What Is the Difference Between a Cosmetic Doctor & a Plastic Surgeon?

According to the Medical News Today website, cosmetic surgery is a branch of plastic surgery concerned with altering the aesthetic appearance of an individual. Plastic surgery can include cosmetic procedures and is concerned with reconstructing movement or appearance following an injury or illness.

Training

• The OC Body website explains that a plastic surgeon must undergo rigorous training specializing in plastic surgery to become certified by a medical board, such as the American Board of Medical Specialists. Cosmetic doctors do not require specialized training to complete cosmetic procedures, with doctors trained in dermatology and ear, nose and throat performing cosmetic procedures.

Types

• The Medical News Today website reports that in various parts of the world, such as Europe, cosmetic surgery is described as nonessential surgery, which the patient chooses to have. Surgery that is required for reconstruction purposes is known as plastic surgery.

Procedures

• Cosmetic surgery procedures, such as tummy tuck, breast augmentation and rhinoplasty, are popular cosmetic procedures performed by both cosmetic surgeons and plastic surgeons, according to Medical News Today.