Often confused with Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery is an elective procedure that focuses in the enhancement of a specific part of the body to achieve the aesthetic ideal of the patient. According to ChartsBin.com the top 10 cosmetic surgery procedures in the U.S in 2010 were: Breast augmentation, Nose Reshaping, Eyelid surgery, Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, Face Lift, Breast Lift, Dermabrasion, Forehead Lift, and Ear Surgery. But, what is the difference between Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery? Unlike Cosmetic Surgery, Plastic Surgery and surgeons aim to repair a specific part of the body whose proper function has been altered by factors such as a trauma, illness, or birth defects among others; therefore, the result of these procedures is not aesthetic but rather functional.

Although the difference between both procedures some plastic surgeons may have some preparation in cosmetic surgery and strive to deliver both results, functional and aesthetic, in the same procedure. Likewise, Cosmetic Surgery and Plastic Surgery patients differ only in one aspect: Cosmetic Surgery patients undergo such a procedure because they want to. However, as Christian Nordqvist wrote in his 2009 medicalnewstoday.com article „What is cosmetic Surgery? What is Plastic Surgery?‟ “Experts say that not everybody is suitable for cosmetic surgery.” Patients must understand that any changes done to their physical appearance will be permanent thus is often recommended that they receive psychological advice before going ahead with their decision.

Considering Cosmetic Surgery?

Here are some suggestions on what you should do and expect if you‟re considering Cosmetic Surgery as an option:

• Make sure you know all the risks of the procedure and weight the fact that there is always room for an unexpected result.
• Take your time finding the right surgeon: There is not an exclusive residency program in the U.S. that focuses in cosmetic surgery. Fully trained physicians receive their training in this discipline after completing a residency program in areas such as general plastic surgery, dermatology, and ophthalmology among others; so find out if your potential surgeon is accredited by The American Board of Cosmetic Surgeryii, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeryiii, or if they have been trained to perform the cosmetic procedure you‟re looking for.
• See the results by yourself. Generally surgeons show the procedure‟s “before and after” pictures, but if they don‟t ask for them and even go the extra mile: see if you can talk to those patients and ask them if their expectations were met.
• Ask your surgeon if the facility where the procedure is going to take place is accredited by certifying organizations such as The Joint Commission and the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).
• Finally, have in mind that you will need time to recover just as with any other surgery and don‟t forget that the decision of undergoing this procedure is only yours. Cosmetic surgeries may have an extremely positive outcome not only in a person‟s physical aspect but emotionally, so make sure you know all the risks and possible unexpected results before making your decision.