Distinguishing between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery

Updated on September 12, 2021

The scope of plastic surgery stretches from corrective surgeries to reconstructive surgeries. It can include several cosmetic procedures aimed at beautification only.  This makes most people believe that plastic surgery and cosmetic surgeries are the same, which is not correct. Although we generally speak in the same breath about plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery as both procedures are much similar in the invasive surgical techniques, these are much different in terms of the surgery goals. 

Moreover, since plastic surgeons like the ones mentioned in https://www.plasticsurgeonseogeeks.com/ carry out cosmetic surgical procedures, people have some reason to look upon both as the same. The specialties are almost similar but not the same.

Goals of cosmetic surgery

Beautification and appearance enhancement are the dual goals of cosmetic surgery or laser hair removal. The procedures help attain symmetry, proportion, and aesthetic appeal, and you can apply the procedure on any part of your body, neck, head, face, and any other area. Since the face and head are the most visible parts that impact a person’s personality and appearance, most cosmetic surgical procedures revolve around it. Cosmetic surgery is an elective procedure, as its application focuses on the functional parts of the body. 

Cosmetic surgery, especially at a medi spa, is often not necessary from a medical perspective. But it is a choice of individuals to improve their looks by altering the body shape or any part of the body that they feel will make them look more beautiful. So you can consult your surgeon to find if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure or not. 

Cosmetic surgical procedures

Breast enhancement or augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure, followed by facial contouring and rejuvenation, including nose job or rhinoplasty, chin, and cheek enhancement. Body contouring based on liposuction and tummy tuck help achieve a lean and shapely figure by removing unwanted fat from the belly, thighs, hips, buttocks, and arms. Tightening the skin or skin rejuvenation using Botox, filler treatments, and laser resurfacing comes under cosmetic surgery purview. Mainly plastic surgeons or any other surgeon with special training can perform the procedures.

Goals of Plastic Surgery

Setting disoriented, damaged, or defective body parts in order is the goal of plastic surgery to ensure proper functionality of the affected region and is exclusively a medical requirement. The surgery aims to reconstruct the affected part of the body, which might be defective from birth or happened due to disease, burns, and trauma. The surgery is reconstructive as it aims at restoring the function of the affected part. Plastic surgeons are like engineers in the medical field who can undertake reconstruction jobs.

Scope of plastic surgery

Breast reconstruction after breast removal is a typical example of plastic surgery that restores the breasts, helping women maintain their figure. When body parts become disfigured from burns, it will require plastic surgery just as it would be necessary for repairing any congenital disability, defect in body extremity, and cleft palate.

Hand surgery, lower extremity reconstruction, and scar revision surgery all come under the scope of plastic surgery.

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