From the point of view of training, the two careers are very different. While dermatologists work primarily in clinical settings, plastic surgeons spend most of their time in the operating room. Plastic surgeons usually have some formal training in another surgical discipline, usually in general surgery, but also in head and neck surgery, orthopedic surgery, and even some ophthalmology. In general, training lasts longer in the case of plastic surgery, with a minimum of six years compared to four years on average for dermatology.
Whether you're not 100% sure of what you want to improve or have an extensive list of things you want, it's best to see a plastic surgeon first. After consulting with your plastic surgeon and talking about what you expect, he or she can tell you if you also need to plan a visit to a cosmetic dermatologist. The best plastic surgeons often work together with cosmetic dermatologists, giving the patient the best experience and the best results imaginable. In addition, plastic surgeons are more skilled in intense surgical procedures.
In contrast, aesthetic dermatologists are more experienced when it comes to minimally invasive treatments. Plastic surgeons specialize in a wide range of cosmetic procedures that aim to improve the appearance of various areas of the body. A good plastic surgeon should provide before and after images of the procedures you have performed to help you create realistic expectations. That's what attracted me to plastic surgery: to use my hands to create, but also to do something intellectual that requires thinking about my feet. A medical dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails, while a plastic surgeon has been trained to rebuild or alter a human body.
To remove fat, a cosmetic dermatologist or a plastic surgeon can do it, depending on how much extra fat you have. A plastic surgeon regularly performs facelifts, breast enhancements, nose operations (rhinoplasty), as well as many procedures that alter the body, such as tummy tuck, liposuction, etc. Plastic surgeons have a very good understanding of the anatomy of tissues, blood vessels, muscles and nerves in the head, neck, face and eyelids. Whether you choose a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon, keep in mind that it's very important that you work with someone certified by the board to make sure you're in good hands. For best results, it is recommended that you first seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon for further advice.
When choosing a plastic surgeon, the most important thing is to make sure they are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Some of the most recommended procedures for plastic surgeons are Botox, dermal fillers and fillers.
