Chicago Plastic Surgeons vs. Chicago Cosmetic Surgeons: What's the Difference?

Training in plastic surgery involves completing a post-graduate or combined residency program. Adding to the complexity, there are two pathways to becoming a plastic surgeon. Some individuals undergo a full five years of general or otolaryngology surgery training followed by two to three additional years of plastic surgery training. An alternative route is a "combined" program, where surgeons undertake three years of general surgery training followed by three years of plastic surgery training.

A shared aspect of cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery training is the significant focus on general surgery or otolaryngology (three to five years), followed by a period (two to three years) in which plastic surgeons master various aspects of reconstructive surgery, including craniofacial, hand, burn surgery, microsurgery, and certain cosmetic procedures.

 

Overall, a small fraction of a plastic surgeon's training (a few months over six to seven years) is dedicated to cosmetic surgery, and not all cosmetic procedures are covered. For this reason, many plastic surgeons opt for additional fellowships or apprenticeships in cosmetic surgery to gain comfort and proficiency in specific cosmetic procedures.

Hence, the title "board-certified plastic surgeon" indicates a certain level of training and experience in plastic surgery and the broad spectrum of procedures required during their training. The wide-ranging training scope often means that the number of required cosmetic procedures to graduate a plastic surgery program could be minimal. Additionally, this certification doesn't necessarily guarantee familiarity with many common cosmetic procedures. ²

 

On the flip side, board certification in cosmetic surgery implies exposure to a minimum number of qualifying cases in the field. This minimum threshold varies significantly between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery.

 

Currently, there are no ABMS residency programs in the United States exclusively devoted to cosmetic surgery. As a result, cosmetic surgeons typically gain training and experience post-residency, often through a post-residency fellowship.

Board-certified cosmetic surgeons complete residency training and certification in a primary surgical specialty, followed by specific fellowship training in cosmetic surgery. When it comes to cosmetic surgery, the requisite training, experience, and knowledge to become a board-certified cosmetic surgeon signify specialization in cosmetic procedures beyond the scope of plastic surgery. Every surgeon certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery undergoes a one or two-year fellowship dedicated solely to cosmetic surgery.

 

During this fellowship, surgeons receive comprehensive training in various cosmetic surgery procedures involving the face, breast, body, along with non-surgical cosmetic treatments. They must perform a minimum of 300 individual cosmetic surgery procedures. This fellowship training supplements their five to six-year residency in related disciplines such as general surgery, otolaryngology, oral-maxillofacial surgery, or plastic surgery.

 

While board-certified plastic surgeons may possess exceptional skills and qualifications for performing cosmetic surgery, this isn't always the case. The proficiency comparison between cosmetic surgery vs plastic surgery procedures isn't solely determined by plastic surgery certification. This is why some board-certified plastic surgeons pursue additional certification as cosmetic surgeons.

 

Since any licensed physician can legally undertake cosmetic surgery, regardless of their cosmetic surgery training background, good research is imperative when selecting a cosmetic surgeon. Ultimately, a title holds little significance if a surgeon can't execute procedures safely and competently. Thoroughly evaluating a doctor’s overall training, experience, and competence specific to the desired cosmetic procedure is vital. Keep in mind that a plastic surgeon might not always excel in a particular cosmetic procedure, and likewise, a cosmetic surgeon may not be the best choice for a reconstructive procedure. Remember that many individuals claiming to be cosmetic surgeons lack proper certification. This highlights the importance of doing research and asking the right questions before making a decision.