If you’ve always thought that cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery is the same, you’re not alone. Practically, these two terms are often used interchangeably. But this is not technically correct. Cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are closely related specialties, but they are not one in the same. Generally speaking, plastic surgery focuses on repairing defects to reconstruct a normal function and appearance. Cosmetic surgery, on the other hand, aims to enhance certain bodily features to appear more aesthetically pleasing. You might need to comprenhensively understand the difference between cosmetic and plastic surgery if you have aesthetic concerns that you would like to address.
Like any surgically invasive procedure, there is always a risk of abnormal scarring. Read on to learn more about the difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery as well as discovering a clinically-proven therapy for post-operative scar care.
What is plastic surgery?
According to American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), plastic surgery is defined as a surgical specialty dedicated to reconstruction of facial and body defects due to birth disorders, trauma, burns, and disease. Plastic surgery is intended to correct dysfunctional areas of the body and is, by definition, reconstructive in nature. While many plastic surgeons choose to complete additional training and perform cosmetic surgery as well, the basis of their surgical training remains reconstructive plastic surgery. Especially, American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) strongly communicate the message that “plastic and reconstructive surgeons are one in the same.”
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery indicates that types of common plastic surgery procedures include:
- Breast Reconstruction
- Burn Repair Surgery
- Congenital Defect Repair(cleft lip and palate repair)
- Hand Surgery
- Scar Revision Surgery
What is cosmetic surgery?
Meanwhile, according to American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), the procedures, techniques, and principles of cosmetic surgery are entirely focused on enhancing a patient’s appearance. Improving aesthetic appeal, symmetry, and proportion are the key goals. An aesthetic surgery can be performed on all areas of the head, neck, and body. Since cosmetic procedures treat areas that function properly, cosmetic surgery is designated as elective. Cosmetic elective procedures are performed by doctors from a variety of medical fields, including plastic surgeons.
Some of the most common cosmetic or aesthetic surgery procedures include:
- Breast augmentation
- Breast lift
- Liposuction,
- Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
- Facelift
Clarifying the difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery
If you’re still not sure what the difference is, here’s what to know.
According to American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the term “plastic surgery” originates from the Greek word “plastikos,” which means to mold or shape. The field of plastic surgery can be broken down into two main categories – reconstructive procedures and cosmetic procedures. Both are generally considered sub-specialties of plastic surgery.
Healthline states that reconstructive plastic surgery may be covered under insurance, whereas cosmetic plastic surgery is elective and usually not covered.
Having a breast reconstructed after a mastectomy is a reconstructive procedure that only a plastic surgeon should perform. Having a breast lift (augmentation) is a cosmetic procedure that could be performed by a plastic or cosmetic surgeon.
Plastic and cosmetic surgery can include surgical, minimally invasive, or even nonsurgical procedures.
“Most people think that plastic surgery is cosmetic surgery,” said Dr. Alexander W. Sobel, president of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS).
Additionally, in terms of training, according to American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), cosmetic surgery training is obtained separately from plastic surgery training, while plastic surgery training is completed through a post-graduate residency program. Residency programs in plastic surgery may include cosmetic surgery as a portion of a surgeon’s training, but typically do not include training on every cosmetic procedure.
Post-operative scar care
Like any surgically invasive procedure, there is always a risk of abnormal scarring such as keloids and hypertropic scars. In order to reduce scarring after your plastic or cosmetic surgery, it’s important to use only products that are safe and effective for all skin types. Silicone gel technology is a clinically-proven treatment option for reducing scars over 30 years to support its effectiveness and safety. Silicone gel is recommended as the first-line topical scar treatment option by physicians, surgeons, and scar management experts.
Silicone gel contains long chain silicone polymer (polysiloxanes), silicone dioxide and volatile component. It spreads as an ultra- thin barrier and works 24 hours per day. It has a self- drying technology and itself dries within 4-5 minutes, even within 60 seconds like Nourisil™ MD silicone scar gel. Silicone gel increases hydration of stratum corneum and thereby facilitates regulation of fibroblast production and reduction in collagen production, which results into softer and flatter scar. It allows skin to “breathe”. Additionally, silicone gel protects the scarred tissue from bacterial invasion and prevents bacteria-induced excessive collagen production in the scar tissue.
DTP Medical supplies the high quality silicone-based scar products such as Nourisil™ MD, Bapscarcare Gel, Bapscarcare Sheet. Ask your doctor which therapy option is right for you.
You don’t have to live with unwanted scarring. Try silicone-based scar products supplied by us today and see the difference!