Aesthetic Surgeon vs Plastic Surgeon vs Cosmetic Surgeon

The terms aesthetic surgeons, plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons almost all, and in broad terms, describe the same practice. This is an understandable point of confusion for clients intending to undergo either surgical or non surgical procedures. While painstakingly similar, there are differences in each one of the three’s training, concentration and practice. Knowing these distinctions will allow you to make a proper decision regarding your needs with whom to work with.

Who is a Plastic surgeon?

The term ‘plastic surgeon’ refers to those medical professionals who are trained towards restoration of form and function to the human body following trauma, pathology or congenital disability. Broadly speaking, there are two broad categories of plastic surgery; reconstructive procedures and cosmetic surgery.

Training and Expertise

Some of the critical stages which allow a practitioner to become a plastic surgeon include:

Earn a basic medical degree (MBBS or MD) with a recognized institution.

Serve as a postgraduate general surgery trainee.

Undertake specialized training in plastic surgery that typically spans between 2-3 years.

This allows them to carry our both functional augmentation and aesthetic procedures.

Procedures performed by plastic braches

Aesthetic and reconstructive practices performed by a plastic surgeon often include:

  • Reconstructive Surgery
  • Restoration of the breast following mastectomy
  • Repair of cleft lip and palate
  • Skin grafting for burn injuries
  • Hand surgery for trauma or congenital deformities
  • Cosmetic Surgery
  • Rhinoplasty
  • Liposuction
  • Facial surgery

Plastic surgeons meld together the functional and the aesthetic parts of surgery. They ensure that the health and look of the patient are not compromised.

A Cosmetic Surgeon is Defined

A cosmetic surgeon enhances the features of patients. Although cosmetic surgery is a sub-discipline of plastic surgery, it does not imply that every cosmetic surgeon is a plastic surgeon.

Their Training and Skill Set

There are very few anesthesia-trained cosmetic surgeons, and those that exist are likely to have a background in dermatology, general surgery, gynecology, or some other form. Following that, they tend to receive some form of informal, bartering training. Compared with plastic surgeons, their education and qualification structures are still very loose everywhere in the world. Only a few areas have an authority that legally gives licenses to these surgeons.

Cosmetic Procedures Undertaken by the Specialty Surgeon

Cosmetic surgeons do such procedures as: 

  • Face
  • Botox and fillers
  • Blepharoplasty
  • Chin augmentation
  • Body
  • Women: Breast augmentation or reduction
  • Men: Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
  • Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)

Since their scope of practice is so broad, most cosmetic surgeons do not work with anatomical reconstructive surgery and many complex procedures.

Who is an Aesthetic Surgeon?

The focus of aesthetic surgery is achieving the best possible physical appearance. Aesthetic surgeons may perform some of the duties done by cosmetic surgeons. However, the title 'aesthetic surgeon' is not protected in many jurisdictions, and that can lead to confusion with 'cosmetic surgeon'.

Training and Expertise

Aesthetic surgeons may be dermatologists, otolaryngologists, or general practitioners. They have training for other cosmetic procedures but most do not hold an official certificate in plastic or cosmetic surgery.

Procedures Performed by Aesthetic Surgeons

Aesthetic surgeons typically perform limited surgical procedures, with their work more oriented toward the following:

  • Botox and dermal fillers.
  • Non-invasive facelifts.
  • Intense pulsed light skin rejuvenation.
  • Suture lifts.
  • Chemical peels.

Nonetheless, their capacity to practice is limited relative to other certified plastic surgeons.

Aesthetic Surgeon vs Plastic Surgeon vs Cosmetic Surgeon: Key Differences

1. Training and Certification

  • Plastic Surgeons: went through rigid formal training and underwent plastic surgery board certification.
  • Cosmetic Surgeons: can come from varied medical disciplines and training is often shorter and thus, less standardized.
  • Aesthetic Surgeons: There are no set standards to ensure that a training program is available; the word may not imply formal training in some areas.

2. Scope of Practice

  • Plastic Surgeons: deal with both reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery as both factions serve functional and aesthetic purposes.
  • Cosmetic Surgeons: Typically focus on aesthetics and may not have the training or background for functional or reconstructive work.  
  • Aesthetic Surgeons: Specialize mostly in aesthetic surgery that is non-invasive or minimally invasive.  

3. Regulation and Oversight  

  • Plastic surgeons are normally held to higher scrutiny because of the extensive training and board examinations.  
  • Regulations for cosmetic and aesthetic surgery may vary from region to region between countries and thus may not always be equally enforced.  

4. Procedure Complexity  

  • Plastic surgeons are trained to tackle more complicated therapeutic surgical cases such as burn reconstruction and corrections of congenital deformities.  
  • Cosmetic and aesthetic surgeons do not have the same specialization and focus mostly on correcting one’s appearance without functional problems.  

Choosing the Right Surgeon  

The most important thing to consider when undergoing any procedure is the surgeon’s credentials and skills. Here are some tips to choose the right professional:  

1. Understand Your Needs  

If you need reconstructive surgery, consulting a plastic surgeon is the best option.  

If you have appearance issues that you want corrected, a cosmetic or aesthetic surgeon would be enough.  

2. Verify Credentials  

Make sure that the surgeon has relevant board certification in plastic surgery or specializing in cosmetic surgery training.  

3. Assess Experience  

The surgeon you intend to choose to perform the procedure that you desire should have vast practical knowledge of the specific surgical plan you have in mind.

4. Consider Reading Reviews and Testimonials

Reviews done by patients and images of the patient before and after surgery can indicate the success of the surgeon's work. 

5. Make An Appointment

Use the consultation to go over what you hoped to achieve, clarify your doubts towards the procedure, and get an idea on how the surgeon communicates. 

Regulations on The Profession 

In most of the countries, differences in the regulation draw a line between the plastic, cosmetic and aesthetic surgeons. It is important for the patients to note that there are many who masquerade as cosmetic or aesthetic surgeons, but lack the formal training of a plastic surgeon. 

Final Thoughts 

Although people freely use the terms aesthetic surgeon, plastic surgeon, or cosmetic surgeon interchangeably, these are separate specialties and areas of practice. The plastic surgeon's training is the most in-depth, enabling him or her to work on function and form, in contrast with cosmetic and aesthetic surgeons, who mainly do cosmetic enhancements. 

Reflecting on these issues will help one select the most suitable practitioner to which a particular problem has to be solved. Such a choice will undoubtedly bring the best result after the intervention procedure. Hence, the most important consideration is the training and experience of the operating surgeon and effectiveness and safety of communication before surgery.

Expert Plastic Surgeon in Gurgaon

Dr. Preeti Gupta is a renowned plastic surgeon in Gurgaon, known for her expertise in both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. With a wealth of experience and advanced training, she has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional outcomes tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Dr. Gupta specializes in a wide range of procedures, including rhinoplasty, breast surgeries, liposuction, and skin grafting for burns. Her meticulous approach, combined with a patient-focused philosophy, ensures not just aesthetic satisfaction but also enhanced functionality and confidence for her patients.

Beyond her technical skills, Dr. Preeti Gupta is committed to staying at the forefront of medical advancements, incorporating the latest techniques and innovations into her practice. Patients consistently praise her compassionate demeanor and personalized care, which make the treatment journey smooth and reassuring. 

Whether you’re considering reconstructive surgery or looking to enhance your appearance, consulting Dr. Preeti Gupta in Gurgaon guarantees expert guidance and outstanding results.