If you are considering a cosmetic surgery procedure to enhance your appearance, you may be wondering what the difference is between a Plastic Surgeon and a Facial Plastic Surgeon. Both specialities deal with improving the form and function of the body, but they have different training, focus, and expertise. We would like to help you understand the main differences between these two types of surgeons and why you should choose Dr Denton, a leading board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon in Vancouver, for your facial cosmetic surgery.

Plastic Surgery vs Facial Plastic Surgery: The Training

 

One of the main differences between a plastic surgeon and a facial plastic surgeon is the type and duration of their training. Both specialities require extensive education and certification, but they follow different paths and have different areas of focus. Let’s take a closer look at how plastic surgeons and facial plastic surgeons are trained.

Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery is a broad speciality that covers the reconstruction and repair of various parts of the body, such as the face, breast, abdomen, hand, and genitals. Plastic surgeons complete a general surgery residency followed by a plastic surgery fellowship, which can last from two to three years. 

Plastic surgeons can perform both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures on any area of the body, however, they tend not to perform as many procedures specifically on the face and neck since they perform different types of plastic surgery procedures. A board-certified plastic surgeon is the best doctor to see if you need breast augmentation or reconstruction, a tummy tuck, or want to correct a birth defect.

Facial Plastic Surgery

Dr. Denton performing facial surgery at his Vancouver ClinicFacial plastic surgery is a subspecialty of otolaryngology, which is the medical field that deals with the ear, nose, and throat. Facial plastic surgeons complete an otolaryngology residency followed by a facial plastic surgery fellowship, which can last from one to two years. Facial plastic surgeons like Dr Denton focus exclusively on cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the head and neck that can include:

 

  • Asian Cosmetic Surgery: Includes nose, upper eyelid and chin procedures specifically developed to take into account the unique features of Asian patients.
  • Browlift: Smoothing wrinkles and lines across the forehead.
  • Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift): Correcting drooping eyelids or bags under the eyes.
  • Facelift: Elevating sagging skin and restoring facial contours.
  • Facial Implants: Enhancing the definition and projection of the chin and cheeks.
  • Facial Liposuction: Remove localized areas of fat in the neck, chin and jawline or jowl areas.
  • Otoplasty & Earlobe Repair: Reduce the distance from the ear to the side of the head and optimize the size of the earlobes. If the earlobes have been torn or damaged in any way, they can also be repaired.
  • Rhinoplasty: Reshaping the nose to enhance facial harmony.

Plastic Surgery vs Facial Plastic Surgery: The Focus

Plastic surgeons have a wide range of skills and knowledge that allow them to perform various procedures on different parts of the body. However, this also means that they may not have the same level of expertise and experience in facial cosmetic surgery as facial plastic surgeons, who dedicate their entire practice to the face and neck. 

Facial plastic surgeons like Dr Denton in Vancouver have a deeper understanding of the complex anatomy, physiology, and aesthetics of facial structures and how they interact with each other. They also have more exposure and training in the latest techniques and technologies for facial rejuvenation and enhancement.

Plastic Surgery vs Facial Plastic Surgery: The Expertise

Plastic surgeons and facial plastic surgeons can both perform common facial cosmetic procedures, such as rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, facelift, and brow lift. However, facial plastic surgeons have the advantage of being more specialized and experienced in these procedures, as they perform them more frequently and exclusively. 

Facial plastic surgeons can also offer more advanced and customized procedures, such as facial implants, facial liposuction, Asian cosmetic surgery, and ear procedures. Facial plastic surgeons are also more proficient in non-surgical facial treatments, such as facial fillers, and laser resurfacing.

Why Choose Dr Denton for Your Facial Cosmetic Surgery?

Dr Denton is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and a board-certified otolaryngologist head-and-neck surgeon who has been practising cosmetic facial plastic surgery in Vancouver, British Columbia for over 20 years. He is also an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of British Columbia and the Medical Director of the West Coast Cosmetic Surgery Centre

Dr Denton’s Experience

Dr Denton is committed to providing his patients with the most advanced and up-to-date surgical and non-surgical treatments for facial rejuvenation. He is active in research and surgical resident education and has published in medical journals and textbooks on a variety of topics, including facelifts, rhinoplasty, and soft tissue augmentation. He is also a member of several professional associations, such as the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the Canadian Laser Aesthetic Surgery Society. 

Dr Denton’s Approach

Dr Denton’s practice philosophy is based on the principle that every patient is an equal member of the decision-making team. He encourages unhurried discussion between the patient, the other team members, and himself. He ensures that his patients are thoroughly informed of the most up-to-date and effective treatments available. He also uses computer imaging to visualize the proposed changes and evaluate their effect on the overall facial balance.

Consult with Dr Denton

If you are looking for a facial plastic surgeon in Vancouver who can provide you with the best care and results for your facial cosmetic surgery, contact Dr Denton. He has the training, focus, and expertise to help you achieve your aesthetic goals and enhance your natural beauty. Contact his office by phone at (604) 879-3223 or fill out the online form on his website. Browse his website to see his before and after photos, testimonials, and blog posts. Together, you can embark on a journey towards enhanced facial harmony and renewed confidence.