Although the terms are often used interchangeably, plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are not the same. The two specialties are closely related, and many plastic surgeons choose to focus their discipline on cosmetic surgery. While cosmetic surgery is performed for aesthetic appeal, plastic surgery is done to correct parts of the body that are dysfunctional.

Here are the main differences between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery:

• Focus area
  While the focus of plastic surgery is to restore the normal function of parts of the body, cosmetic surgery is considered to enhance certain parts of the body’s aesthetic appeal. Multiple unusual features may have been present by birth or caused by accidents like fire, disease, trauma, etc. In such cases, plastic surgery may be required to restore the body to its original form. On the other hand, cosmetic surgery is performed not necessarily for some abnormalities in the body. One can decide to perform surgery on body parts naturally without any defect and function properly.
• Difference between the surgeons
  The main difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery lies in the person who is performing the surgery. Board certification is the primary term that differentiates the two. While ‘board-certified plastic surgeons’ have undergone a training period of up to 8 years, cosmetic surgeons don’t have to be board certified. The training is regulated by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The term cosmetic surgeon can define any doctor, right from a dermatologist to an oral surgeon. While medical training is required for the cosmetic surgeon, the level of training is different from that of a plastic surgeon.
• Types of plastic surgeries vs. types of cosmetic surgeries
  The main types of plastic surgeries include breast reconstruction, burn repair surgery, lower extremity reconstruction, congenital disability repair, hand surgery, and scar revision therapy. On the other hand, some cosmetic surgeries include facial contouring, skin rejuvenation, body contouring, and breast enhancement. As is evident from the examples, while the former focused on the medical aspect of the technology, the latter has more to do with enhancing particular features.
• Elective vs. prescribed
  While plastic surgery is often a result of an accident or a deformity, cosmetic surgery is considered an elective. The job field is also considered essential to understanding the people who are most likely to opt for cosmetic surgery. People in the show business, like models and actors, are more likely to go for cosmetic surgery. However, plastic surgery is based on the need of the hour and does not depend on the profession. Thus, it can be said that plastic surgery is a necessity at the moment, which cosmetic surgery is a luxury for many.