Cosmetic vs. Plastic Surgery Concepts

Cosmetic and General

Reconstructive and Orthopedic

Cosmetic and Reconstructive

Aesthetic and Functional

To enhance normal features

To correct birth defects or damage from accidents/illness

To reduce signs of aging

To improve athletic performance

To restore function after injury

To treat cancer

To take normal features and make them better

To correct congenital abnormalities

Cleft lip repair and burn treatment

Facelifts and breast reconstruction

Tummy tucks and neck lifts

Organ transplants and joint replacements

All plastic surgeons only do cosmetic surgery

All plastic surgeons only do reconstructive surgery

Most plastic surgeons do a combination of both

Plastic surgeons never perform both types of surgery

The National Board of Medical Specialties

The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery

The American Board of Plastic Surgery

The International Board of Surgery

Two to three times

Four to five times

Six to seven times

Eight to nine times

Cosmetic surgery board certification is more rigorous

Plastic surgery board certification is less regulated

There is greater variability in cosmetic surgery board certification

Both have identical board certification processes