Everyone has heard the term “plastic surgery” and most probably feel that they understand what it means. The first things that come to mind are most likely breast implants, Botox, and Hollywood, given the reputation that those two words have gained through the mainstream media.

However, it may surprise you to find that plastic surgery isn’t quite what you think it is. By nature, plastic surgery is a restorative practice that is dedicated to the reparation and reconstruction of facial and bodily defects. Many things can cause physical defects, such as birth disorders, vehicular or work accidents, burns, and diseases.

So what about the purely aesthetic surgical procedures, such as breast implants or Botox? There is a term for these as well: cosmetic surgery.

Cosmetic surgery focuses on enhancing patients’ appearances through surgical and medical means. For example, breast implants are surgical, whereas Botox injections are medical. Cosmetic surgery can be performed all over the face and body.

One of the other key differences between cosmetic and plastic surgery is in the training that the doctors and surgeons receive. There are specific residency programs designed to train plastic surgeons in the United States. Cosmetic surgeons, on the other hand, have no specific related residency program. Instead, they serve their residency in a wide range of other medical branches, with common examples including dermatology, otolaryngology, general surgery, and plastic surgery. Some training for cosmetic surgery may or may not be included in the training for other medical disciplines. Typically, cosmetic surgeons receive training post-residency.

For this reason, it is important to be aware of your doctor or surgeon’s experience and training regarding your particular medical needs. Dr. Beran is a surgeon who has extensive experience with both disciplines. He is board certified by American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery. His work has led him to receive honors such as the Certificate of Advanced Education in Cosmetic Surgery, and he is also a member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).

For more information regarding the difference between a cosmetic and plastic surgeon, and are interested in a procedure, contact Dr. Beran at his New York, Harrison, or Mount Kisco office today, Cosmetic Surgery Associates of New York, to schedule a consultation.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 20th, 2011 at 12:11 pm and is filed under Cosmetic Surgery, Plastic Surgery. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.