Plastic Surgery
What Does a Plastic Surgeon Do?
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Haute MD Editorial Team
A plastic surgeon is a physician who performs surgical and non-surgical procedures to reshape, reconstruct, and enhance the body and face. Plastic surgery encompasses two broad categories: reconstructive surgery, which restores form and function after injury, illness, or congenital conditions, and cosmetic surgery, which improves aesthetic appearance. Board-certified plastic surgeons complete at least five years of surgical training after medical school.
What procedures do plastic surgeons perform?
Plastic surgeons perform a wide range of procedures including facelifts, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, neck lifts, breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast reconstruction, tummy tucks, liposuction, body contouring, fat transfer, and hand surgery. Many also perform non-surgical procedures such as Botox, dermal fillers, and laser treatments.
Reconstructive vs. cosmetic plastic surgery
Reconstructive surgery addresses functional and structural abnormalities caused by congenital defects, trauma, burns, infection, or disease — including breast reconstruction after mastectomy, cleft lip and palate repair, and skin cancer reconstruction. Cosmetic surgery focuses on enhancing appearance for aesthetic reasons — facelifts, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, and body contouring.
What is the difference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon?
Board-certified plastic surgeons complete accredited training in plastic and reconstructive surgery. "Cosmetic surgeon" is not a protected term — any licensed physician can use it regardless of specialty training. Always verify that a physician performing cosmetic surgery is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does plastic surgery training take?
Board-certified plastic surgeons complete 4 years of medical school, 5-7 years of surgical residency (including plastic surgery fellowship), and in some cases additional fellowship training in subspecialties such as facial plastic surgery, microsurgery, or craniofacial surgery.
Can plastic surgeons perform both face and body procedures?
Yes. Most board-certified plastic surgeons are trained in both facial and body procedures. Some choose to focus their practice on specific areas, such as facial plastic surgery or breast and body surgery.
Do plastic surgeons treat skin cancer?
Plastic surgeons perform reconstructive surgery following skin cancer removal, particularly Mohs surgery. However, diagnosis and primary treatment of skin cancer is typically managed by dermatologists.
What is the difference between a plastic surgeon and an aesthetician?
A plastic surgeon is a medical doctor who performs surgical and non-surgical procedures under medical supervision. An aesthetician is a licensed skincare professional who performs facials and basic skin treatments but cannot perform medical procedures.
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Dr. Daniel Careaga
Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Plastic Surgery · Coral Gables, FL
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Dr. Alexandra Condé-Green
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Plastic Surgery · Boca Raton, FL
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Dr. Samuel Lin
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Plastic Surgery · Boston, MA
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