Facial plastic surgeons and plastic surgeons both offer cosmetic surgery and other aesthetic procedures. However, there are distinct differences between the two. Facial plastic surgeons focus solely on procedures for the face and neck, while general plastic surgeons treat all areas of the face and body without focused training on the face or neck.
Facial plastic surgeons typically do a residency in otolaryngology, which specializes in treating the ear, nose, and throat. They then get training in facial plastic surgery to complement their expertise in facial anatomy and physiology.
Plastic surgeons begin their training in general surgery and then move to specialized training in all areas of plastic surgery. Because they typically perform many more different types of procedures, such as breast augmentation and body contouring, they do not tend to perform as many procedures specifically on the face and neck.
It is critical to understand the differences between plastic surgeons and facial plastic surgeons when you are trying to choose the best doctor for your procedure.
What is plastic surgery?
Plastic surgery involves a vast range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures that might include:
- Breast augmentation
- Tummy tucks
- Body lifts
- Arm lifts
- Breast reduction/gynecomastia treatment
- Face procedures like a facelift, neck lift, and eyelid surgery
Plastic surgery also includes procedures to correct congenital defects or other defects caused by injury, illness, or trauma. To become board-certified in plastic surgery, a surgeon must show expertise in six different areas, only one of which is cosmetic surgery.
For patients who need breast reconstruction after cancer surgery, want to correct a birth defect, or desire enhancements nearly anywhere on the body, a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best choice. However, if you want a more complex facial procedure like rhinoplasty, facial implants, or a facelift, there are good reasons to consider a facial plastic surgeon.
What is facial plastic surgery?
Facial plastic surgery includes procedures that focus exclusively on the face and neck. Common facial plastic surgery procedures include:
- Facelift
- Brow or forehead lift
- Rhinoplasty (nose surgery)
- Neck lift
- Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
- Chin surgery
- Facial implants
- Scar revision for the face and neck
- Reconstructive surgery for the face and neck
Facial plastic surgeons are often board-certified in both otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery. Board certification requires a rigorous process of testing and evaluation that demonstrates a physician’s dedication to their specialty and their patients. When you choose a board-certified surgeon for your procedure, you have peace of mind in knowing your doctor has achieved the highest level of expertise and patient care.
Why choose a facial plastic surgeon?
Facial plastic surgeons bring extensive training, experience, and expertise in face and neck procedures to the operating table. The complex anatomy of the face requires the knowledge and qualifications of a facial plastic surgeon to ensure full preservation of facial function and the best possible aesthetic results. Specialization and a higher volume of procedures can increase the chance of an excellent result by decreasing the risk of a complication.
Contact Charlotte’s best facial plastic surgeon for more information
Dr. Kulbersh is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who focuses exclusively on procedures for the face and neck. He is the director of Carolina Facial Plastics and has also established his luxurious Fairview Surgical Suites and Recovery Retreat to ensure patients undergo procedures in a safe and private environment with the option of spending a portion of their recovery time in a five-star retreat with round-the-clock medical care if they choose.
To find the best facial plastic surgeon for you, schedule your consultation with our office today.
Next, learn the questions you should ask your surgeon before undergoing neck lift surgery.
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