Beauty is sincerity.
There are so many
different ways someone
can be beautiful.
-Taylor Swift
Differences Between Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeons and Med Spa’s
Procedures and treatments to reverse aging, minimize fine lines and wrinkles, and rejuvenate your appearance are extremely common today. But with more availability to these procedures, comes more room for confusion when you’re doing your research.
Should you get Botox at a med spa or go to a plastic surgeon? What’s the difference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon? What does board-certified mean?
We’ll break everything down so you can understand exactly who to see for your aesthetic concerns.
Med Spa’s vs. Plastic Surgery Practice. What’s the difference?
When it comes to aesthetic and cosmetic procedures, the possibilities are endless. With new med spas popping up everywhere, the possibilities of where to get a treatment are endless as well. But when it comes to facial aesthetics and rejuvenating your appearance, is a med spa really the best place to go?
Med spas offer the convenience of multiple treatments in one office. It’s a one-stop-shop for Botox, filler, facials, and even lasers. But just because it offers everything in one place, doesn’t mean it’s the best place to go
a plastic surgeon rejuvenate your appearance with fillers, laser treatments, and Botox, but these Doctors can address areas of concern through surgery
A plastic surgery practice offers everything a med spa offers, plus more. Not only can a plastic surgeon rejuvenate your appearance with fillers, laser treatments, and Botox, but these Doctors can address areas of concern through surgery. More than that, a Doctor can take a comprehensive approach to your aesthetic concerns. They assess past your skin and look at rejuvenation as a whole, rather than addressing just one area.
Additionally, the nurse providers and medical estheticians at the practice are under direct, day-to-day supervision of a plastic surgeon. A med spa doesn’t always have the access to a doctor, let alone a facial plastic surgeon, because the regulations differ for a med spa versus a plastic surgery practice.
Plastic Surgeon vs. Cosmetic Surgeon. They aren’t the same thing.
Often, plastic surgeon and cosmetic surgeon are used interchangeably. Most believe that the two professions are one in the same, but they couldn’t
be more different.
Put simply, a cosmetic surgeon focuses on aesthetics while a plastic surgeon can handle reconstructive procedures and aesthetic procedures. A plastic surgeon has a broader scope of specialties and higher credentials with the specialty.
A cosmetic surgeon focuses on enhancing a person’s appearance. The areas addressed are already functioning properly, therefor the procedure is elective. Plastic surgeons preform elective cosmetic procedures too, but they also have an entirely different goal when it comes to their practice.
A plastic surgeon repairs defects to reconstruct a normal function and appearance (American Board of Cosmetic Surgery). An important thing to note: plastic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Cosmetic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.
Even though both types of surgeons can be board-certified. Only the board-certified plastic surgeon is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialists. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialists.
Which brings us to our next point: what’s the difference between the board certifications and why does it matter?
Board Certifications
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
According to the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a plastic surgeon becomes board-certified after:
- Graduating from an accredited medical school
- Passing all oral and written exams
- Completing six years of training as a resident surgeon at a program by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon
According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, a cosmetic surgeon becomes board certified after:
- Training for one year exclusively in cosmetic surgery
- Preforming at least 300 cosmetic surgeries of the face, breast and body
- Receiving additional in-depth training in non-surgical cosmetic procedures and skincare
- Passing a comprehensive 2-day oral and written exam
Board-Certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
According to the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, a facial plastic surgeon becomes board-certified after:
- Completing an approved residency after medical school in one of the two medical specialties of otolaryngology/head-and-neck surgery or plastic surgery
- Earning prior certification by the American Board of Otolaryngology, the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in otolaryngology/head-and-neck surgery or plastic surgery
- Practicing a minimum of two years
- Having 100 operative reports accepted by a peer-review committee
- Passing an 8-hour written and oral examination
- Operating in an accredited facility
- Holding the appropriate licensure and adhering to the ABFPRS Code of Ethics
Recognition by the American Board of Medical Specialties
The American Board of Medical Specialties sets forth a comprehensive list of standards that surgeons across 24 specialties must meet to become board-certified. This board-certification ensures the surgeon has the appropriate skills and expertise to perform these surgeries. Among these 24 specialties is plastic surgery.
Why does this matter? One of the biggest reasons is cosmetic surgery is not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Yes, a cosmetic surgeon can perform certain aesthetic procedures such as facelifts, rhinoplasties, and neck lifts, but a board-certified facial plastic surgeon has gone through extensive training to become recognized under this specialty specifically.Put simply, a cosmetic surgeon can technically preform multiple types of aesthetic body and facial procedures, but this doesn’t mean they should. When placed next to a plastic surgeon, a cosmetic surgeon lacks the specialty training and credentials a plastic surgeon has.
What is a Fellowship?
Fellowship-trained means a physician or surgeon has the highest level of dedication and training for a specific field. For example, a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon has dedicated their practice and specialty to facial plastic surgery. They are an expert in this field across seven fields:
- Rhinoplasty, including revision
- Aging face, including minimally invasive
- Head and neck reconstruction
- Mohs reconstructions
- Facial Reanimation
- Trauma
- Congenital surgery
When you’re deciding to who to see to address areas of concern, it’s important to do your research and understand the terminology. Our patient advisors and facial plastic surgeons at Facial Aesthetic Concepts are always available to answer whatever questions or concerns you have. If you’re interested in facial plastic surgery or addressing a specific area, please call us to schedule a consultation!
Real FAC Orange County Testimonies from Over 40 Years Serving the O.C.
(Kept Concise to Protect Patients Hippa-Rights)
Request A Consultation
Book a safe and easy consultation with the Aesthetic Medicine Center thats been voted the Best Plastic Surgeon and MedSpa in Orange County by the readers of O.C. Register for over 14 years. Our cosmetic specialist are board-certified and will create a customized transformation plan to achieve your areas of concern.
665 Camino De Los Mares #100A, San Clemente, CA - (949) 313 2600
Treating Irregular Skin Pigmentation: A Comprehensive Guide
Beautiful, radiant skin is something many of us aspire to have. However, various factors can lead to the development of irregular pigmentation, causing our skin to appear uneven and less vibrant. In this article, we will explore the causes of irregular pigmentation and delve into three advanced treatment options: Clear and Brilliant Laser, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), and Fractional CO2 Laser. Each of these treatments offers a unique approach to address pigmentation issues and help you achieve the clear and glowing skin you desire..
"hyperpigmentation or hypo-pigmentation,
is caused by an overproduction or
underproduction of melanin, the pigment
responsible for giving color to our skin,
hair, and eyes"
Causes of Irregular Pigmentation: Irregular pigmentation, also known as hyperpigmentation or hypo-pigmentation, is caused by an overproduction or underproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for giving color to our skin, hair, and eyes. Several factors contribute to the development of irregular pigmentation:
- Sun Exposure: Prolonged and unprotected sun exposure triggers the production of excess melanin in an attempt to protect the skin from UV radiation. This often results in dark spots and uneven skin tone.
- Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, such as during pregnancy or due to hormonal disorders, can lead to the development of melasma, a form of hyperpigmentation often characterized by brown or gray-brown patches on the face.
- Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Inflammation resulting from acne, injuries, or skin conditions can lead to increased melanin production in the affected area, causing dark spots.
- Aging: As we age, the production of melanin becomes less regulated, leading to age spots and uneven pigmentation.
- Genetics: Some individuals are genetically predisposed to developing irregular pigmentation.
Advanced Treatment Options for Irregular Pigmentation
Irregular pigmentation, often manifesting as hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, or melasma, can be a significant cosmetic concern for many individuals. While traditional treatments like topical creams, chemical peels, and basic laser therapy offer some relief, they may not provide satisfactory results for everyone. In recent years, advancements in dermatological science have paved the way for more effective and targeted treatment options that go beyond the surface to address the underlying causes of irregular pigmentation.
Clear and Brilliant Laser:
Clear and Brilliant Laser is a gentle fractional laser treatment that targets the top layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve overall skin texture. It effectively addresses early signs of aging, sun damage, and mild pigmentation irregularities. The laser energy creates controlled micro-injuries, prompting the body's natural healing process and leading to the replacement of damaged skin with healthier tissue.
Fractional CO2 Laser:
Fractional CO2 Laser is a more intensive treatment suitable for more pronounced pigmentation issues. It works by delivering laser energy in a grid pattern, creating microscopic columns of thermal damage in the skin. This prompts the body's natural healing process and stimulates collagen production. Fractional CO2 Laser is effective in treating deeper wrinkles, severe sun damage, and significant pigmentation irregularities.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL):
IPL uses broad-spectrum light to target various skin concerns, including pigmentation irregularities. The light energy is absorbed by the melanin, causing the targeted areas to darken temporarily before gradually flaking off. IPL is particularly effective for treating sun spots, age spots, and certain types of vascular lesions.
Pigmentation Treatments Before and After Gallery
Request A Consultation
Book a safe and easy consultation with the Aesthetic Medicine Center thats been voted the Best Plastic Surgeon and MedSpa in Orange County by the readers of O.C. Register for over 14 years. Our cosmetic specialist are board-certified and will create a customized transformation plan to achieve your areas of concern.
665 Camino De Los Mares #100A, San Clemente, CA - (949) 313 2600
Protect & Shine
Get 15% off a Retinol or Pigment Correction & Brightening with Any Product Purchase (greater or equal value)
15% off Both When Purchasing a Retinol and Pigment Correction & Brightening
Get 15% off a Retinol or Pigment Correction Brightening Product with Any of Our Medical Skincare Treatments
Fractional C02 Laser
$1,399 - Treatment includes face and neck , post procedural kit and post procedure facial = total savings $665
IPL Laser
$899 - 3 Series Includes FREE One TCA Post Peel and Alastin Hydratint SPF 36
Mix & Match Any Three
Get 3 Any Treatments-Clear & Brilliant / RF Microneedling / IPL Laser
(includes face and neck)- $1499
Botox & Filler
Any 2 Syringes of fillers - Dysport 60U or Botox 20U FREE ( Botox $13.50 per units for additional units after 20U)
Any 3 syringes of fillers- Dysport 90U or Botox 30U FREE ( Botox $13.50 per units for additional units after 30U)
*Additional fillers after 3rd syringes - $499 each. (Voluma/ Volux-$700 each)
POINTS AVAILABLE
Hello,
Use Your Points Today in Any of Our Offices:
Have a question or
want to schedule?
Call Today for a FREE phone
Estimate or to Make a Safe & Easy
Appointment with FAC Professional
