There are many options to change or enhance your looks. From simple treatments to achieve whiter teeth up to the extent of reconstructrive treatments via cosmetic or plastic surgery. The latter is ever increasing in popularity these days but majority don’t understand the difference between plastic and cosmetic surgery. There is much in store about these closely related procedures. Here is all you need to know about cosmetic surgery vs plastic surgery!
Cosmetic surgery is a field of medicine that focuses on enhancing patients appearance through medical and surgical techniques. The procedures can be conducted successfully in all areas of the neck, body, and head. Due to the fact that cosmetic surgery is elective, the treated area will function properly however it will lack the aesthetic appeal.
On the other hand, plastic surgery is a field of medicine that specializes in the reconstruction of the body and facial defects as a result of burns, birth disorders, disease, and trauma. Therefore, plastic surgery is all about correcting any dysfunctional areas of the patient’s body. It is commonly referred to as a reconstructive treatment.
Even the education protocol differ for cosmetic surgery vs plastic surgery specialists. This is mainly because the outcomes of the procedure are a bit different. 
Cosmetic surgeons have a background that entails a fellowship program, post-residency in cosmetic surgery, and a medical school–, usually recognized by a certification board. However, there are no residency programs particularly focused on cosmetic surgery.
Therefore, a majority of cosmetic surgery courses are done through workshop, lectures, and seminars mostly conducted by cosmetic surgery fellowship programs. After acquiring sufficient knowledge and skills about the discipline, physicians are then certified by Athe American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS).
In plastic surgery, a path similar to the one was taken by cosmetic surgeons is followed. But, after completion of the program in the plastic surgery, the surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. From which they can opt to add cosmetic surgery classes or not–, it is not compulsory
In case the plastic surgeon decides to gain knowledge and skills in cosmetic surgery through either workshop, fellowship training programs, lectures, and seminars, he is then certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.
In both plastic and cosmetic surgery, board certification is vital in determining the qualifications of the surgeon. However, each field of surgery has its own requirements and measures used in certifying a student to be a surgeon. It is therefore vital for the public to understand the differences between the two specialists for an informed decision
