The terms “cosmetic surgery” and “plastic surgery” are often used interchangeably. Although both of these disciplines aim to improve a person’s body, the training, qualifications, and outcomes are very different.
So if you are considering a physical improvement for either medical or aesthetic reasons, what is the difference between plastic and cosmetic surgery?
There are many misunderstandings about plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons and their roles, with many patients mistakenly believing they are equivalent when they are not. Many plastic surgeons choose to focus on cosmetic surgery, which has led to the terms often being used interchangeably, but this is technically incorrect.
There are also medical practitioners in Australia, such as GPs, who legally call themselves cosmetic surgeons. However, many of the procedures they perform should only be done by a certified plastic surgeon. These misperceptions regarding the industry highlight the need for more patient education on the importance of credentials.
Plastic surgery is a broad speciality field that consists of several sub-specialties. Essentially, this surgical specialty deals with the reconstruction and/or repair of facial and body damage or defects due to injuries, skin cancer, birth disorders, diseases, burns and other physical issues. Plastic surgery may be performed for:
Also known as “aesthetic surgery”, cosmetic surgery is dedicated to enhancing an individual’s appearance through various medical and surgical techniques. It can be performed anywhere on the body, including the neck, face, chest and abdomen, and the area to be treated is not typically dysfunctional. Instead, it may need to be aesthetically enhanced according to the patient. Cosmetic procedures include:
Plastic surgery can be done as either an elective or emergency surgery. Emergency surgery usually means there is an urgent threat to an individual’s life, limb, organ or another part of their body. Examples include nasal injuries, facial lacerations and deep scalp wounds.
Cosmetic surgery is always an elective procedure as the area to be treated is not dysfunctional and needs to be treated aesthetically according to the patient.
Surgical procedures always come with the risk of complications. You can reduce this risk by selecting a surgeon who is appropriately qualified, trained and accredited to perform the highest level of procedures and surgeries.
A cosmetic surgeon differs significantly from a plastic surgeon. However, although health groups and government health departments are lobbying to change the rules, currently, it is not illegal for anyone in Australia with a basic medical degree to perform a cosmetic procedure. This is despite them having minimal to no surgical training and no formal qualifications.
They could be a GP, general surgeon, or dermatologist who has decided they want to perform cosmetic procedures. The training they have undertaken could be as basic as short weekend courses or a cosmetic surgery training in topics ranging from using injectables, placing breast implants or performing liposuction.
Cosmetic surgeons who claim to be board-certified may have received their certificate from the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery (ACCS), however, this qualification is not recognised by the Medical Board of Australia. Cosmetic surgeons claiming to be board-certified can be misleading, so it is vital you ask for proof of qualifications and certifications before undertaking any cosmetic or surgical procedure.
Many surgeons who offer cosmetic surgery also don’t have the appropriate:
Essentially, a cosmetic surgeon without the proper qualifications or registrations is not authorised to call themselves a plastic surgeon.
Plastic surgeons have earned a specialist degree through extensive training and surgical education. This includes a minimum of 12 years of additional surgical training in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery procedures. Specialist training in Australia is undertaken as a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons — a FRACS (Plas). Plastic surgeons should also:
There are many different types of doctors who are qualified to perform cosmetic surgery and do cosmetic treatments. These include:
However, again, it’s vital you choose an experienced specialist who has the training and qualifications listed above.
Any form of invasive surgery involves an element of risk. This is significantly increased if your surgeon — particularly your cosmetic surgeon — doesn’t have the necessary training and qualifications. Risks and side effects include:
After speaking with your GP, you should consider asking your surgeon some general questions about what’s involved and the risks, both of the surgery and the anaesthetic. These can include:
Plastic or reconstructive surgery is often considered medically necessary and, as such, may be covered by private health insurance. Some procedures like abdominoplasty, breast reductions, post weight loss surgery and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) may cover the areas of both plastic and cosmetic surgery. In these instances, Medicare and/or private health cover may be available dependent on your individual policy.
Because cosmetic surgery deals with aesthetic enhancement in the absence of medical indications, it is typically not covered by Medicare or private health insurance.
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