Plastic Surgeon or Cosmetic Surgeon? Don’t Make This Common Mistake

Why It’s Crucial to Understand the Difference Before Any Cosmetic Procedure

When researching cosmetic surgery, it’s easy to get confused between Plastic Surgeons and Cosmetic Surgeons. Both terms sound similar, and both perform aesthetic procedures — but the difference between them is far more important than most people realise.

In fact, many patients who have previously undergone surgery, even something as common as breast augmentation, are often surprised to learn that not all “cosmetic surgeons” are fully qualified Plastic Surgeons.

This article will help you understand the key differences so you can make an educated and safe decision before choosing your surgeon. Beauty clinic photos and glossy websites can be persuasive — but remember, it’s not the clinic that will perform your surgery, it’s the doctor.

Education & Training: The Foundation of True Expertise

A Plastic Surgeon undergoes one of the longest and most rigorous training paths in medicine.After completing medical school (typically 6 years), they must complete 7–8 additional years of postgraduate surgical training, exams, and clinical practice before earning recognition as a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.

In Thailand, this means years of surgical experience followed by admission to the Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of Thailand and recognition as a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons.

By contrast, a Cosmetic Surgeon is a medical practitioner who may have completed shorter, non-specialist training focused on aesthetic procedures — but does not hold specialist qualifications in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Because of this, Cosmetic Surgeons are not eligible to operate in JCI-accredited hospitals or internationally recognised medical centres in Thailand. At Healsea-partnered hospitals, only fully qualified Plastic Surgeons perform surgical procedures.

Technical Knowledge & Surgical Skill

Plastic Surgeons are trained to handle both reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries, giving them a deep understanding of anatomy, tissue healing, and aesthetic balance.They can adapt surgical techniques to suit each patient’s anatomy and goals — rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all method.

For example, a Plastic Surgeon can perform breast augmentation or reduction using various techniques:

• Implant placement: above the muscle, below the muscle, or dual-plane (with four different variations)

• Implant shape: round or anatomical (teardrop)

• Incision site: under the breast fold, around the areola, or through the armpit

  
  

Many self-described “Cosmetic Surgeons” only offer one limited approach — such as textured round implants placed under the muscle through the breast fold — simply because they lack the technical expertise or training to safely perform alternatives.

At our partner clinics and hospitals, Plastic Surgeons evaluate every patient individually and recommend the best surgical plan for your anatomy, preferences, and long-term results.

Your Safety, Your Choice

Choosing the right surgeon is the most important decision you’ll make in your cosmetic journey.Don’t compromise your safety or your results by trusting a practitioner without specialist training.

Always ask:

• Is my surgeon a qualified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon?

• Are they recognised by the Royal College of Surgeons or equivalent body?

• Do they operate in JCI-accredited hospitals?

  
  

When your surgery is performed by a certified Plastic Surgeon, you’re not just choosing a doctor — you’re choosing years of specialised training, precision, and safety.

✅ In Summary

• Plastic Surgeons = Specialist doctors with 7–8+ years of advanced surgical training.

• Cosmetic Surgeons = Medical practitioners with aesthetic training but no specialist qualifications.

• For safety, precision, and optimal results — always choose a qualified Plastic Surgeon.