Repost........ lookingyourbest: Many people throw around the terms plastic surgeon and cosmetic surgeon almost as if they are interchangeable. However, there are important differences between the two. The key difference is completion of medical school. A board-certified plastic surgeon serves first as a surgical resident for at least 5 years where they undergo rigorous training in all aspects of surgery and then 3 years of focused plastic surgery training. This process can take 6 to 8 years or more. A cosmetic surgeon can belong to any medical specialty. He/she could be a general surgeon, gynecologist, dermatologist, family physician, internist, etc. who has decided that they want to perform cosmetic procedures. The training can be anywhere from a one-year cosmetic surgery fellowship to a handful of short weekend courses on topics ranging from how to perform liposuction, utilize injectables, or place breast implants. If you are considering any type of procedure it is important to do yo...