The official and most accurate term for a medical doctor who specializes in the restoration, reconstruction, or alteration of the human body is a Plastic Surgeon. This surgical specialty encompasses a broad range of procedures aimed at correcting defects and enhancing form. Understanding the correct terminology and the training behind it is important because the field includes various titles that can be confusing. The difference between a true plastic surgeon and other practitioners often comes down to the depth and breadth of their accredited surgical training.
The Certified Term: Plastic Surgeon
The recognized title of Plastic Surgeon refers to a physician who has undergone extensive, accredited surgical training. The word “plastic” is derived not from the synthetic material, but from the ancient Greek word plastikos, meaning “to mold or shape.” This title is granted to individuals who meet rigorous educational and examination standards set by national certifying bodies.
In the United States, the gold standard is certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). To achieve this, a surgeon must complete medical school and a residency program that typically involves six to eight years of post-graduate surgical training. This training includes a comprehensive study of both aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, preparing the surgeon for a full scope of practice.
Understanding the Difference: Plastic vs. Cosmetic
The primary source of public confusion is the distinction between a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon and a practitioner who simply uses the title “Cosmetic Surgeon.” This term is often a self-designated title not associated with mandatory, accredited residency training. Any licensed physician can perform cosmetic procedures, but they may lack the comprehensive surgical background of a plastic surgeon.
A Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon is certified by the ABPS, which is one of the 24 member boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). The ABMS is the pre-eminent medical review board that sets the standard for physician specialists. Conversely, a “Cosmetic Surgeon” may be certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), which is not recognized by the ABMS.
The difference in certification reflects a major disparity in training requirements. A plastic surgeon’s residency is a multi-year program covering all aspects of surgery, including hand, craniofacial, and microsurgery. In contrast, a practitioner who calls themselves a cosmetic surgeon may have completed their residency in a non-surgical specialty, such as dermatology or gynecology, and then pursued only a short course or fellowship in cosmetic procedures. Choosing a surgeon with ABMS-recognized certification ensures extensive, standardized, and accredited surgical expertise.
Reconstructive and Aesthetic Focuses
The practice of a plastic surgeon is functionally divided into two main categories: reconstructive surgery and aesthetic surgery. Reconstructive surgery focuses on restoring function and form to body structures that are abnormal due to congenital defects, trauma, disease, or infection. This work is often considered medically necessary and includes procedures like breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, cleft lip and palate repair, and the treatment of severe burn injuries.
Aesthetic surgery, also called cosmetic surgery, is the enhancement of the physical appearance of normal structures purely for visual improvement. Procedures in this area include facelifts, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, and liposuction. Plastic surgeons are trained to perform both reconstructive and aesthetic procedures, providing them with a deep understanding of human anatomy and surgical techniques for both restoring and enhancing the body.