Introduction
"Plastikos" is the Greek word where "plastic surgery" comes from, which means to shape or to mold. Reconstructive operations and cosmetic procedures are the two primary divisions of the discipline of plastic surgery. Both are typically regarded as branches of plastic surgery.
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Reconstructive surgery is used to treat abnormalities brought on by congenital disabilities, trauma, or diseases like cancer to regain function and normal looks.
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Cosmetic surgery improves a person's overall appearance by reshaping and changing their normal anatomy to make it more physically appealing.
What Is a Cosmetic Procedure?
The goal of cosmetic surgery is to improve a patient's appearance. Treatments, techniques, and concepts reflect symmetry, proportion, and aesthetic appeal. Any part of the head, neck, or body can be operated on for aesthetic reasons. Cosmetic surgery is classified as elective since it treats areas that usually function. Plastic surgeons from various medical specialties carry out elective cosmetic operations.
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Breast augmentation, lift, and reduction is all forms of breast enhancement.
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Rhinoplasty, chin, or cheek enhancement in facial contouring.
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Facelifts, eyelids, neck, and brow lifts are all forms of facial rejuvenation.
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Gynecomastia treatment, liposuction for body contouring.
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Botox, filler treatments, and laser resurfacing for skin rejuvenation.
What Is Plastic Surgery?
As a medical specialty, plastic surgery is devoted to reconstructing facial and body deformities brought on by diseases, burns, trauma, and congenital anomalies. By definition, plastic surgery is reconstructive and meant to treat dysfunctional body parts. The foundation of plastic surgeons' surgical training continues to be reconstructive plastic surgery, even if many pursue extra training and conduct cosmetic surgery. To convey the idea that plastic and reconstructive surgeries are the same, the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons changed its name to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in 1999.
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Reconstruction of the breast.
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Surgery for burn repair.
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Cleft palate and lip and extremity defect repair are examples of congenital disabilities.
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Lower extremity replacement.
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Surgery of the hand.
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Revision of scars with grafts.
What Are the Similarities Between Cosmetic Surgery and Plastic Surgery?
Because reconstructive and cosmetic surgery are based on many fundamental surgical concepts, there is frequently significant overlap between the two fields. No matter what kind of plastic surgery is being done, the ultimate objective should include optimizing the cosmetic result. Irrespective of the planned plastic surgery operation, it is crucial for patients to talk to their surgeon in advance about the desired cosmetic outcome to make sure reasonable expectations are realized.
Depending on the individual circumstances of the patient, certain conditions may not be classified as either "reconstructive" or "cosmetic." A prime illustration is a rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, which is often done to improve the aesthetics, like the shape of the nose, or to reconstruct the deviated nasal septum or fracture of nasal bone for better breathing.
Does Insurance Cover These Procedures?
Insurance coverage further adds the distinction between reconstructive and plastic procedures. Insurance is covered in the case of reconstructive surgery but may not be covered in some cosmetic procedures and should be checked before proceeding with the procedure.
What Is the Difference Between Cosmetic And Plastic Surgery?
Both cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery have unique goals and training programs. The certification of plastic surgery is different from cosmetic surgery. It requires specific training in surgical procedures, which includes reconstruction and functional restoration of body parts.
A post-graduate residency program is used to complete plastic surgery training.
To become board certified in plastic surgery, doctors must follow one of two training paths:
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A five-year autonomous general surgery residency program followed by a three-year plastic surgery residency or an integrated residency training program incorporating three years of general surgery residency followed by three years of plastic surgery.
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Plastic surgery residency may cover cosmetic surgery programs, but this is only usually the case for some cosmetic procedures. As a result, the designation "board-certified plastic surgeon" denotes a specific level of education and expertise in plastic surgery. Still, it suggests different things in cosmetic surgery due to the requirement of resident training.
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Many basic cosmetic procedures may not require training to become board certified in plastic surgery. It also does not say whether the doctor has more or less training in cosmetic surgery than a doctor who has earned board certification in a different field.
The majority of cosmetic surgery coursework is finished following residency training.
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The United States currently lacks residency programs solely focused on cosmetic surgery. As a result, after completing their residency program, cosmetic surgeons primarily acquire training and experience. This is accomplished by finishing a cosmetic surgery post-residency fellowship training program.
Who Are Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeons?
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Board-certified cosmetic surgeons must complete both residency and fellowship training in the field.
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A board-certified cosmetic surgeon has specialized training, expertise, and knowledge above and beyond what is required to become certified in a closely related field, like plastic surgery.
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Each surgeon who the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery has granted board certification has completed a one-year fellowship program in cosmetic surgery that the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery has accredited.
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During this fellowship, physicians execute 300 individual cosmetic surgery operations while receiving full training in all face, breast, and body cosmetic surgery techniques and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. In addition to finishing a three to a five-year residency program in a comparable field, and will receive fellowship training.
Conclusion
Cosmetic and plastic surgery must be lawfully performed by any qualified medical professional, irrespective of how they were trained. Patients must conduct thorough research before selecting a cosmetic or plastic surgeon. Patients must compare doctors' comprehensive training, experience, and competence regarding that operation.
