Is it true that plastic surgeons only perform reconstruction procedures? What is the difference between a cosmetic plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon?

A surgeon cannot call himself a plastic surgeon unless he can perform both aesthetic/cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries. The very root of almost all cosmetic procedures can be traced to the early reconstructive procedure. Thus, a surgeon whose main interest is aesthetic/cosmetic surgery must have a firm foundation in reconstructive plastic surgery, to better grasp the basic principle and application of cosmetic/aesthetic plastic surgery. Reconstructive plastic surgery is a prerequisite in training for all plastic surgeons. So plastic surgeons is both a cosmetic/aesthetic and reconstructive surgeon. It takes 6 to 8 years of training in burn surgery, aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery in an accredited institution before physician could call himself a Plastic Surgeon. This formal training will include 3 to 5 years of General Surgery and 3 years of Burns, Cosmetic/Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Training. In the Philippines, there are only few training ...  more