What is the difference between a cosmetic surgeon and a plastic surgeon In Toronto?

Another way to tell if a surgeon is qualified is to look at their hospital privileges. Plastic surgeons usually have the right to work at accredited hospitals which thoroughly check their credentials before allowing them to operate. These organizations check training, look at results and make sure surgeons meet their requirements. Surgeons who only work in private clinics and don’t have hospital privileges may not have been vetted in the same way.

No matter what title they use, we stress the importance of choosing a surgeon who is properly qualified at our Toronto office. There are great surgeons who have trained in all types of plastic surgery but call themselves cosmetic surgeons because they only do cosmetic procedures. It’s important to check their real training and certification instead of taking their word for it. When considering surgeries like breast augmentation, ask about your surgeon’s training. You want to know where they went to medical school, if they completed a plastic surgery residency and if they are certified by the Royal College. These questions will give you more information than what you see on their website or business card.

It’s also important to have experience with your specific surgery. Even board-certified plastic surgeons do some procedures more often than others. A plastic surgeon who mostly does hand reconstruction may not have as much experience with breast augmentation as one who does aesthetic breast surgery. A plastic surgeon who has had a lot of training in a similar field may have a lot of expertise with some procedures.

Managing complications is a very important skill that comes from having a lot of surgical experience. Complications can happen even in the best hands. Plastic surgeons who have a lot of surgical training can find and fix problems quickly and easily. If someone doesn’t have much surgical experience they may not be able to handle unexpected situations which could put your health at risk.

The rules in Canada do offer some protection but not as much as many patients think. Doctors must have a license to practice medicine but their training does not strictly limit the procedures they can legally do. A family doctor could do cosmetic procedures even though they haven’t had any formal training in surgery. Because of this lack of regulation it’s very important to educate patients and choose their surgeons wisely.

Marketing can make it hard to see someone’s real qualifications. Some practitioners spend a lot of money on nice websites and ads but they don’t have the right training to do surgery. Some people with great qualifications don’t do much marketing. Making decisions based on a surgeon’s website design or social media following instead of their actual qualifications can lead to bad decisions.

We are board certified in plastic surgery and have completed a full residency program at Beber Plastic Surgery. We believe this foundation allows us to give our patients the safest and best care. By choosing a plastic surgeon with the right credentials you’re choosing someone who has spent years perfecting their craft and proving their skills through tough exams. The difference between plastic and cosmetic surgeons is training, certification and scope of practice. Some people who use either title may be very qualified but checking their credentials keeps you safe and ensures you get better results. We want every patient to ask their surgeon lots of questions about their background and never be afraid to ask to see their credentials. Choosing the right surgeon for you is important for your health and happiness. Dr. Brett Beber, MD, FRCS, is a highly regarded plastic surgeon in Toronto known for his dedication to achieving natural, refined results through advanced surgical techniques and personalized patient care.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Beber Plastic Surgery is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis, or a guaranteed cost estimate. Surgical pricing and treatment outcomes vary for each individual based on anatomy, procedure complexity, surgeon expertise, and other medical or facility-related factors.
All prices and ranges mentioned are approximate estimates meant to help patients understand general cost expectations in Toronto. Final treatment plans, surgical recommendations, and exact fees can only be determined during a personal consultation after a thorough medical assessment.
Beber Plastic Surgery encourages all prospective patients to discuss their goals, medical history, and budget directly with a qualified surgeon. We are committed to transparency, patient safety, and delivering the highest standard of care—but no information on this page constitutes a binding quote or medical guarantee.