While many people think that plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are one and the same, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons have different educational backgrounds, skills, and specialties. Before opting for plastic or cosmetic surgery, it’s essential to know the differences between the two when searching for a specialist to perform your operation.

What Is Cosmetic Surgery?

Cosmetic surgeries are procedures that are completely focused on enhancing a patient’s appearance and can be performed on all areas of the neck, head, and body. Cosmetic surgery is designated as an elective surgery because it treats areas that function properly. Some types of cosmetic surgery include:

– Facial contouring
– Body contouring
– Breast enhancement
– Skin rejuvenation
– Facial rejuvenation

There are no residency programs focused on cosmetic surgery. Because of this, after medical school, most cosmetic surgeons do their residency and attain board certification in some sort of surgical specialty.

What Is Plastic Surgery?

Plastic surgery focuses on reconstructing a patient’s facial and body defects caused by trauma, birth defects, disease, and burns to bring them back to their normal function and appearance. Some types of plastic surgery include:

– Hand surgery
– Burn repair surgery
– Breast reconstruction
– Scar revision surgery
– Lower extremity reconstruction
– Cleft palate repair

After finishing medical school, plastic surgeons must complete a residency in plastic surgery. After completing their residency, plastic surgeons must get board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

What Does Being “Board-certified” Mean?

Board certification is the most important factor in determining a surgeon’s qualifications. Every certifying board has different requirements that measure a physician’s experience and education. Both plastic and cosmetic surgeons must undergo rigorous training and continuing education courses to keep their certification. Because plastic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, they are certified to perform cosmetic surgery, but cosmetic surgeons are not certified to perform plastic surgery. You should keep this in mind when choosing a plastic surgeon in New Jersey.

Contact Board-certified Plastic Surgeon William Franckle, MD, FACS

William Franckle, MD, FACS is a board-certified plastic surgeon in South Jersey that also offers the most up-to-date treatments in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Franckle is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and can help you reach your body aesthetic goals. Contact us today to learn more about the procedures William Franckle, MD, FACS offers.