Choosing a Plastic Surgeon

If you are ready to improve the appearance of your face, breasts, or body with plastic surgery, your choice of surgeon is possibly your most significant decision. Although the terms “plastic surgeon” and “cosmetic surgeon” are often used interchangeably, there is a significant distinction.

When looking for a plastic surgeon in Austin, Texas, Dr. Mahlon Kerr, Dr. Ross Blagg, Dr. Lauren Crawford, Dr. Ankur Mehta, and Dr. Aisha White believe it’s important that patients understand what distinguishes board-certified plastic surgeons from cosmetic surgeons. By understanding this distinction, clients can choose wisely, ensuring they receive quality care and satisfying outcomes.

Are you ready to find out what sets our surgeons apart from other plastic surgeons in Austin, TX? Request a consultation with one of our surgeons using our online form or call  (512) 244-1439 for an appointment at any of our 3 convenient locations in Austin, Round Rock, or West Lake Hills.

What Is a Cosmetic Surgeon?

Any licensed physician who performs procedures to enhance a patient’s appearance can legally call him or herself a cosmetic surgeon. Therefore, if you choose a cosmetic surgeon to perform your facelift, liposuction, breast augmentation, or other cosmetic procedure, you could be trusting your appearance and your health to a physician whose training is primarily in an area like dermatology, gynecology, general surgery, or even dentistry.

What Makes a Plastic Surgeon Different?

Physicians are only qualified to call themselves plastic surgeons, like Dr. Kerr, Dr. Blagg, Dr. Crawford, Dr. Mehta, and Dr. White when they have completed a minimum 2 years of residency training specifically in plastic surgery. This plastic surgery training encompasses both cosmetic and reconstructive components. After their residency training, plastic surgeons can choose to specialize in cosmetic surgery, but cosmetic surgeons are not necessarily plastic surgeons.

Dr. Kerr has actually exceeded the requirements to become a board-certified plastic surgeon. In addition to his 1-year general surgery internship, he completed a 5-year combined plastic and reconstructive surgery residency. His intensive training in body contouring, breast enhancement, and facial rejuvenation along with reconstructive procedures such as breast reconstruction and skin cancer repair, enables him to consistently provide impressive outcomes for his patients.