There are many doctors in the Philadelphia area offering cosmetic services to help you reverse the signs of aging or improve your appearance. Some of these doctors call themselves cosmetic surgeons while others call themselves plastic surgeons. It is important to understand that these two terms are not the same. While all plastic surgeons can also be considered cosmetic surgeons, not all cosmetic surgeons can be considered plastic surgeons. So what differentiates a plastic surgeon from a cosmetic surgeon? Essentially, the main difference lies in their experience and area of specialization. Cosmetic surgeons are typically doctors who have chosen to specialize in a different field of medicine, but decided to expand their practice to offer cosmetic procedures as well. These doctors may focus their practice on dermatology, internal medicine, gynecology, or any other specialization. In many instances, they have only taken a brief training course on how to perform the cosmetic procedures they offer. In order to be considered a plastic surgeon, a doctor must undergo extensive training and specialize in the field of plastic surgery. In addition, you must earn board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The board certification process is very rigorous. Surgeons must fulfill a series of demanding criteria, including:
- Graduate from an accredited medical school
- Complete a general surgery internship
- Complete a minimum 5 year residency and advanced fellowships in plastic surgery
- Pass rigorous written and oral exams demonstrating their knowledge in the specialization
During this process, a doctor devotes years to mastering the craft of plastic surgery. By the time board certification is earned, a plastic surgeon has the extensive experience necessary to understand the sophisticated nuances of each procedure, evaluate the techniques that will achieve the best results for a particular patient, and have the technical skills to deliver beautiful, natural looking results. When choosing a plastic surgeon to perform your desired procedure, it is important to work with someone who is board certified. Cosmetic surgeons simply cannot match this level of skill and experience. Dr. David Bottger is a board certified plastic surgeon with more than two decades of experience. During this time, he has developed a reputation for delivering beautiful natural looking results. We encourage you to view our Before and After Gallery to get a better idea of what can be achieved with your desired procedure. If you are interested in plastic surgery in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area, please contact Dr. David Bottger today to schedule your initial consultation.