicians listing this certification are typically not plastic surgeons and can be doctors trained in virtually any field such as Pediatrics, Family Practice, ENT, OB/GYN, etc. These doctors will typically not be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

6. What is the difference between a Cosmetic Surgeon and a Plastic Surgeon?

A Plastic Surgeon is both a reconstructive and a cosmetic surgeon who has completed training in an accredited plastic surgery residency. The techniques employed in aesthetic surgery are derived from those used in reconstructive surgery. In fact, aesthetic surgery is an extension of reconstructive surgery. It requires competent surgical skill, a sense of harmony of the body parts and good aesthetic judgment on the part of the surgeon. It is common for many plastic surgeons to devote their time to aesthetic/cosmetic surgery procedures. Typical cosmetic surgery procedures include Rhinoplasty (cosmetic surgery on the nose), Blepharoplasty (cosmetic surgery on the eyelids), Face Lift (cosmetic surgery to tighten facial tissue), all facets of breast surgery to correct asymmetry, increase or decrease the size of the breast as well as tightening and lifting procedures, and all body contouring procedures (Tummy Tuck, Body Lifts, Liposuction, etc.) .

A cosmetic surgeon is a physician who has not completed a plastic surgery residency who performs cosmetic surgery procedures. This can be an OB/GYN, General Surgeon, Family Practice, Emergency Room Physician, etc. They may state that they are board certified which they may be, but not by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.