Difference between Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeons

I’m Dr. Ethan Baughman, board-certified plastic surgeon in Westlake Village, California.

Here’s a question I get a lot:

Are all plastic surgeons cosmetic surgeons? And are all cosmetic surgeons plastic surgeons?

The short answer is no—and the difference matters.

A plastic surgeon completes medical school and then a full surgical residency with specialized training in plastic and reconstructive surgery. That training includes both reconstructive procedures—like repairing injuries, cancer defects, and congenital problems—and cosmetic procedures like facelifts, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, and tummy tucks.

The term cosmetic surgeon, however, is not a specific board-certified specialty. Physicians from different backgrounds can market themselves as cosmetic surgeons after taking additional courses or training in aesthetic procedures.

So while plastic surgeons are trained to perform cosmetic surgery, not all cosmetic surgeons are plastic surgeons.

If you’re considering surgery, make sure your surgeon is board-certified in plastic surgery. Training and certification matter when it comes to safety and results.