Cosmetic vs. Plastic Surgery: Key Differences You Should Know

You’ve probably heard people use the terms "cosmetic surgery" and "plastic surgery" like they’re the same thing. It’s easy to get them mixed up, right? After all, both can involve going under the knife to alter one’s appearance. But actually, there is a difference between cosmetic and plastic surgery. Let’s break it down so you can get the gist of what sets these two apart!

What is cosmetic surgery?

Imagine standing in front of a mirror, thinking, “Hmm, what if my nose was a bit smaller?” or “Could my skin be a bit smoother?” That’s where cosmetic surgery steps in. It’s all about improving your appearance. Cosmetic surgery is elective, meaning you choose to do it. You’re not fixing anything broken; you’re just adding a little polish or touch-up. These procedures help you achieve a specific look. Some examples of cosmetic surgery are:

• Facelifts
• Rhinoplasty (Nose job)
• Breast and buttock augmentation
• Liposuction

What is plastic surgery?

Plastic surgery is like fixing something that’s been damaged or didn’t quite develop as expected. It focuses on repairing or reconstructing body parts that need attention, whether due to an accident, illness, or a condition you were born with. It’s less about changing how things look and more about restoring function and normal appearance. Some examples of plastic surgery procedures include:

• Breast reconstruction
• Burn reconstruction surgery
• Cleft lip and palate repair
• Hand surgery

What is the difference between cosmetic and plastic surgery?

Now that we’ve covered what each procedure does, let’s look at how they differ:

1. Purpose

So, cosmetic surgery is all about making tweaks to how you look. It’s something you get to enhance or change your appearance. On the flip side, plastic surgery is about fixing or rebuilding parts of your body that need it, whether due to an injury or a disease.

2. Types of procedures

Cosmetic surgery is all about the finishing touches—facelifts, breast augmentation, tummy tucks—the things that make you feel more confident in your skin. Plastic surgery, though, is where you get into things like burn repairs, fixing cleft lips, or surgeries on hands that need to function properly again.

3. Training

Cosmetic surgeons get extra training specifically in cosmetic procedures, kind of like how someone might specialize in one specific area. While plastic surgeons go through a broader education. They’re trained to do a bit of everything, from fixing functional issues to working on appearance, making them versatile in what they can handle.

4. Insurance coverage

Cosmetic surgery usually isn’t covered by insurance, since it’s considered elective. It’s something you choose to do, not something you need. While plastic surgery is often covered by insurance especially if the procedure is medically necessary, like reconstructive surgery after an accident or illness.

5. Focus

Cosmetic surgery is about looking good, like picking the perfect outfit. Alternatively, plastic surgery focuses on making things work right, with appearance as a bonus.

Which one is right for you?

So, how do you know which one you need? Choosing between cosmetic and plastic surgery depends on your needs and goals. If you’re looking to change something about your appearance just for personal satisfaction, opt for cosmetic surgery. But if you need to repair or reconstruct body parts due to injury, illness, or a congenital condition, go for plastic surgery. And just as you’d check reviews before buying a new outfit, make sure to check the credentials of the surgeon. Because, of course, you don’t want to get it wrong. See if your surgeon is board-certified and experienced in the specific procedure you’re considering. If you’re having trouble finding the right one, Quality Cared Global (QCG) is here to help you find the perfect match, connecting you with the right surgeons based on what you’re looking for!

Bottom line

In a nutshell, get beautiful and pretty with cosmetic surgery, and get your body parts in a normal and healthy shape with plastic surgery. Both are valuable, just for different reasons. And remember, whether it’s a fresh new look or a crucial repair, having the right experts on your side can make all the difference. So next time you hear someone talk about these types of surgeries, you’ll know they’re not just different names for the same thing. They’re more like two sides of the same coin—each with its own unique purpose and benefits.