Plastic Surgeon vs. Cosmetic Surgeon: Who should perform your procedure?

We hear the phrases “plastic surgeon” and “cosmetic surgeon” used interchangeably by patients a lot in our office. However, there is an important difference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon and we want to make sure you are well-educated about it so that you are having the correct surgeon perform your surgery.

In order to become a certified plastic surgeon by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), one must complete medical school, serve as a surgical resident for at least 3 years, in which they undergo rigorous training in all aspects of surgery, and then complete a 2 to 3 year fellowship training program focused solely on plastic surgery. This fellowship training is the key difference between a board certified plastic surgeon and a “cosmetic surgeon.”

There are no laws in the United States that require doctors to practice only within their specialized fields, which means that a physician referring to himself or herself as a cosmetic surgeon could have actually been trained as another medical specialty (ie. general surgeon, dermatologist, gynecologist, etc). Physicians are able to receive accreditation as a cosmetic surgeons in as little as a weekend course. With this in mind, when choosing a surgeon to perform your aesthetic procedure, the first question you should ask is, “Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?”

A board-certified plastic surgeon spends several years in training learning how to perfect cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentations and tummy tucks, as well as how to address any complications that may arise during these procedures. A cosmetic surgeon who is not as experienced or well-trained in cosmetic procedures may not know how to competently handle an unexpected complication during surgery, potentially compromising the patient’s health and results.

Dr. Firouz is a board-certified plastic surgeon and has completed all of the training necessary to receive this credential. He is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). As a plastic surgeon, Dr. Firouz performs a variety of cosmetic procedures to help his patients achieve their desired results. Learn more about Dr. Firouz and his training.