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Posted on June 22, 2021 in Plastic Surgery
When considering a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, you have many surgeons to choose from and it can be difficult to determine who is the right choice based on their training and qualifications. You will see that some surgeons are referred to as “cosmetic surgeons” while others are called “plastic surgeons.” This may seem synonymous at first, but there are key differences between these types of doctors.
The Difference Between Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery is only performed to enhance the patient’s appearance. Plastic surgery, however, can also be performed to correct or reconstruct areas of the face or body affected by birth defects, burns, or disease. While cosmetic surgeons are only focused on improving a patient’s looks while preserving function, a plastic surgeon is trained to make alterations that improve or restore function.
How are Plastic Surgeons and Cosmetic Surgeons Educated?
Most plastic surgeons will complete a residency focused on the specialty following medical school. However, there are no cosmetic surgery residencies, so these surgeons typically complete training and board certification in another surgical specialty with some post-residency training in cosmetic surgery, such as a fellowship program.
How Do Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeons Become Board Certified?
Board certification is just one way to ensure that a plastic or cosmetic surgeon is knowledgeable and skilled enough to complete a successful surgery. Each board will have requirements that vary slightly, but all require physicians to complete an accredited residency training and pass tests that demonstrate their proficiency. They must also demonstrate experience by completing a set number of procedures in their specialty. Cosmetic surgeons are certified through the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, while plastic surgeons are certified through the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Both cosmetic and plastic surgeons may also be certified in other specialties, making them “double board certified.” For example, Dr. Ransom is double board certified in head and neck surgery (AAOHNS) as well as facial plastic and reconstructive surgery (AAFPRS).
Dr. Ransom’s Education and Certifications
Dr. Ransom is a Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. He holds board certifications in Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Following medical school, Dr. Ransom completed residency training in head and neck surgery at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and a fellowship in facial plastic, reconstructive, and laser surgery with Dr. Andrew Jacono in New York City. This means that he holds advanced training in both restoring function or addressing defects in the face as well as performing cosmetic procedures. Unlike many plastic surgeons who perform procedures for the whole body, Dr. Ransom focuses only on procedures for the face and neck area. This includes more complex functional or cosmetic rhinoplasties, facelifts, necklifts, and eyelid surgeries.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about Dr. Ransom’s qualifications or to find out if you are a suitable candidate for a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, schedule a consultation. Call our San Francisco office at (415) 877-6592 or contact us online.
Dr. Evan Ransom is an Ivy League-educated and Ivy League trained Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. He is a Double Board Certified Head and Neck Surgeon and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and fellowship-trained in facial plastic, reconstructive, and laser surgery. His practice is in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving patients from San Francisco, Oakland, Marin County, Palo Alto, Silicon Valley, Walnut Creek, the East Bay, and all over Northern California.
