Does a general surgeon perform plastic surgery?

General surgeons and plastic surgeons have distinct training and scopes of practice. While both have medical degrees, their specialization and expertise differ. Here's how they compare:

General Surgeons:

- Education: General surgeons complete medical school followed by a five-year surgical residency program, gaining broad surgical skills across various disciplines.

- Focus: General surgeons specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, and associated organs.

- Procedures: General surgeons perform various operations, including appendectomy, gallbladder removal, hernia repair, colon resections, and trauma surgery. Their practice focuses primarily on surgical repair and restoration of function.

Plastic Surgeons:

- Education: Plastic surgeons complete medical school, a five-year surgical residency, and additional specialization in plastic surgery, which can span an additional one to three years.

- Focus: Plastic surgeons specialize in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. They have expertise in the management of skin, soft tissues, and deformities caused by traumatic injuries, burns, birth defects, as well as aesthetic concerns.

- Procedures: Plastic surgeons perform a range of procedures, including:

* Reconstructive surgeries: These aim to restore form and function after trauma, burns, cancer, or birth defects. Procedures can include breast reconstruction, facial reconstruction, and scar revision.

* Cosmetic surgeries: These are elective procedures that enhance appearance. These include facelifts, breast augmentation, liposuction, eyelid surgery, and body contouring.

While some general surgeons may have an interest in and train in cosmetic procedures, they would still have significantly less specialized training than a board-certified plastic surgeon. The additional years of specialization ensure advanced surgical skills, artistic finesse, and deep knowledge of anatomy and aesthetics that are particularly required for plastic surgery procedures.

When considering elective cosmetic procedures, choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with appropriate training and expertise is advisable for optimal surgical outcomes.