Abstract
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Highlights
Plastic surgery discourse resolves into discussions about appearance-based procedures and those procedures that have a more functional outcome
In the case of appearance-based procedures, there is a general view that the terms ‘aesthetic’ and ‘cosmetic’ are interchangeable, and that expediency can determine which is used
Some consider that applying the label ‘cosmetic’ to the surgeon’s title allows patients to make better treatment provider choices
Summary
Plastic surgery discourse resolves into discussions about appearance-based procedures and those procedures that have a more functional outcome. In the case of appearance-based procedures, there is a general view that the terms ‘aesthetic’ and ‘cosmetic’ are interchangeable, and that expediency can determine which is used. Irrespective of the terminology, the labels imply that appearance and function involve different surgical activities, are practised by distinct groups of treatment providers and fulfil different patient needs. In this perspective I argue against these views. Differentiation between appearance-based surgery and function-based surgery is in many cases arbitrary.[1] These issues matter because terminology influences our surgical decision making and the perceptions of patients, regulators and insurance companies. These distinctions have far-reaching ethical, economic and health equity implications
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