Plastic Surgery vs. Cosmetic Surgery

Unlike other medical procedures (like hip or knee surgery), plastic surgery can be one of the most misunderstood surgical procedures in the healthcare industry. While it is true that many people undergo plastic surgery for purely cosmetic and aesthetic reasons, popular culture and general misconceptions tend to use the terms “plastic” and “cosmetic” surgery interchangeably.

However the two terms are not interchangeable, and it’s important for patients to understand the distinctions in order to make informed and safe choices for their health and well-being.

At Pearl Recovery Retreat, an upscale surgery recovery retreat in Beverly Hills, patients are offered a full range of state of the art post-surgical healing options to achieve the best results possible for a range of procedures, from medical to purely cosmetic.

Plastic vs Cosmetic Surgeon – What’s The Difference?

Plastic Surgeon

Plastic surgery is a medical specialty in which doctors complete a rigorous six to eight year residency program in order to become board-certified and trained in cosmetic as well as reconstructive surgery. A quick and easy way to remember the difference between a plastic surgeon and cosmetic surgeon is that while a plastic surgeon can also perform cosmetic procedures, a cosmetic surgeon focuses solely on aesthetic procedures and does not complete the same medical training and board-certification as a plastic surgeon.

What Does A Plastic Surgeon Do?

In addition to the most commonly known cosmetic procedures, plastic surgeons also perform a range of medical and reconstructive procedures including:

Breast augmentation and reconstruction
Liposuction
Rhinoplasty
Craniofacial surgery
Hand surgery
Microsurgery
Skin grafting and burn treatment

The field of modern plastic surgery is generally attributed to the work of Sir Harold Gillies, an ear, nose, and throat specialist from New Zealand who developed many facial surgery techniques to help care for soldiers with disfiguring facial wounds during World War I. As a matter of fact, many of the techniques and innovations created by Sir Harold Gillies are still in use today.

What Does A Cosmetic Surgeon Do?

While there is some overlap cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures, cosmetic surgeons focus solely on aesthetic procedures typically used to enhance appearance and correct or reverse the signs of aging.

The most common procedures performed by a cosmetic surgeon include:

Breast lift, reduction, and augmentation
Rhinoplasty
Chin/Cheek Implants
Face/Neck/Eyelid/Brow lifts
Tummy tuck and liposuction
Skin rejuvenation: Laser and chemical surface treatments, Botox, Juvederm, Sculptra and other fillers

There are many similarities between the two practices, but given that each patient’s needs and situations are unique, it’s important to know the best medical professional and course of action to pursue to achieve the best results.

Contact Pearl Recovery Retreat Today!

Call us today to learn more about Pearl Recovery Retreat and the postoperative services and luxury amenities we offer at (310) 736-1009. Additionally, guests can book an appointment at our recovery center online.