Do you know the differences between cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery? It is common that when you hear about these types of surgeries you think that you are talking about the same thing, however, this is not the case. Contrary to what is commonly thought, these are specialties that, although they have similarities, are different.
That is precisely why some people may be candidates for a cosmetic procedure, but not for a plastic surgery. It is important to know what are the main differences between these two specialties in order to choose the right specialist to deal with your case.
Differences between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery
In fact, within the field of plastic surgery is also cosmetic surgery and restorative surgery. The difference between these two types of surgery is that plastic surgery can be performed on people who have some type of physical injury, such as tumors, burns, or congenital abnormalities. It is also common for these surgeries to be performed in more specific areas such as the face, hands, and genitals.
On the other hand, any healthy person who wants to make some body modification in order to create more harmony in their physical appearance, can have cosmetic surgery. Another characteristic of this surgery is that it allows to decrease the effects of aging and helps body contouring.
Key features of a qualified plastic surgeon
In Mexico, plastic surgery procedures have been a specialty since the 70’s and can only be performed by people with the necessary studies.
One of the main characteristics of a plastic surgeon is the number of years they study, usually the plastic surgeon studies an average of 10 to 13 years, during this period they must finish the career of general doctor.
Once that is done, the surgeon makes a basic specialty in general surgery and then another in plastic surgery. The latter includes the study of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery through an established academic program, after finishing a certification exam must be taken.
This test is presented to the Mexican Council of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgeons, only surgeons who pass the exam can obtain their specialist diploma. They can also obtain their professional license, as well as a certification from the board, certification that must be renewed every 5 years.
Differences between cosmetic and plastic surgery
Although there are countries like Spain, where there is no master’s degree for cosmetic surgery and the surgeon can perform the surgeries, in Mexico it is not like that. Here cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgeries are within the same specialty and only a plastic surgeon who belongs to the CMCPER can perform them.
Some of the most common procedures in this branch of medicine are:
Blepharoplasty: best known as eyelid surgery, is a very common surgery that helps eliminate wrinkles and bags that are generated in the eyelids.
Liposculpture surgery: It can be said that liposuction in Tijuana Mexico has become one of the most popular plastic surgeries. Liposuction is part of the liposculpture treatment and is applied to remove excess body fat from some areas to place it in other areas where it is needed. People who have gone through a massive weight loss surgery known as bariatric surgery prefer to get a liposuction to get rid of the extra skin.
Double chin liposuction: It is another variety of liposuction, the main goal is to eliminate excess fat that is accumulated under the chin.
Rhinoplasty: it is a procedure in which you work with the shape of the nose, so that you can resize or correct a problem.
Bichectomy: is surgery that is usually performed to make the face look sharper, during this intervention the “Bichat bags” are removed. This procedure helps improve the facial appearance.
Jowl lifting: This procedure is usually used to correct problems such as sagging skin, it is not only about stretching the excess skin, but also about relocating each muscle.
Breast Augmentation Surgery: Like liposuction, breast surgery is one of the most requested plastic surgeries in Tijuana. This surgery consists of placing silicone implants in the breasts, so that the increase is generated.
Breast Reduction: as its name says, it is a procedure that reduces the volume of the breasts by removing excess tissue.Thousands of female patients suffer from pain back due to the weight of their breasts.
Lipectomy: This procedure is also known as abdominoplasty and tummy tuck, its main goal is to reposition the abdominal muscles, during this surgery excess skin and fat is removed. In recent years, tummy tuck surgery has become one of the most popular procedures, because of the appearance it leaves in the abdomen and it is a very effective plastic surgery. Many people decide to get a tummy tuck procedure because they are not comfortable with the stretch marks of their abdominal region.
Buttock Augmentation: is a very popular plastic surgery. Whether through the use of implant or applying the same patient fat, this procedure manages to give volume to the size of the buttocks.It helps to improve the unsightly contours of the buttock.
Reconstructive surgery: in reconstructive surgery procedures all kinds of traumas and deformations that the patient may present are treated, procedures such as limb reconstruction and correction of congenital deformities are performed. This type of surgery is also done to rebuild the breasts of women who have had breast cancer and the skin of burned people. Many of the people who have been through these situations have a history of depression; the reconstructive procedure may help them go through any episode of depression.
Fat deposits: Also known as lipomas is a slow-growing, fatty lump that is most often situated between your skin and the underlying muscle layer. They tend to increase in size with body weight gain.
Before performing any type of cosmetic surgery, it is necessary to go with an expert. It is important to remember that it is only the plastic surgeon who can perform a surgical procedure and that, in addition, they must have all the necessary permits to do so.
Fortunately, at Clínica Renueva located in Tijuana Mexico near the border with San Diego, we have the experience and the necessary equipment to perform plastic surgeries, our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Robles has studies and specializations, in addition to being a member of the Mexican Council of Plastic Surgery, so he is trained to perform plastic and reconstructive surgery. We have a wide range of procedures. Contact us for more information about your ideal plastic surgery, so you can have a virtual consultation or come to our clinic where we take excellent care of social distancing.
Medical tourism industry has grown in recent years, because Tijuana has a high level in aesthetic surgery and dental procedures. International patients come to get quality plastic surgery here in Mexico, so they can improve their appearance and have personalized care.
Many foreign patients come from the cities of Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Sacramento, because we are near the border with San Diego and that makes us a great medical tourism destination. We are experts in complex procedures and body contouring surgery. In Tijuana the plastic surgery cost is minor compared to the United States and Canada.
If you are interested in any of our plastic surgery procedures, you do not have anything to worry about; because there are 5-star hotels near our medical facility, where you can have the best quality of care after a body-contouring surgery, and you will have the best surgical care.
