What’s the Difference Between a Plastic Surgeon and a Cosmetic Surgeon?

If you’ve been researching aesthetic procedures, you’ve probably come across the terms “plastic surgeon” and “cosmetic surgeon.” While they may sound interchangeable, they’re not—and knowing the difference may make a difference in your results and the safety of your procedure.

I often meet patients who assume all surgeons offering cosmetic procedures have the same training and credentials. That’s not true. In this post, I’ll explain the difference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon so you can make an informed, confident decision.

Cosmetic Surgeon vs. Plastic Surgeon

To better understand how plastic and cosmetic surgeons differ, it helps to look closely at their training, board certification, and the types of procedures they typically perform. These distinctions highlight why credentials matter when choosing a provider for your aesthetic goals.

Training and Education

The most significant difference between plastic and cosmetic surgeons is their education and training.

• Plastic surgeon: As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I completed a rigorous residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery after medical school. This training covers the full spectrum of surgical procedures, including both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, and often takes at least 6 years beyond medical school. In my case, I pursued advanced fellowship training in complex breast surgery, microsurgery, and breast reconstruction with one of my mentors at The Center for Women’s Health and Medicine of Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore.
• Cosmetic surgeon: A cosmetic surgeon may come from various medical backgrounds, such as general surgery, dermatology, or even gynecology, and then pursue cosmetic training through short courses, weekend workshops, or fellowships that are not part of an accredited residency program. While some of these doctors may develop a solid skill set over time, their education typically isn’t as comprehensive or regulated as a board-certified plastic surgeon’s.

Board Certification: It’s Not All Equal

Board certification is another critical factor when comparing a cosmetic surgeon to a plastic surgeon.

• Plastic surgeon: I’m certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). It is the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to certify physicians specifically in plastic surgery of the face and body. You can check its website to see if a surgeon is certified by the ABPS.
• Cosmetic surgeon: In contrast to plastic surgery board certification, some cosmetic surgeons are certified by boards that the ABMS does not recognize. While these organizations may sound official, their training, examination, and practice standards are not always as rigorous. That’s why it’s essential to look beyond the title and ask which board certified the surgeon.

Types of Procedures

The types of procedures each surgeon performs—and how well they’re trained to perform them—can vary significantly.

• Plastic surgeons: Plastic surgeons are trained to perform both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. This includes everything from complex breast revision procedures to body contouring surgeries such as tummy tucks.
• Cosmetic surgeons: Cosmetic surgeons usually focus solely on elective aesthetic procedures. They may perform facelifts or liposuction—but again, without the extensive training that board-certified plastic surgeons receive.

This difference in scope matters. Complications can arise during any procedure, and a plastic surgeon’s broader training prepares us to handle them effectively. That’s part of the reason I feel so strongly about transparency and patient education.

Why It Matters to You

Choosing a provider is about more than credentials; it’s about trust. But credentials are where trust begins.

When considering a surgical or nonsurgical procedure, I encourage you to gather as much information as possible. Look at the surgeon’s gallery of before-and-after photos for the procedure you are considering. Read patient reviews on reputable, independent websites. Don’t hesitate to ask a surgeon about their background and experience performing the procedure you want. Ask how many times they perform it in a month. It’s your body, your safety, and your results. You deserve to feel confident in the hands you choose.

Let’s Talk About Your Goals

If you’re exploring your options for plastic surgery in the Orlando, FL, area, I’m here to help. My team and I are committed to delivering results that reflect your goals, with safety and expertise at the forefront. Request a consultation using the online form to meet with me personally, or call us at (407) 218-4550 to schedule an appointment.