Cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery procedures are very popular in the United States these days. We see them and hear about these aesthetic medical procedures all the time in the media.
Along with their popularity, however, another scary trend has evolved with unqualified persons (including doctors) performing cosmetic surgery as well as plastic surgery. TO be succinct, knowing the difference between a cosmetic surgeon and a plastic surgeon could save the patient from disappointment, disfigurement --- and even death.
As in every other area of surgery and of medicine, cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery each require specialized education and training in their respective unique procedures and techniques for success.
The differences between the two fields can sometimes be as wide and stark as having a gynecologist do heart surgery, for example. Simply put: Would you go to your gynecologist or proctologist for heart surgery? I don't think so.
The differences between the two lie in training, credentials, certifications and experience.
Generally, plastic surgeons will tell you that just about any physician can call themselves a cosmetic surgeon after taking a weekend course, while a plastic surgeon's residency requires years of plastic surgery training after they have completed medical school.
These same plastic surgeons would probably also tell you that they (plastic surgeons) must operate in accredited facilities, whereas cosmetic surgeons do not have this requirement. What this means is that you could visit a doctor who is board-certified in, for instance, otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat), and he or she could still legally perform your facelift without violating any laws.
It appears that because doctors are getting less reimbursement from insurance companies than previously, while their overhead costs such as staff salaries, medical supplies and medical malpractice insurance rates continue to escalate, some doctors are dabbing in cosmetic surgery for the extra cash or to make up the difference.
To be sure, all surgery is subject to risks, complications and mistakes. Few surgeries are perfectly done, and some surgeries are victims of error or mistakes. But, it still helps to make sure your surgeon --- cosmetic or plastic --- is well qualified to perform your procedure successfully.
- Look for the proper certifications of your surgeon: either cosmetic or plastic, or both.
- Investigate as completely as you can the professional background of your surgeon, including experience.
- Ask lots of questions of your surgeon. Insist upon before and after pictures of your cosmetic or plastic procedure.
- Be skeptical of all promises and assurances made by your surgeon.
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