Plastic Surgeon Vs. Facial Plastic Surgeon: is There a Difference?

Hi Sonya,
General plastic surgeons are trained with 5 years of general surgery followed by 2-3 years of general plastic surgery including the face, neck, chest, breasts, arms, hands, legs, feet, burns). General plastic surgeons are qualified to perform all plastic surgical procedures.
Facial plastic surgeons usually are trained with 1-2 years of general surgery, then 3-4 years of head and neck surgery (also known as ear, nose, and throat surgery, including facial plastic and reconstructive surgery), followed by an optional year of facial plastic surgery fellowship. Facial plastic surgeons are qualified to perform plastic surgical procedures from the neck up (rhinoplasty, eye lid surgery, face lift, etc.)
Both specialties have surgeons with variable skills, most are exceptional, some average, and unfortunately like everything else in life, a few are below average. The major difference between general plastic surgery (total body), and facial plastic surgery is that clothing cannot be used to cover poor post operative surgical results on the face. Whether performed by general plastic or facial plastic surgeons, when operating upon the face, the surgeon must be meticulous, experienced, skilled, and have an excellent sense of natural beauty and aesthetics. An unsatisfactory scar, nose, or eye lid cannot be covered up with clothing.
Whether choosing a general plastic or facial plastic surgeon, patients must choose their surgeon most carefully. Good luck and be well.
Dr. P

Plastic surgeons are trained in Plastic surgery. Facial Plastic Surgeons are trained in ENT. Both are trained to work on the face.
There are simply two different surgical pathways to get there. One is through Plastic Surgery training, leading to "Board Certified in Plastic Surgery," the other through ENT, leading to "Board Certified in Facial Plastic Surgery".
There are fine individuals in both camps. Both have done surgical residencies.
This is very different from a "cosmetic surgeon", a term that does not require any surgical residency, and no certification by any Board.