If you are one of those people who think that plastic and cosmetic surgery is the same, you are not alone. A considerable number of plastic surgeons choose cosmetic surgery as their practice area, and hence the result is that the terms are used interchangeably. But that cannot be regarded as technically correct. Although both are closely related specialties, there is a fine line of difference between cosmetic and plastic surgery.

Definition
Plastic surgery is opted to repair the damage and defects on one’s face and body, and reconstruct those dysfunctional areas. Hence, the specialized plastic surgeons address defects or flaws from birth, repairing damage occurring from accidents, burns or medical disease.

Cosmetic surgery is mainly focused on improving the appearance that can be considered as elective surgery. This is for people who only want to enhance their appearance through medical and surgical techniques and do not have any existing medical conditions. It can be done in all areas of the neck, body, and head. However, it is important to note that one can undergo cosmetic plastic surgery for the conditions that are not currently existing, for example, loose skin from an extensive weight loss surgery or scarring from a particular surgery.

Focus areas
Let’s discuss the focus areas to know the difference between cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery.

Cosmetic surgery

• The aim of the cosmetic surgeon lies in aesthetically enhancing the patient’s appearance. Hence, all of the techniques and procedures are entirely focussed on this outcome. The goal is to raise the aesthetic appeal and improve the body’s proportion and symmetry on which the technique is being performed.
• Plastic surgeons and doctors from other fields as well can perform cosmetic surgeries.

Some of its procedures are:

• Breast enlargement – Reduction, lifting, and enhancement
• Body contouring – This includes liposuction, tummy tuck, and Gynecomastia treatment
• Facial rejuvenation – Neck lift, face lift, brow lift, eyelid lift
• Facial contouring – Rhinoplasty and Chin & cheek enhancement
• Skin rejuvenation – Laser resurfacing, Filler treatment, and Botox.

Plastic surgery

• The main aim of plastic surgery lies in correcting the defects and reconstructing the features to provide a more natural appearance and to revive the normal functioning of the body part on which the procedure is being done.
• The reconstruction can be due to a birth flaw, disease, burn, or trauma. It is a specific surgical specialty that requires knowledge of general surgery.

Some of its procedures are:

• Hand surgery
• Burn repair surgery
• Breast reconstruction (after a mastectomy that involves both reduction and enhancement)
• Repairing congenital defects – Repair and reconstruct the cleft palate and reconstruct extremity defects like extra digital appendages
• Repair of lower extremities
• Scar revision surgery

To conclude, the difference between cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery lies in their overall philosophies, goals, and specializations. Even though there is a subtle difference, both are performed to improve patients’ bodies with their own specific set of procedures.