Some, but not all, plastic surgeons perform cosmetic surgery as part of their practice. Cosmetic surgeons may also use these terms. Cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery are subspecialties of plastic surgery. Reconstructive plastic surgeons treat people with medical problems that affect appearance, shape or the function.
Aesthetic plastic surgeons improve the appearance of physical features for aesthetic rather than medical reasons. Because cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery have different practice objectives based on a set of specific procedures, it only follows that the training and certification process of a certified cosmetic surgeon will be very different from that of a board-certified plastic surgeon. Understanding the different degrees and qualifications of plastic surgeons can be difficult, but with the information provided, you can make an informed decision when selecting a qualified plastic surgeon. Plastic surgeons improve the quality of life for people who suffer serious injuries, life-changing diseases, and birth defects. Plastic surgeons repair injuries and birth defects (present at birth) that affect appearance or function.
Elective aesthetic procedures are performed by doctors from various fields of medicine, including plastic surgeons. Ash Patel, MBChB, FACS, is an example of a plastic surgeon who has letters after his name that you may not recognize, and sympathizes with patients trying to make sense of it all. Plastic surgeons use various techniques to treat serious injuries, improve function and restore a natural appearance. It's essential to research the qualifications and credentials of a plastic surgeon before choosing them for a procedure.
While many plastic surgeons choose to complete additional training and also perform cosmetic surgery, the foundation of their surgical training remains reconstructive plastic surgery. All ASPS members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited centers, and follow strict safety and ethical standards. In fact, in 1999, the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons changed its name to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to convey more strongly the message that “plastic and reconstructive surgeons are the same”. After their residency training, plastic surgeons may choose to complete a rigorous exam to obtain board certification.
According to Gregory Greco, DO, FACS, the most important thing when choosing a plastic surgeon is to make sure they have an MD (Doctor of Medicine) degree or the equivalent DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). If you follow this simple tip, you will save yourself a lot of time and headaches searching for a qualified plastic surgeon without worrying about the meaning of the letters that follow your name.
