Dermatology vs Plastic Surgery
Medically Reviewed by Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD
When it comes to cosmetic procedures for the face, neck, and body, two medical specialties stand out: cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery. These are the only two fields in medicine where physicians receive specialized training in aesthetic procedures that enhance appearance while maintaining natural, balanced results.
If you’re considering a cosmetic procedure, whether it’s Botox, fillers, laser treatments, skin tightening, or surgical enhancements, it’s essential to choose a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Board certification ensures that your provider has undergone rigorous training, education, and testing in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. With so many providers offering aesthetic treatments today, knowing the difference between dermatologists and plastic surgeons can help you make an informed decision about who to trust with your skin and appearance.
Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in surgical procedures that enhance, reconstruct, or restore the face and body. They receive extensive training in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, allowing them to perform procedures that range from aesthetic enhancements to complex reconstructive surgeries for trauma, burns, and congenital conditions.
Board Certification for Plastic Surgeons
To ensure the highest level of expertise, board-certified plastic surgeons undergo training and certification through the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This certification requires years of specialized surgical training, rigorous exams, and hands-on experience in both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Patients should always verify that their surgeon is board-certified by the ABPS, as this guarantees they have received formal training in plastic surgery rather than general surgery or another medical specialty.
Common Cosmetic Procedures Performed by Plastic Surgeons
Plastic surgeons specialize in surgical cosmetic procedures that reshape and enhance different areas of the face and body, including:
- Facelifts and Neck Lifts – To reduce sagging skin and restore a more youthful appearance.
- Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) – To refine or reconstruct the nose’s shape and function.
- Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) – To improve drooping eyelids and remove under-eye bags.
- Breast Augmentation, Lift, or Reduction – To enhance or reshape the breasts.
- Tummy Tucks (Abdominoplasty) – To tighten abdominal muscles and remove excess skin.
- Liposuction – To remove localized fat deposits from various areas of the body.
- Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) and Body Contouring – To reshape and enhance body proportions.
Reconstructive Procedures Performed by Plastic Surgeons
In addition to cosmetic procedures, plastic surgeons also specialize in reconstructive surgery, which focuses on restoring function and appearance after injuries, trauma, cancer, or congenital defects. These procedures include:
- Breast Reconstruction after mastectomy.
- Skin Grafts for burn victims.
- Cleft Lip and Palate Repair for congenital abnormalities.
- Reconstructive Facial Surgery for trauma or cancer patients.
Cosmetic Dermatology
Cosmetic dermatologists are medical doctors who specialize in non-surgical and minimally invasive procedures to enhance and rejuvenate the face, neck, and body. Unlike plastic surgeons, who focus on surgical enhancements, dermatologists are experts in skin health, injectables, laser treatments, and non-invasive body contouring technologies that improve appearance without the need for surgery.
Board Certification for Dermatologists
To become a board-certified dermatologist, a physician must complete years of specialized training and pass rigorous exams through the American Board of Dermatology (ABD). This certification ensures that a dermatologist is highly trained in both medical and cosmetic skin concerns, allowing them to provide comprehensive skin care for their patients.
Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures Performed by Dermatologists
Cosmetic dermatologists are the best option for patients looking to improve their appearance without undergoing surgery. Their expertise includes injectables, laser treatments, skin tightening, and non-invasive body contouring, making them the go-to specialists for minimally invasive rejuvenation.
Some of the most popular procedures performed by dermatologists include:
- Injectables – Botox, Dysport, Daxxify, and dermal fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane for wrinkle reduction and facial volume restoration.
- Laser and Energy-Based Treatments – Fractional laser resurfacing, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), and radiofrequency treatments for wrinkles, skin tightening, and pigmentation concerns.
- Cellulite Treatment – Advanced technologies like Avéli and biostimulatory injectables to smooth dimpled skin.
- Non-Invasive Body Contouring – Fat reduction and muscle toning treatments with Emsculpt NEO and TruSculpt iD, which improve body shape without surgery.
- Skin Rejuvenation – Microneedling with PRP, chemical peels, and HydraFacial treatments for healthier, more youthful-looking skin.
More Than Just Cosmetic Treatments
Beyond aesthetics, dermatologists are experts in overall skin health and play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating skin conditions such as:
- Acne and Rosacea – Providing both prescription treatments and in-office procedures to manage breakouts and redness.
- Eczema and Psoriasis – Helping patients control chronic skin conditions with advanced therapies.
- Skin Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment – Conducting skin cancer screenings and managing cases of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
- Hair and Scalp Disorders – Treating hair loss, scalp conditions, and thinning hair with medical and procedural approaches.
Choosing the Right Specialist
If you are considering surgical enhancements, a board-certified plastic surgeon may be the right choice. However, if you are looking for non-surgical cosmetic treatments such as Botox, fillers, laser resurfacing, body contouring, or cellulite treatments, a cosmetic dermatologist is the ideal specialist.
With their deep understanding of skin biology, expertise in advanced non-invasive treatments, and comprehensive approach to skin health, board-certified dermatologists provide the safest and most effective options for both medical and aesthetic skin concerns.
Arash Akhavan, MD is founder and owner of The Dermatology and Laser Group, one of the top centers for cosmetic procedures in New York City for over a decade. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD is a Board Certified Dermatologist and an Associate Professor at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Akhavan is a Castle Connolly Top Doc, New York Magazine Best Doctor, and Super Doctor featured in The New York Times. Dr. Akhavan is a key opinion leader that has been featured on hundreds of media publications including The New York Times, Allure, Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, ABC News, Fox News, Fox 5, NY1, WPIX, and more. He has been featured on nationally syndicated television programs such as The Doctors.
Dr. Akhavan serves as an educator and lecturer for multiple aesthetic device and injectable companies. This allows his office access to newer technologies at an earlier date than other offices, as well as a higher level of expertise in the use of these devices. This, in turn, translates to more effective and safer treatments for our patients.
By Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD | | Categories: Face and Neck
