Annotated Bibliography: Cosmetic Surgery Vs. Plastic Surgery

Plastic Surgery: An Annotated Bibliography

“Cosmetic Surgery vs. Plastic Surgery.” American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. The American

Board of Cosmetic Surgery, 2016. Web. 11 Feb. 2016. While both cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery involve improving a patient’s body, the overall principles and philosophies guiding the training, research, and goals for a patient’s outcome differ. The procedures and techniques of cosmetic surgery are entirely based on enhancing a patient’s appearance. Key goals may include improving ascetic appeal, symmetry, and proportion. Cosmetic surgery is performed by doctors from a variety of medical fields, including plastic surgeons. The scope of cosmetic surgery encompasses breast enhancement, facial contouring,

Therefore, the title “board certified plastic surgeon” indicates a specific level of experience in plastic surgery, but it does not necessarily relate the same thing in regards to cosmetic surgery, as the training may not include many common cosmetic procedures. Also, the title does not indicate whether one doctor has more or less experience in cosmetic surgery training than a physician certified in another specialty. Because there are no residency programs in the United States exclusively devoted to cosmetic surgery, cosmetic surgeons typically obtain training and experience after receiving their residency training. A post-residency fellowship must be completed, where a minimum of 300 individual cosmetic surgery procedures will be

One must be able to manage complex wounds, use implantable materials, and perform tumor surgery. A foundation of physiology, pathology, surgical anatomy, and other basic sciences is required for this specialty. Moreover, a plastic surgeon must also be able to combine basic knowledge, ethics, technical expertise, surgical judgement, and interpersonal skills to obtain satisfactory patient relationships. Fortunately, this field is a great choice for those looking to have a flexible professional lifestyle, as plastic surgery can offer practitioners lifelong satisfaction in the practice of surgery. This field is ideal for those who have a calm yet eager disposition, willing to conquer new challenges, learn new technologies, and continually develop their skills. The field of plastic surgery is constantly advancing, therefore, plastic surgeons must be leaders who are willing to accept responsibility for the outcome of their