Cosmetic plastic surgery refers to elective surgical procedures performed to improve a person's physical appearance. Cosmetic plastic surgery is usually performed by physicians certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Due to their status as elective procedures, cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, such as breast augmentation and liposuction, aren't usually covered by insurance companies.
What is cosmetic plastic surgery?
Different types of physicians often perform cosmetic procedures, but only those certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery are considered cosmetic plastic surgeons.
Although physicians that call themselves 'cosmetic surgeons' may be certified plastic surgeons, others may be ENT surgeons, dermatologists, Opthalmologists, Gynecologists, or another type of practitioner.
Any licensed physician can legally offer cosmetic services. The term "cosmetic surgery" is not a recognized discipline by the American Board of Medical Specialities, i.e. - there is no Board Certification by ABMS in Cosmetic Surgery.
Being ready for cosmetic plastic surgery
Determining whether you are ready can (and should) be an extensive process. What doctors recommend is that you obtain reliable information from a credible source - a trustworthy professional.
Your physician should help you get a thorough understanding of all options available (both surgical and non-surgical), and should understand your aesthetic sensibility and goals.
Cosmetic plastic surgery before-and-after
Many doctors incorporate before-and-after pictures in their initial patient consultation. This involves sitting down with a cosmetic plastic surgeon as he or she displays before-and-after photos (preferably unaltered) of patients that have undergone surgery. There are subtle aspects - often overlooked on websites - in each photo that may be explained by the surgeon. This exchange is helpful for evaluating the surgeon's skills and their aesthetic taste.
To finance or not to finance
Practitioners will offer financing options for most high end cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. Like any other financial commitment, it's wise to ensure you can afford the payments before choosing to finance your procedure.
Cosmetic plastic surgery gone awry
A bad surgery outcome can occur for multiple reasons. Anyone can experience adverse effects, regardless of the procedure or physician. An infection, physical reaction, implant rejection, drug reaction or healing problem is possible. In some cases, such undesirable outcomes are the result of poor patient selection by the physician.
More cosmetic surgery information
- Cosmetic plastic surgery photos
- Cosmetic plastic surgery Q&A
- Cosmetic plastic surgery cost for top treatments
- Ratings and reviews of popular cosmetic procedures
(sources: Michael Law, MD, Richard Rand, MD, Christopher Chung, MD, David Shafer, MD, Robert Freund, MD)