Some people want to look young and fit forever; some want to look prettier than ever. There are also mothers who just gave birth and want to restore their shape after pregnancy. You might be one of these people, but what kind of physician should you seek? Who do you call when you need these services: a plastic surgeon or a cosmetic surgeon?
What Is Plastic Surgery?
Usually, what comes into mind when we see the word plastic surgery is expensive services for the rich and famous. However, plastic surgery is not just that. It includes cosmetic and aesthetic surgery, hand and wrist surgery, surgical reconstruction, and even nonsurgical procedures.
The basic types of procedures a plastic surgeon performs include:
● Reconstructive surgery. This type of surgery is often performed after a disease such as breast cancer or skin cancer, or when trauma causes damage to the body. Some examples are breast reconstruction after mastectomy and trauma reconstruction after a car accident.
● Hand and wrist surgery. This type of surgery is done to restore the normal function of the hands, wrist, and fingers. This is often done to treat carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis.
● Cosmetic surgery. This surgery is done for aesthetic reasons, or to improve the appearance.
● Nonsurgical procedures. This type of surgery does not require going into an operating room. It is often done for cosmetic reasons and to reverse the effects of aging. Two common examples are Botox injections and dermal fillers.
What Is Cosmetic Surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is performed to improve a person’s appearance. Doctors can perform it on any part of a patient’s face or body. This procedure is often done to boost a person’s self-confidence and self-esteem.
Here are some popular cosmetic procedures for the face:
● Botox
● Cheek lift
● Facelift
● Body Contouring
● Laser hair removal
● Rhinoplasty (nose job)
Here are some popular cosmetic surgeries for the body:
● Arm lift
● Buttock lift
● Thigh lift
Cosmetic surgery is a type of plastic surgery that is done by choice, for appearance’s sake, and not due to medical need. Cosmetic surgery, therefore, is not covered by health insurance.
What Is the Difference Between the Two?
Ultimately, a plastic surgeon can be someone who performs reconstructive surgery, hand and wrist surgery, cosmetic surgery, and nonsurgical procedures. A plastic surgeon has extensive training in cosmetic surgery. In order to become a board certified plastic surgeon, the physician must complete a highly competitive certified fellowship often after completing extensive general surgery training. During the plastic surgery fellowship training, the surgeon is exposed to various cosmetic procedures and learns the latest techniques. In order to maintain board certified status by The American Board of Plastic Surgeons, the plastic surgeon is required to periodically pass qualifying examinations and must attend conferences and lectures to maintain the required continuing medical education credits. These rigorous requirements are not always required by other certification processes. In addition, Cosmetic surgeons can only perform procedures that improve a person’s appearance. They cannot perform reconstructive surgeries or conduct noninvasive procedures unless they are appropriately trained or certified.
Regardless of the type of surgeon you are looking for, you should look for a board-certified doctor. There are risks with any type of surgery, so it is safest to find the most qualified type of surgeon, someone you can trust.
Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon in New Jersey
Iorio Plastic Surgery Center in Colts Neck and Brick, New Jersey, has the perfect surgeon for you. Our own Dr. Louis Iorio is a board-certified plastic and general surgeon. He has years of experience and is committed to providing the best surgical and cosmetic treatment for his patients.
You can request an appointment with us online. You can also reach our Colts Neck branch at 732-780-9191 or our Brick branch at 732-458-7400. We look forward to providing the best plastic and cosmetic surgical services for you.