Many patients are unaware that there’s a real difference between doctors who call themselves cosmetic surgeons and those who are trained and board certified as plastic surgeons. Understanding this distinction when considering an aesthetic procedure can help you make safer, more informed choices about your care. Learn more about the differences between a cosmetic vs plastic surgeon below.
WARNING:
This feature contains nudity. Please click OK to confirm you are at least 18 years of age and are not offended by such material.
Before and After Plastic Surgery in Paramus, New Jersey, by Dr. Paul M. Parker
Case 1 of 6
Before and After Plastic Surgery in Paramus, New Jersey, by Dr. Paul M. Parker
Case 2 of 6
Before and After Plastic Surgery in Paramus, New Jersey, by Dr. Paul M. Parker
Case 3 of 6
Before and After Plastic Surgery in Paramus, New Jersey, by Dr. Paul M. Parker
Case 4 of 6
Before and After Plastic Surgery in Paramus, New Jersey, by Dr. Paul M. Parker
Case 5 of 6
Before and After Plastic Surgery in Paramus, New Jersey, by Dr. Paul M. Parker
Case 6 of 6
What Sets Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons Apart
Plastic surgeons who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) undergo years of rigorous, specialized training. Their path typically includes:
Medical School Graduation: From an accredited medical school.
Surgical Residency: At least 3 years of general surgical training.
Plastic Surgery Residency: An additional 3 years devoted entirely to reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.
Optional Fellowship Training: One or more years in advanced fields such as microsurgery, craniofacial surgery, or aesthetic surgery.
Board Certification Exams: Comprehensive written and oral examinations that assess the surgeon’s knowledge, judgment, ethics, and patient safety.
This extensive training ensures that board-certified plastic surgeons are highly qualified and vetted to perform a wide range of cosmetic procedures safely and skillfully.
How Cosmetic Surgeons Differ
In contrast, cosmetic surgeons often begin their careers in other areas of medicine—such as gynecology, dermatology, otolaryngology (ENT), ophthalmology, internal medicine, or even family practice. Later, they may add cosmetic surgery to their services, sometimes with limited formal surgical training specific to plastic surgery.
While some cosmetic surgeons can achieve satisfactory results, they typically do not undergo the same dedicated, years-long residency and board certification process required of plastic surgeons.
“If you take 10 plastic surgeons and 10 cosmetic surgeons and compare results, I’m sure the plastic surgeons will win every time. Plastic surgery is what we were trained to do and what we do every day.”
– Dr. Paul M. Parker
Why Board Certification Matters
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon provides reassurance that your surgeon has:
Comprehensive surgical training in both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures.
A demonstrable commitment to ethical standards and patient safety.
The judgment and experience needed to handle complex cases or complications.
These safeguards translate into greater confidence that your care is in the safest and most capable hands possible.
Questions To Ask Your Surgeon
Patients are always encouraged to ask questions and do their homework before agreeing to any surgery (or any provider!). To help you get started, we recommend having a helpful consultation checklist covering:
Time with the patient coordinator to discuss scheduling, costs, and next steps.
This process reflects the Parker Center’s philosophy of combining advanced medical expertise with compassionate, personalized care.
A Legacy of Excellence
For more than 30 years, the Parker Center for Plastic Surgery has been dedicated to delivering natural-looking results in a warm, professional environment. Patients appreciate not only the high-quality surgical outcomes but also the supportive, attentive care that makes their entire experience positive.
Leave a Reply