Oftentimes the terms “cosmetic surgery” and “plastic surgery” are used interchangeably in everyday speech, but they are not actually the same. In fact, the differences between cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are important to consider when choosing to undergo a surgical procedure.
Generally speaking, plastic surgery is the medical specialty dedicated to restoring or correcting damage or malformation due to disease, injury, or circumstances of birth. The reconstructive approach of plastic surgery is dedicated to restoring function and proper form to any part of the body. In order to perform plastic surgery, a surgeon must receive a certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which requires more education and training than cosmetic surgeon certifications.
In contrast, the goal of cosmetic surgery is to improve the appearance through elective medical treatment. The benefits of cosmetic surgery are widespread, and can improve self-esteem and confidence by providing a more youthful and attractive appearance. Though cosmetic surgeons must meet high standards of education and training, they do not have the same level of certification as plastic surgeons.
Choosing a surgeon who does not have the qualifications to provide you with the highest level of care possible to help you achieve healthy and satisfying results can lead to life altering regrets. When undergoing a cosmetic surgical procedure, you should choose a surgeon who meets the standards of training, experience and accreditation required to give you the results you deserve.
Knoxville plastic surgeon Dr. Dean Kleto is a board certified plastic surgeon who is skilled in cosmetic surgery as well as reconstructive surgery, which allows him to provide the highest level of surgical care for his patients.
If you’re interested in learning more about how our plastic surgeon can help you achieve your goals, call (865) 366-4755 to schedule your consultation with our skilled Knoxville plastic surgeon.
