The terms “plastic surgery” and “cosmetic surgery” are not interchangeable. Cosmetic surgery is the surgery of appearance. It is elective and focuses on the aesthetics of beauty.Plastic surgery includes both reconstructive surgery and aesthetic surgery. The only specialty which trains surgeons in all facets of cosmetic surgery is plastic surgery alone. Only plastic surgeons have gone through the years of rigorous training needed to safely handle any complications that may arise during the procedure.
This article from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, explains in more detail….