Are you considering plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery? If so, you’re not alone: more and more people are choosing plastic surgery procedures to improve their aesthetic appearance and physical features. But when we talk about these two terms, do they mean the same?

Although cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are closely related specialties and are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not equivalent. Most people need to become more familiar with their differences, but don’t worry; in this first stop, we will get you caught up and help you better understand each one.

Want to know some interesting facts? Read on to learn more!

What is plastic surgery?

The American Board of Plastic Surgery states: that plastic surgery deals with the repair, reconstruction, and or replacement of physical defects involving the skin, musculoskeletal system, hand, extremities, breast and trunk, external genitalia, or cosmetic enhancements of these areas. Thus, plastic surgery involves many procedures encompassing both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.

Reconstructive surgery treats parts of the body that are functionally affected by developmental anomalies, congenital disabilities, or traumas. Some types of reconstructive surgery are:

• Hand Surgery
• Breast Reconstruction
• Scar Revision Surgery
• Burn Repair Surgery
• Lower Extremity Reconstruction

What is cosmetic surgery?

Well, cosmetic surgery is plastic surgery that enhances and reshapes the body to improve aesthetics or confidence by adjusting the proportions of the face or body, enhancing certain features, or improving symmetry. Cosmetic procedures are elective, meaning patients may choose to have them in specific areas of the body that do not require functional improvement. Cosmetic surgery can be a great way to gain self-confidence and address your insecurity. The most popular cosmetic surgery procedures are:

• Breast Enhancement: Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, and Breast Reduction
• Body Contouring: Liposuction , Brazilian Butt Lift , Tummy Tuck, and Mommy Makeover
• Facial Contouring: Nose reshaping (Rhinoplasty), Chin, cheek, or jaw reshaping
• Facial Rejuvenation: Facelift (Rhytidectomy), Neck Lift, and Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty)
• Skin Rejuvenation: Botox injections and Filler Treatments
  In conclusion: both plastic and cosmetic surgery can be used to improve your appearance, but
  they have different goals. While plastic surgery aims to restore normal function and look,
  cosmetic surgery focuses on enhancing appearance. If you are considering either type of
  surgery, you must consult a qualified surgeon who can help you decide which procedure is
  appropriate for you.

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