Facial Plastic Surgeon VS Plastic Surgeon: Who to Choose

If you’re ready to go under the knife, whether for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons, perhaps the most important choice is who will perform your surgery. While facial plastic surgeons and general plastic surgeons are both highly trained and qualified to perform cosmetic procedures, there are some important distinctions. Differences in their focus, training and areas of expertise are important to understand, especially when it comes to procedures involving the face.

What Is a Plastic Surgeon?

A plastic surgeon is a physician who has completed training in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Their expertise is broad and can cover procedures across the entire body, including breast augmentation, reconstruction, body contouring or reconstructive surgery following trauma or cancer. Because their training covers many areas of the body, plastic surgeons often perform a wide variety of surgical procedures across different regions.

What Is a Facial Plastic Surgeon?

A facial plastic surgeon is a specialist who focuses exclusively on procedures of the face, head and neck. They are trained in ophthalmology before completing additional fellowship training in facial plastic surgery. This specialized training means their practice is centered on the eyelids, eyebrows, nose, neck and facial reconstruction. Because they dedicate their entire practice to the face, facial plastic surgeons develop highly refined skills in facial anatomy, symmetry and aesthetics.

Which Is Right For Me?

The most important distinction between the two specialties is in their scope of practice. Plastic surgeons treat the entire body, including the face, while facial plastic surgeons exclusively work on the face, head and neck. This difference impacts both surgical experience and aesthetic approach. Facial plastic surgeons typically perform a higher volume of facial procedures, which can translate as greater specialization in facial rejuvenation techniques.

Facial Focus

The face is one of the most visible and complex areas of the body, so even small changes can significantly impact appearance and expression. Because of this, many patients prefer a surgeon who focuses exclusively on facial procedures when considering a blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, facelift or other facial rejuvenation or reconstruction surgeries.

Facial plastic surgeons can emphasize natural-looking results that create balance and harmony between facial features while still preserving individual identity. They are experts at minimizing visible scarring and excel in precision-driven work around delicate areas like the eyes and nose.

Both plastic surgeons and facial plastic surgeons are highly trained, but their areas of focus differ. If your procedure involves the face, choosing a surgeon who specializes exclusively in facial aesthetics can provide an added level of precision and expertise.

Trusted Facial Plastic Surgery in Bethesda, MD | Fairfax, VA | Gainesville, VA

Dr. Kevin Perman of Center for Eyelid and Facial Plastic Surgery is an oculofacial plastic surgeon with over 35 years of surgical experience in the greater Washington D.C. area, who is a recognized authority in the management of both aesthetic and reconstructive problems, dealing with eyelids, brows, tear drainage system, orbit, and surrounding facial structures.

Questions? Contact Dr. Perman today.