If you think cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are the same, you are wrong but not alone. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, many people confuse “plastic surgery” with “cosmetic surgery” and use them interchangeably.
Both cosmetics surgery and plastic surgery have strikingly overlapped characteristics which make it hard to tell them apart, but there are some differences in both.
Let’s discuss the differences between plastic and cosmetic surgery to help you decide which one you should get and where you can go in Atlanta, GA, for effective plastic surgery.
Plastic Surgery: What Is It?
It is a surgical specialty focusing on reconstructing the body and facial defects due to trauma, burns, disease, and birth disorders. This means plastic surgery is intended to correct the dysfunction and repair the defects to bring the treatment area to its normal appearance. This reconstruction of defects in plastic surgery is supported by the fact that “The American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons” renamed itself to “American Society of Plastic Surgeons.”
Following are some of the types of plastic surgery procedures:
- Hand surgery
- Scar revision surgery
- Lower extremity reconstruction surgery
- Burn repair surgery
- Breast reconstruction surgery
- Congenital defect repair surgery, such as cleft lift and palate surgery
Cosmetics Surgery: What Is It?
Cosmetic surgery is considered a type of plastic surgery that is focused on enhancing a patient’s appearance. Some of the key goals of cosmetic surgeons are to improve the aesthetic appeal, proportion, and symmetry of the face and body. It can be performed on all head, neck, and body areas as elective surgery.
Common types of cosmetic surgery procedures are:
- Facial contouring – Cheek, chin enhancement, rhinoplasty
- Facial Rejuvenation – Eyelid lift, neck lift, facelift, brow lift
- Breast Enhancement – Breast lift, breast reduction, breast augmentation
- Body contouring – Liposuction, tummy tuck, gynecomastia treatment
- Skin Rejuvenation – Botox, laser resurfacing, filler treatment
Which One Should You Get?
The difference has made it clear to understand which one could be the best for you. For example, if you have a defect or want a normal function and appearance of a particular part– let’s say skin – after a trauma, you should opt for plastic surgery. A plastic surgeon will repair your defect and bring your skin back to its normal appearance. On the other hand, if you think your face symmetry is not right or your certain body part is not as appealing as it should be, then cosmetic surgery is what you should go for.
Plastic Surgery in Atlanta, GA
If you are looking for a plastic surgeon for your unique concern, trust our plastic surgeon, Dr. Gregory Mackay, who has over 30 years of experience in all aspects of facial and body rejuvenation. Our plastic surgeon offers both surgical and nonsurgical procedures and helps you find the right one for you. He is one of the few plastic surgeons who can perform the deep-plane facelift to give natural-looking results.
If you would like to book an appointment with our outstanding plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic procedures, call us today at (404) 777-9791 or request an appointment online.
