If you’re interested in getting cosmetic surgery, you might be asking yourself, “What’s the difference between cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery?”
Reconstructive Surgery is intended to restore a normal appearance which has been affected by an accident or hereditary. Cosmetic Surgery is intended to enhance an already normal appearance. Since cosmetic surgery treats areas that function properly, it’s deemed elective. Reconstructive plastic surgery generally involves treatment of conditions that have caused an abnormal change in body shape or appearance. Both practices focus on improving a patient’s body—the difference lies in the philosophies behind the training, research, and goals for each patient.
Cosmetic surgery includes procedures such as breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, and liposuction, while reconstructive surgery refers to things like congenital defect repairs, lower extremity reconstruction, and scar revision.
Physicians who become board-certified in reconstructive surgery are required to complete a postgraduate residency program, while there are no residency programs in the U.S. dedicated specifically to cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic surgeons primarily obtain training and experience after completing their residency training, which is done by completing a post-residency fellowship training program in cosmetic surgery.
Since any licensed physician can legally perform cosmetic surgery, it’s doubly important to do thorough research before deciding on a cosmetic surgeon. Be sure to compare various doctors’ residency and post-residency training and experience to find the most qualified one for your intended procedure.
We at Aesthetic Surgical Images have a team of highly skilled, well-experienced professionals that can help you achieve all your aesthetic goals. If you have any questions for us or would like a free, confidential consultation, call, email, or visit our website. We’d love to help you.