Are healthcare specialties "plastic surgery" and "reconstructive surgery" the same?

No, but...: Both are done by plastic surgeons. Reconstructive surgery starts with an abnormality; the surgeon attempts to bring things back towards normal. Cosmetic (or aesthetic) surgery starts with the normal and tries to make it better. Plastic surgeons may perform one or the other and/or hand surgery, craniofacial surgery, microsurgery, and other procedures as well.

Same board certifica: According to abms, the american board of plastic sirgery will certify training in plastic surgery. There is no board of reconstructive surgery and as a generic term, many specialties perform reconstructive surgery. . When i first came into practice our society was called amer society plast & reconstruct (asprs) but it is now called amer. Society plastic surg" (asps) to avoid confusion.

Plastic surgery: Plastic surgeons may perform aesthetic plastic surgery or reconstructive surgery. It is important that a plastic surgeon be able to perform both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery in a given area since principles from aesthetic surgery are used in reconstructive surgery and visa versa.

Yes.: Surgeons who are board certified plastic surgeons are trained in both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Often, as a plastic surgeon's practice “matures” he/she will develop a area of interest or expertise. For example, a plastic surgeon may specialize in reconstructive surgery, aesthetic surgery or have a combination practice. Hope this helps.

Yes!: The asps (american association of plastic surgeons) was formerly the asprs (american association of plastic and reconstructive surgeons). The name was simplified but the surgeons remain the same.

Great question: In 1937 the american board of plastic surgery was founded. After the horrors of modern warfare it became apparent that current specialties were not able to treat the loss of function and altered appearances for these courageous men and women. After repairing traumatic injuries a natural off shoot was to develop cosmetic surgery. Do you wonder why non plastic surgeons do plastic surgery?