The Difference Between Cosmetic Surgery and Plastic Surgery

Have you always assumed cosmetic and plastic surgery were the same thing? If so, we don’t really blame you. All too often, movies, TV shows, magazines, and even doctors themselves use the two words interchangeably. But we’re here to tell you that while they do share many similarities, there is a difference between cosmetic and plastic surgery.

The Goals of Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery can almost be thought of as corrective surgery. Plastic surgery aims to repair physical defects and make them appear “normal.” Someone who suffered a birth defect, trauma, or disease may need plastic surgery to repair any damage done to their body.

Examples of plastic surgery procedures:

• Breast Reconstruction After a Double Mastectomy
• Burn Repair Surgery
• Cleft Palate Repair
• Scar Revision Surgery

The Goals of Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery focuses primarily on enhancing a person’s appearance. Typically, the goals of cosmetic surgery are to improve symmetry and aesthetic appeal.

Examples of cosmetic surgery procedures:

• Breast Enhancement Surgery
• Facelift and Browlift
• Tummy Tuck and Liposuction
• Facial Filler Treatments

A major difference between cosmetic and plastic surgery is that cosmetic surgery is almost always elective (not necessary), so it’s often not covered by insurance.

If no amount of diet and exercise is giving you the body of your dreams, you may want to consider cosmetic surgery!  For more information on all things cosmetic surgery, give Wall Street Cosmetic Surgery a call at (212) 344-0496 or visit us online!