The terms “plastic surgery” and “cosmetic surgery” have often been used interchangeably. But while there are similarities between them, they have many key foundational differences. Knowing more about these differences can help you choose the best surgeon for you.
What is a cosmetic surgeon?
Cosmetic surgery focuses predominantly on the aesthetic. All procedures that fall under cosmetic surgery enhance the appearance rather than the functionality of the body, and aren’t seen as necessary for someone’s overall health. These procedures include breast enhancement, facial contouring, facial rejuvenation, body contouring and skin rejuvenation.
The key difference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon is their training. Cosmetic surgery training is obtained separately from plastic surgery training. A cosmetic surgeon can come from any medical background or, worryingly, they may not have a medical background at all! This is why it is always important to check the credentials of your surgeon and assess whether they have the right experience, knowledge and training to carry out your surgery safely and effectively.
What is a plastic surgeon?
Plastic surgery on the other hand is about restoring function and appearance to the body – for example, due to a birth anomaly, accident, trauma or disease. Plastic surgery is seen as medically necessary to help the patient get back to full health. While there is still an aspect of aesthetic surgery within this, plastic surgery is mostly restorative in nature.
Plastic surgeons have years of training behind them and come with accredited experience. The British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) urges people who are looking at getting cosmetic surgery, to check that their doctor has the right credentials. Once you have decided to have cosmetic surgery, speak to your GP and ask them for a list of suitable doctors. From here, you can check that they are accredited by the General Medical Council (GMC) and if they are, you can go ahead with your first consultation and see if they are the right fit for you. Plastic surgeons work with a range of plastic surgery techniques to maintain both function and restore appearance unlike cosmetic surgery, which is purely aesthetic.
What to do once you’ve found the right doctor for you
Once you have found a doctor that is on the medical register, you can go ahead with your first consultation. This initial consultation is your opportunity to ask your doctor lots of questions, who will respond by informing you of all the options, risks and give you a full overview of what your surgery will entail. I fully believe that any good doctor will not shy away from talking about the risks while providing you with reassurance and expert advice. The consultation is also an opportunity to discuss aftercare. A doctor’s job is not done once the surgery ends and if anything, aftercare is even more important so should be high on the priority list.
I run my own private practice in London specialising in both surgical and non-surgical treatments such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, tummy tuck, rhinoplasty and more. I am a member of BAPRAS and I am on the GMC specialist register for plastic surgery. With a dedicated team of secretaries, anaesthetists, and operating theatre staff, I provide exceptional patient-focused care with a 24-hour helpline so that all your needs and concerns are addressed, at any hour of the day. To find out more information, contact us and start your journey today.