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Cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery are options for people seeking to enhance their appearance, but they differ in several ways. Cosmetic dermatology primarily focuses on nonsurgical treatments that improve the skin’s texture, tone, and complexion. In contrast, plastic surgery involves surgical procedures that alter the body’s physical structure. This article discusses the similarities and differences between the two disciplines. As the table below shows:
| Focus | Expertise | Common procedures | Anesthetic | Downtime/ recovery | Results | Cost | Risks/ complications | Ideal candidates | Certifications/ training | |
| Cosmetic dermatology | nonsurgical | skin and facial anatomy | Botox, fillers, chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion | generally local or topical anesthetic | minimal to none | subtle, natural-looking improvements | less expensive per procedure | minimal and usually temporary | people with minor aesthetic concerns | dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon who do not require board certification |
| Plastic surgery | surgical | body structure and anatomy | liposuction, breast augmentation, facelift, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck | usually general anesthetic | weeks to months | significant, visible changes | more expensive per procedure | potential for serious complications | people with significant aesthetic concerns | board-certified plastic surgeon |
Cosmetic dermatology procedures
Cosmetic dermatologists specialize in nonsurgical cosmetic procedures that aim to enhance the skin’s appearance and texture and treat various skin conditions. Some of the most common cosmetic procedures that cosmetic dermatologists perform are:
-Botox and dermal fillers: These injectable treatments can smooth out wrinkles, restore volume to the face, and enhance facial contours.
-Chemical peels: This treatment involvesTrusted Source applying a chemical solution to the skin, which removes the top layer of damaged skin cells and reveals smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
-Laser therapy: A treatment that uses concentrated light beams to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines.
-Microdermabrasion: This treatment uses a special device to exfoliate the top layer of the skin, revealing smoother, brighter skin.
-Nonsurgical body contouring: Includes treatments, such as CoolSculpting, that use controlled cooling to reduceTrusted Source fat in specific body areas.
-Hair removal: Cosmetic dermatologists may specialize in laser hair removal, a long-term solution to unwanted hair growth.
-Skin rejuvenation: This includes treatments such as microneedling, which uses tiny needles to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture, and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy, which uses the person’s blood to stimulate cell regeneration.
-Cosmetic dermatologists also diagnose and treat various skin conditions, such as acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. They may also offer medical-grade skin care products and advice to help patients maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin.
Plastic surgery cosmetic procedures
Plastic surgeons specialize in a wide range of cosmetic procedures that aim to enhance the appearance of various areas of the body. Some of the most common cosmetic procedures that plastic surgeons perform are:
-Breast augmentation: This procedure involves the insertion of implants to enhance the size and shape of the breasts.
-Liposuction: This removes excess fat from various body areas, such as the abdomen, thighs, and arms.
–Facelift: A procedureTrusted Source that involves the removal of excess skin and tightening facial muscles to reduce the signs of aging.
-Rhinoplasty: Also known as a “nose job,” this procedure alters the shape and size of the nose.
-Tummy tuck: This procedure removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens abdominal muscles.
-Eyelid surgery: Also known as blepharoplasty, it removes excess skin and fat from the eyelids, giving a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
-Brow lift: This procedure lifts and tightens the skin and muscles of the forehead and brow area, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and lines.
Summary
The recovery time and cost are generally lower with cosmetic dermatology, while plastic surgery procedures tend to provide more significant and visible changes. Ideal candidates for cosmetic dermatology are those with small aesthetic concerns. People with more significant aesthetic concerns may benefit from plastic surgery.
