A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon has had rigorous training for between 6 and 8 years or longer after medical school on all aspects of surgery and plastic surgery. As such, they represent the gold standard for plastic surgeons. All plastic surgeons are cosmetic surgeons but not all cosmetic surgeons are plastic surgeons.
Facial plastic surgeons are ENT trained surgeons who have a special interest in cosmetic surgery above their basic otolaryngology Board Certification. There are many outstanding surgeons in this group.
Oculoplastic surgeons are ophthalmologists who have a special interest in cosmetic procedures around the eyes. Dermatologists also do cosmetic surgery, especially liposuction. Unfortunately, there are also general surgeons, oral surgeons, gynecologists and even general medical doctors doing cosmetic surgery and procedures all giving explanations as to why they are the best choice for you even though they have never even had one day of plastic surgery training.
All in all, it is a buyer beware market. You should carefully evaluate your doctor and for the face, stick with a plastic surgeon or a facial plastic surgeon whom you trust and whose work you admire. For the body, stick with a plastic surgeon only.
