Plastic surgery: an annotated bibliography“Aesthetic surgery vs. plastic surgery". American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, 2016. Web. February 11, 2016. Although both cosmetic and plastic surgery involve improving a patient's body, the general principles and philosophies that guide training, research, and goals for patient outcome differ. Cosmetic surgery procedures and techniques are entirely based on improving the patient's appearance. Key goals may include improving ascetic appeal, symmetry and proportions. Cosmetic surgery is performed by doctors from a variety of medical fields, including plastic surgeons. The scope of cosmetic surgery includes breast augmentation and facial contouring, so the title "certified plastic surgeon" indicates a specific level of experience in plastic surgery, but does not necessarily refer to the same thing when it comes to cosmetic surgery , as the training may not include many common cosmetic procedures. Additionally, the title does not indicate whether a doctor has more or less experience training in cosmetic surgery than a doctor certified in another specialty. Because there are no specialty programs dedicated exclusively to cosmetic surgery in the United States, cosmetic surgeons typically gain training and experience after receiving specialty training. You must complete a post-residency fellowship, where a minimum of 300 individual cosmetic surgery procedures will be performed. You need to be able to manage complex wounds, use implantable materials and perform tumor surgery. Basics of physiology, pathology, surgical anatomy and other basic sciences are required for this specialty. Additionally, a plastic surgeon must also be able to combine basic knowledge, ethics, technical expertise, surgical judgment, and interpersonal skills to achieve satisfying patient relationships. Fortunately, this field is a great choice for those who wish to have a flexible professional lifestyle, as plastic surgery can offer professionals lifelong satisfaction in the practice of surgery. This field is ideal for those who have a calm but eager character, willing to conquer new challenges, learn new technologies and continually develop their skills. The field of plastic surgery is constantly advancing, so plastic surgeons must be leaders who are willing to take responsibility for the outcome of their care.