What’s the difference between a cosmetic surgeon and a plastic surgeon? These descriptors might seem like synonyms, but they actually speak to your surgeon’s specialty and training.
At Turkle & Associates, our surgeons are dual board-certified in general and plastic surgery. This depth of experience enables our doctors to perform both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures.
Continue reading to clarify these commonly confused terms and understand how the top cosmetic surgeons in Indiana can empower your surgical outcome.
If you are ready to speak with a provider about your functional or aesthetic surgical goals, book your initial consultation at Turkle & Associates.
Defining Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
What sets plastic and cosmetic surgery apart? These fields might overlap, but the surgical credentials carry different weight. Understanding the difference between the two can help you determine which kind of surgeon is the best fit for your procedure.
Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery encompasses a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. While elective cosmetic surgery addresses aesthetic appearance, reconstructive surgery can restore both appearance and function in the treated area. Your doctor might recommend reconstructive surgery to correct trauma or congenital features for medical reasons.
Some procedures that can address both practical and aesthetic goals include rhinoplasty to correct a deviated septum, mole removal to address cancerous cells, blepharoplasty if your eyelids impede your vision, and breast reduction if your chest size causes pain or improper posture. In these cases, surgery may be medically necessary and cosmetically beneficial.
Reconstructive procedures might include breast restoration after a mastectomy, MOHS surgery after skin cancer removal, or cleft palate repair.
Plastic surgeons complete their training through a post-graduate residency program and surgical fellowship. After significant schooling and experience, they can perform both aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, trained to adhere to strict medical standards to restore form and function.
→ Learn what to expect from plastic surgery at Turkle & Associates
Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery is a type of plastic surgery. Cosmetic surgery describes procedures intended to alter or enhance your outward appearance, often by improving your proportions or augmenting your features. Aesthetic procedures do not address function in the treatment area, only the look. As such, this type of surgery is always elective—not prescribed for your health.
Examples of cosmetic procedures might include chin augmentation, a facelift, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, labiaplasty, or liposuction.
If a doctor specializes in cosmetic surgery, they have undergone training in aesthetic procedures. All plastic surgeons can perform cosmetic procedures; not all cosmetic surgeons can perform plastic surgery. As is the case at Turkle & Associates, the top cosmetic surgeons in Indiana practice plastic surgery, which includes cosmetic surgery.
Understanding Your Surgeon’s Qualifications
When selecting a surgeon to help you accomplish your aesthetic or functional goals, you should consider their qualifications and specialties.
Though every doctor should be committed to a quality patient experience, their credentials play a role in your surgical outcome and healing. Along with checking whether your doctor specializes in cosmetic or plastic surgery, we recommend considering their education, training, board certifications, and professional memberships.
These qualifications can speak to surgeons’ comfort and familiarity performing certain procedures, as well as any treatment areas they might regularly operate on. Board-certified doctors are also beholden to routine recertification to encourage continuing education. This credential indicates an ongoing commitment to advancing their surgical skills.
Deep knowledge and experience also enable procedural customization. A surgeon who’s at ease operating on delicate facial tissues knows exactly where the underlying nerves, blood vessels, and veins are, and can advise safe, effective treatment even with complex surgical objectives. Surgical precision and an eye for aesthetics also foster more precise incision placements and thus, improved scarring.
Our Surgical Acumen
At Turkle & Associates, our doctors are dual board-certified plastic surgeons. Our leading surgeon, Dr. Janet Turkle, has received accreditation from the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Similarly, Dr. Brandon C. Specht holds board certifications in General Surgery and Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.
As top cosmetic surgeons in Indiana with a broader focus in plastic surgery, Dr. Turkle and Dr. Specht continue to undergo rigorous training in both aesthetic and reconstructive procedures. This means our team can apply sharp medical expertise with cosmetic artistry to support function and appearance.
The board certification process also requires periodic re-examination to foster ongoing education and training. This voluntary achievement further contributes to our team’s surgical prowess and patient care, enabling personalized treatments with the most advanced technologies and techniques.
On top of board certification, Dr. Turkle has received recognition as a Top Doc for Cosmetic Surgery in Indianapolis in a survey of local doctors and cosmetic surgeons. Dr. Turkle also ranks as a Top Doc in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery—a testament to her skill and reputation.
A Surgical Team You Trust
As expert plastic surgeons, Dr. Turkle and Dr. Specht possess an intimate knowledge of human anatomy and advanced surgical techniques. Through years of training and experience, our surgeon can maintain the integrity of your features for unimpeded usage and natural-looking results.
This also sets our team apart from comparable practices led by surgeons specializing in other fields. Though all surgeons go through rigorous schooling, residency, and training, not every discipline focuses on preserving your internal systems and your external beauty.
And our patients are happy to confirm the superior surgical outcomes made possible by the top cosmetic surgeons in Indiana. Just read this patient testimonial:
“Dr. Turkle is very professional and knowledgeable, able to make recommendations that are personalized. The entire staff makes me feel appreciated and valued, not just as a patient, but as a person. Before having my procedure done, I had talked with a couple [of] other plastic surgeons, and she was head and shoulders above the rest.” – Ann
For some, past patients’ visible results matter just as much as a surgeon’s list of credentials and qualifications. At Turkle & Associates, we have an extensive library of before-and-after photos highlighting satisfied patients’ surgical outcomes. This catalogue speaks to our artistic ability and the trust our patients place in our team.
→ Explore our before & after gallery to see other patients’ results
Planning Your Surgery With Turkle & Associates
As you decide whether surgery with the top cosmetic surgeons in Indiana suits your aesthetic or reconstructive needs, it might be helpful to understand how we plan for your treatment at Turkle & Associates.
Pre-Consultation
Prior to your surgical consultation, our patient coordinator schedules a brief pre-consultation over the phone. At this time, we discuss your medical history and surgical goals to build out your chart. Your provider also outlines personalized treatment options that address your medical or cosmetic concerns.
Consultation
After the phone intake, you meet with Dr. Turkle or Dr. Specht to review your medical history, concerns, and surgical expectations to confirm your candidacy. Your board-certified plastic surgeon also examines the desired treatment area to begin shaping your treatment plan. We can use Vectra 3D imaging to simulate possible surgical outcomes for procedures like rhinoplasty to help you visualize your results.
The provider also estimates the price of your procedure based on factors like surgical complexity and anesthesia. Your surgeon will share financing options to better enable you to plan for your anticipated payments.
During this consultation, we also talk through the steps of your unique procedure and after-care instructions so you know what to expect. Your surgeon or patient coordinator helps you schedule your surgery and any follow-up appointments as needed.
Procedure
The treatment areas, incision types, anesthesia administration, and surgical techniques vary based on your treatment plan. Dr. Turkle and Dr. Specht perform every aesthetic and reconstructive surgical procedure in our state-of-the-art surgery center.
On the day of your procedure, we are happy to answer any lingering questions you may have so you feel comfortable and confident going into surgery.
After-Care
After surgery at Turkle & Associates, our team closely monitors your initial recovery until it’s time to release you. Before you leave the surgery center, a provider reviews your detailed after-care instructions once again.
Following your post-surgery care recommendations facilitates smooth, comfortable healing. We continue to monitor your recovery in post-op appointments to keep your surgical goals on-track.
Opting for Plastic Surgery
When you opt for an aesthetic or reconstructive procedure with the top cosmetic surgeons in Indiana, you are making a lifelong investment in yourself—and we know that’s not a decision you make lightly. By referencing our plastic surgeons’ credentials, procedural expectations, before-and-after photos, and patient testimonials, you can make an informed decision about your surgery.
Turn to Turkle & Associates for Your Reconstructive and Cosmetic Needs
When you want to restore both form and function, you need a plastic surgeon who can perform aesthetic and functional procedures.
Book your consultation with the top cosmetic surgeons in Indiana to access more comprehensive surgical care.
Considering a rhinoplasty? Dive into the factors influencing your nose operation cost with Turkle & Associates, or read more about our facial plastic surgery offering.
