Simona V. Pautler, MD FACS, Pittsburgh Plastic Surgeon

The difference between a cosmetic surgeon and a plastic surgeon comes down to the surgeon’s training and qualifications to perform surgical procedures. 

A plastic surgeon completes anywhere from six to eight years of residency after medical school that focuses on providing training in plastic and reconstructive surgery. A plastic surgeon’s training includes cosmetic surgery and a full range of reconstructive options. In addition to completing residency, plastic surgeons must pass both oral and written exams certifying their proficiency in plastic and reconstructive surgery. 

A cosmetic surgeon, on the other hand, does not have to be board-certified in plastic surgery. Instead, they are certified by the Board of Cosmetic Surgery, which is not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. This can be obtained by any surgeon (i.e., general surgeon, OB/GYN surgeon) or dentist that performs a 1-2 year fellowship in cosmetic surgery. 

With this information in mind, it is clear that cosmetic surgeons may not be fully qualified to perform extensive surgeries to the same degree as plastic surgeons.  

There is no one age that is best for plastic surgery. Every individual ages differently, and the decision to undergo plastic surgery should consider a variety of different factors, including age, personal preferences, and treatment goals. Plastic surgery can be performed at any age, as long as you are physically and mentally healthy.

With that being said, there are some common age ranges in which some cosmetic procedures are commonly performed. Generally, all plastic surgery should be delayed until the body is fully grown (typically 18 years of age). 

• In patients under 30, rhinoplasty (nose jobs) and breast augmentation are the most commonly performed procedures. 
• Between the ages of 35–50, many people begin to experience signs of aging, and thus many turn to rejuvenating procedures such as liposuction, eye lifts, mommy makeovers, and facelifts. 
• Over 50 patients, commonly undergo facelifts and various non-surgical procedures such as Botox and dermal fillers.

If you have questions regarding whether you are too old or young for a procedure, call Simona Pautler, M.D., F.A.C.S., to set up an appointment and get all your questions answered today.

The most common cosmetic surgery procedures performed by board-certified plastic surgeons are: 

• Nose reshaping procedures. Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) is performed to increase the aesthetic appearance of the nose, which is the most defining feature of the face.
• Eyelid surgeries. Upper and lower blepharoplasties (eyelid surgeries) are performed to rejuvenate the eyes and take years off one's appearance. These surgeries can remove the bags commonly seen under the eye and excess skin along the eyelids.
• Facelifts. A facelift involves tightening the muscles and tissues under the skin and removing excess skin to improve signs of aging. There are many different types of facelifts, and having a discussion with your surgeon can help identify the best procedure for you.
• Liposuction procedures. Liposuction can help target problematic areas of fat accumulation, such as the hips, thighs, arms, and abdomen. These procedures can help improve the contour of the body.
• Breast augmentation procedures. Enhancing the shape and size of the breast with or without implants is one of the most common procedures performed. These procedures include breast implants, breast lifts, and breast reductions.

The mommy makeover is currently one of the most commonly performed combination plastic surgery procedures. It consists of a combination of body contouring procedures targeted at improving the physical changes caused by pregnancy and breastfeeding. This can include breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, liposuction, circumferential abdominoplasty, tummy tuck, and a thigh or arm lift. 

There is no set component to the mommy makeover, and each procedure is customized to the patient's individual needs. This allows women to target multiple areas in a single procedure to maximize results with only one recovery period.

If you are considering a mommy makeover in Pittsburgh, consult with Dr. Simona Pautler to develop a customized plan to meet your needs.

Cosmetic breast surgeries are one of the most common procedures performed by plastic surgeons. Of these, breast augmentation with the use of implants or less commonly, fat transfers, is the most common procedure followed by breast lifts. The most common implants are saline-filled implants because if they were to rupture, the body can naturally reabsorb the saline. 

Breast augmentations are performed to increase the size of the breasts as well as improve the contour and shape.

Some common reasons women undergo breast augmentation are to: 

• Change the appearance or asymmetry of their breasts
• Account for a decrease in breast size after weight loss or pregnancy
• Correct unevenness or issues after other breast surgeries
• Improve confidence and self-esteem

Having a female plastic surgeon has distinct advantages and can provide an overall experience that is more comfortable. Female plastic surgeons have a firsthand understanding of the issues many female patients are experiencing and may be more compassionate and sensitive to the insecurities their patients experience.

If you’re looking for a talented board-certified female plastic surgeon in Pittsburgh, Dr. Simona Pautler is the perfect choice. She is a mother of four who understands the effects aging and pregnancy can have on a woman’s body. Dr. Pautler uses her expertise in surgery and love for visual art to provide custom treatment plans to provide results that are beautiful and natural-looking.

Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon ensures that you are being cared for by a surgeon that has undergone extensive training in performing cosmetic procedures. In addition, they receive training on how to prevent and handle emergencies should they arise. During training, board-certified plastic surgeons develop their technical skills and aesthetic judgment that prepares them to perform successful and high-quality procedures for their patients.

Entrust your care to a board-certified plastic surgeon, and sleep easy knowing you are in great hands. If you are considering a cosmetic procedure, call the office at Simona Pautler, M.D., F.A.C.S. to set up an appointment and experience a higher level of care.